Köln | Urban Challenger

The way we move affects our perception of the world. So, let's add some variety to our movement! Develop a funny way of walking and move in that way for the next 100 meters.

Points

Explorer

Stop and Listen

To listen is to perceive the flow of time. Take a minute, sit down, close your eyes, and listen to the sounds of the city. One by one, focus on the quieter sounds you can hear next.

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Explorer

Flip a Coin

For this challenge, you will leave all decisions up to Lady Luck for your next turn. Let the toss of a single coin decide which way you should go! Don’t toss twice; no one likes a cheat (especially not Lady Luck)!

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Explorer

Aim High

Find the highest accessible point in your surroundings from which you can get a view of Cologne's skyline. It could be a tall residential building, a church tower, or a hill. The important thing is that you get up high!

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Explorer

Experience the Child within You

Cologne has many playgrounds with slides, swings, and merry-go-rounds, perfect for both kids and adults who don't want to grow up. Find a playground and climb on every piece of equipment together!

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Explorer

Bridges of Köln

The Cologne Rhine bridges are partially listed as historical monuments and known for their characteristic green color. The challenge is to cross the bridges to get a new perspective from the other side.

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Explorer

Explore the Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is the landmark of the city. As there is so much to discover and experience in this impressive building, there are several challenges to master here.

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Explorer

Set Sail on the Rhine

The Rhine is the busiest inland waterway in Europe. When standing on the observation platform of the Chocolate Museum, one can feel as though they are standing on the deck of a ship.

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Explorer

Eau de Cologne

In the 18th century, perfumers in Cologne created the world-famous "Eau de Cologne". This scent conquered the global market and is still produced today according to the original recipe. It is cherished for its fresh aroma.

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Artist

Sketch the City

Photos are great for capturing memories, but a drawing is created through a personal filter, making it something truly unique and special.

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Artist

Beauty is Everywhere

Many things in everyday life are often overlooked. However, when viewed with attention, they reveal their beauty. This may be the color or texture of a surface or a special arrangement of objects.

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Artist

Start a Flashmob

When people perform an action in synchrony as a group, it automatically attracts others to join. For example, simply looking at a specific point together is enough to create interest.

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Artist

Urban Haiku

Playing a game, / City's grand soul now revealed, / Words work their magic.

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Artist

Perform with a Street Musician

Find street musicians who gift the city with their music, and play, sing or dance along. Clapping with your hands alone doesn't count. If you like, give something back to the musicians.

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Artist

Impersonate a Celebrity

All over the city, you can find pictures and posters of celebrities. Choose one and step into their shoes for a while. If you choose a singer, for example, sing one of their songs.

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Artist

Sing along with Jupp

Jupp Schmitz was a Cologne schlager singer who became known for his songs during carnival season. The city of Cologne has dedicated a small square and monument to him. Go there and sing one of his songs together.

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Artist

Create Street Photography

In the 1950s, the photographer Carl-Heinz Hargesheimer, also known as Chargesheimer, skillfully captured street life through his street photography. Take inspiration from his work and conduct your own studies of the streets of Cologne.

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Time Traveler

Roman Reminiscence

Founded by the Romans, Colonia has a 2000-year history. Buildings from Roman times can still be found in the city today. Explore these traces of a long-gone era.

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Time Traveler

Bring the Sculptures to Life

In Cologne, many sculptures and statues are displayed. Choose three different sculptures from the list and interact with each of them in a way that brings them to life.

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Time Traveler

Deserters' Memorial

Courage is necessary to stand up against an oppressive power, especially when one's own life is at risk. Find the monument that honors such brave people from the Nazi era and beyond.

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Time Traveler

Pilgrimage Sites

In the year 1164, the bones of the Three Wise Men were brought from Italy to Cologne as a conquered relic from one of Barbarossa's campaigns. As a result, Cologne became a pilgrimage site and grew into a large city.

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Time Traveler

Make a Rubbing

The passage of time leaves visible and tangible marks on the surfaces of objects. Often, facades of houses or the doors of residential buildings display beautiful decorations from bygone eras.

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Connector

The Cologne Constitution

The 11 laws of the "Kölsches Grundgesetz" (Cologne Constitution) reflect the attitude and wisdom of the people here. Learn some of the laws and practice their pronunciation.

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Connector

Postcard from Cologne

When was the last time you sent a postcard to someone? Choose a nice card and write an analog greeting to friends or family.

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Connector

Random Acts of Kindness

When we practice small acts of kindness, we create the world we want to live in. Perform an action that brings kindness into the world. You could hold the door for someone, express appreciation, or offer help to a person in need of support.

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Connector

Support Urban Challenger

Our mission is to infuse the world with playfulness and connection through our game. To accomplish this, we need players to share their fun experiences, giving others a taste of what our game is all about.

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Connector

Challenge the Challenger

We love Challenges! Be creative and invent your own Challenge to test our limits! We will do our best to complete all submitted Challenges (as long as they are doable). We share the results on instagram/tiktok @urbanchallenger.

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Connector

Team of Heroes

Share your superpower with each other. Choose an ability or trait that you like about yourself, and find a body posture that expresses this superpower.

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Connector

Swap it!

Get a flower and exchange it with someone on the street for something they want to give you in exchange.

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Connector

Invent a Handshake

Create a unique greeting ritual for your team with at least five steps. You can also incorporate other body parts besides hands into the sequence. You can now use this ritual to celebrate the successful completion of a challenge.

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Connector

Tünnnes and Schäl Jokes

Let's fill the streets with laughter! It's really simple: "If you tell me a joke, I'll tell you one too." Approach a stranger on the street and exchange jokes. The challenge is to make the stranger laugh.

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Nature Lover

Care for Nature

Plants face many challenges in urban environments. Compacted and sealed soils, along with extreme heat and drought due to climate change, take a toll on them. However, with some care, we can assist plants and connect with nature.

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Nature Lover

Green in Grey

Let's make the world greener! Organize seeds for flowers or other plants as well as some loose humus and make seed bombs. Throw them in a suitable place where you have permission.

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Nature Lover

Find the Trees

Cologne is home to over 130,000 urban trees. In the law, they are referred to as "individual creations of nature". Some of these trees have even been designated as natural monuments.

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Nature Lover

Walk Barefoot

Find a park, take off your shoes, and walk barefoot through the grass. It can be incredibly refreshing and stimulating for the senses. Depending on the neighborhood, it can also be a challenge to find a nice section of the park without dog poop. But you can do it!

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Nature Lover

Urban Wildlife Safari

Many wild animal species have adapted quite well to life in urban environments. Look for a wild animal in the city and observe how it shapes its live in this unique habitat.

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Foodie

Halve Hahn

If you order a "Halve Hahn" (Half Rooster) in Cologne, you won't get any chicken meat, but rather a half bread roll topped with cheese, onions, and mustard. Try this classic dish of Cologne's cuisine, which you can find in many pubs and cafes.

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Foodie

Local Produce

There are many weekly markets in Cologne. For example, in the old town near the Basilica of St. Apostles, where locally grown fruits and vegetables are sold. Find vegetables that have been grown in local fields.

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Foodie

Find a Local Recipe

Find a recipe that represents the local culture and includes typical ingredients and flavors of the region. The challenge is to do this without the help of the internet!

Points

Silly Walk Challenge

The way we move affects our perception of the world. So, let's add some variety to our movement! Develop a funny way of walking and move in that way for the next 100 meters.

Points

Stop and Listen

To listen is to perceive the flow of time. Take a minute, sit down, close your eyes, and listen to the sounds of the city. One by one, focus on the quieter sounds you can hear next.

Points

Flip a Coin

Points

Aim High

Points

Experience the Child within You

Cologne has many playgrounds with slides, swings, and merry-go-rounds, perfect for both kids and adults who don't want to grow up. Find a playground and climb on every piece of equipment together!

Points

Bridges of Köln

Points

Explore the Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is the landmark of the city. As there is so much to discover and experience in this impressive building, there are several challenges to master here.

Points

Set Sail on the Rhine

The Rhine is the busiest inland waterway in Europe. When standing on the observation platform of the Chocolate Museum, one can feel as though they are standing on the deck of a ship.

Points

Eau de Cologne

Points

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