A Glimpse into Cologne’s Past: The “Chicago am Rhein” Era

For those traversing Cologne’s ring roads on weekends, encountering Anton Claassen, known as “The Long Tünn,” is a distinct possibility. This 78-year-old former figure of Cologne’s nightlife scene leads tours, recounting anecdotes from the city’s past, a time when it was infamously dubbed “Chicago am Rhein” due to its high crime rate. Claassen’s tours offer a raw, unfiltered viewpoint, delivered in his characteristic Urkölsch dialect.

Controversy and Criticism: Navigating the Line Between Satire and Offense

However, “The long Tünn’s” approach isn’t universally appreciated. His tours have drawn criticism, with some online platforms cautioning against them, citing reports of misogynistic and homophobic comments. This highlights a central tension: is Claassen’s commentary a reflection of a bygone era, presented satirically, or does it perpetuate harmful stereotypes? The debate underscores the challenges of interpreting historical narratives through a contemporary lens.

“The long Tünn- a cologne bouncer and red light legend- was a real size of Cologne nightlife in the 1960s to 80s.At that time, the city was called” Chicago am Rhein “because of its high crime rate. From this time, anton Claaßen – as the long Tünn is called with a bourgeois name – reports in city tours.”

The debate surrounding Claassen’s tours reflects a broader societal conversation about the boundaries of humor and the obligation of historical storytelling. While some find his uncensored style offensive, others view it as a valuable, albeit uncomfortable, glimpse into Cologne’s past. This division is further intricate by the fact that the same online portal that advises against the tours also acknowledges their potential value in another context.

The Defense: Satire as a Historical Lens

Roland Bebak, Claassen’s manager, defends the tours, emphasizing that “Tünn” is a satirical persona, an artistic creation designed to engage with peopel. He argues that Claassen’s background and perspective, rooted in a different era, are essential to the tour’s success. This defense raises questions about the role of satire in historical interpretation and whether it can be used to explore sensitive topics without causing harm.

“We have been doing the tours for many years and consciously point out that Tünn is a satire and art figure. That is precisely that makes him and the success of the lead over the years, we think,” said Bebak, “Tünn comes from another time and is there to talk to people.”

Roland Bebak, Manager of Anton Claassen

The concept of satire often involves using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices. though, its effectiveness hinges on context and audience understanding. In an era of heightened sensitivity and awareness, the line between satire and offensive commentary can become increasingly blurred.

The End of an era: Claassen’s Planned Retirement

Anton Claassen plans to conclude his tours by the end of 2026, citing health reasons and a desire to retire. This impending departure marks the end of an era, prompting reflection on his legacy and the impact of his controversial tours on Cologne’s cultural landscape. Whether he is remembered as a valuable historical storyteller or a purveyor of outdated and offensive views remains a subject of ongoing debate.

Cologne City Tours: Exploring Alternatives

For those seeking alternative perspectives on Cologne’s history, numerous other city tours are available. These tours offer a range of themes and approaches, catering to diverse interests and sensitivities. Exploring these options can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of cologne’s rich and complex past.