TimeRide VR - a historical VR tour through Cologne

An exciting opportunity for history buffs has been opening up in Cologne since 5 October 2017. The company TimeRide VR combines city history with VR technology: visitors are allowed to embark on an immersive journey through Cologne in 1900 in a replica tram.

TimeRideVR takes visitors on a virtual journey through time in the Rhineland metropolis. In a replica of the first city railway, guests are equipped with an Oculus Rift and are allowed to explore Cologne in 1900. During the imperial era, the city was very different from today, which is made clear on the 15-minute immersive tour.

In the VR film shown, historical Cologne was digitally reconstructed with the help of an art historian from archive images of the city and other sources. You can look around on the virtual journey with a 360-degree panoramic view. The immersion is enhanced by a vibrating plate, fans, strong basses and the wind when leaning out of the windows. "Virtual reality gives visitors the opportunity to be right in the middle of the action," says Jonas Rothe, managing director of TimeRide.

Extensive insights into the townscape and life of the time

On the journey from the harbour to the Alter Markt, you can not only see the cityscape of the time with all kinds of sights, but also gain insights into the society of the time. There is colourful hustle and bustle everywhere, so there is something to discover at every turn: From original occupations such as the newspaper boy or the farmers pulling their carts of vegetables to the Heumarkt, to strollers in old-fashioned costume or zeppelins in the sky, there is something new to discover on every journey. The auditory experience is also catered for: among other things, you can hear the tram bells and the jingling of coins. In addition, the voice of the tram driver provides the user with further information.

In addition to the VR ride, visitors have access to an exhibition showing the old imperial panorama in stereoscopic 3D photographs and the original images of the city that were used. In addition, you can watch a specially produced documentary film about the city's history from the age of the Romans to modern times in the light show room.

If you are in Cologne in the near future, you can take one of the historic VR city tours there every day from 10 am to 8 pm.

Source: VR Nerds / tlnext.rtl.de / Rundschau-online