Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral, a symbol of architectural grandeur, stands 157 metres tall, ranking as the third-largest Gothic cathedral globally. Its vast windows encompass 10,000 square metres, drawing 20,000 visitors daily. Approximately 100 artisans work ceaselessly to maintain its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany's top tourist attraction. An old Cologne saying warns, "When the Cathedral is finished, the world ends," indicating the perpetual nature of its construction. The cathedral holds significant artistic and cultural interest. It houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, preserving the relics of the biblical Magi, and the Petrus Staff in its underground treasury. Remarkable stained glass windows, including the famous Bibel window and the modern Richter window, contribute to the cathedral's unique charm. These windows, both medieval and contemporary, narrate biblical stories and mesmerise with their vibrant hues. Intriguingly, the cathedral is sustained by an iron roof truss, a remarkable feat achieved 30 years before the Eiffel Tower. This resilient structure shielded it during World War II. As a vital cultural and spiritual hub, it continues to draw millions, embodying both Cologne's skyline and spirit.
Good to know
Openings
Cologne Cathedral is usually open from 6 am to 8 pm.
Outside of liturgical times, it is possible for tourists to visit the cathedral as a World Heritage Site: Generally between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays, and until 8 p.m. in the tower hall after evening mass. Since church services have priority, changes are not excluded.
Outside of liturgical times, it is possible for tourists to visit the cathedral as a World Heritage Site: Generally between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays, and until 8 p.m. in the tower hall after evening mass. Since church services have priority, changes are not excluded.
Price info
Price adult: €12.00
Price reduced: €6.00
Prices valid from 01.07.2026
Children up to and including the age of 13, people with disabilities incl. accompanying person and members of the Zentral-Dombau-Verein have free admission. Church services are also free.
Further information can be found on the Cologne Cathedral website.
Children up to and including the age of 13, people with disabilities incl. accompanying person and members of the Zentral-Dombau-Verein have free admission. Church services are also free.
Further information can be found on the Cologne Cathedral website.
General information
Parking Available
Bus stop available
Eligibility
Bad Weather Offer
Suitable for any weather
for Groups
for Class
for families
for individual guests
Suitable for Pushchair
Directions & Parking facilities
Cologne Cathedral is located in the immediate vicinity of the main railway station and is easy to reach by public transport and car.
Social Media
More information
All guided tours of the interior of Cologne Cathedral are subject to registration!
They may only be conducted by authorised or registered cathedral guides.
Private individuals, institutions, school classes or travel companies can book a group tour of Cologne Cathedral through the DOMFORUM.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 persons per group.
The guided groups will be provided with a group guidance system - if they do not wish to use their own.
A flat rate for the provision of group guidance systems will be charged per group.
Children's and youth groups receive the group guidance systems free of charge.
Children's groups do not have to use a group guidance system until the 5th school year.
The group guidance systems are audio radio systems with a microphone for the guides and receivers for the participants.
The aim is, on the one hand, an acoustic calming of the church space, which should help to be able to protect the interests of visitor groups and worshippers alike.
On the other hand, this technology enables the participants to better understand the explanations on site in the cathedral.
In addition to the flat-rate provision fee, a cathedral fee is charged which, in addition to the handling fee, includes a cathedral levy for the upkeep of the cathedral.
If capacities are available, smaller groups (up to a maximum of 10 people) can also join the public guided tours of the DOMFORUM.
The meeting point for the guided tours is the foyer of the DOMFORUM.
They may only be conducted by authorised or registered cathedral guides.
Private individuals, institutions, school classes or travel companies can book a group tour of Cologne Cathedral through the DOMFORUM.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 persons per group.
The guided groups will be provided with a group guidance system - if they do not wish to use their own.
A flat rate for the provision of group guidance systems will be charged per group.
Children's and youth groups receive the group guidance systems free of charge.
Children's groups do not have to use a group guidance system until the 5th school year.
The group guidance systems are audio radio systems with a microphone for the guides and receivers for the participants.
The aim is, on the one hand, an acoustic calming of the church space, which should help to be able to protect the interests of visitor groups and worshippers alike.
On the other hand, this technology enables the participants to better understand the explanations on site in the cathedral.
In addition to the flat-rate provision fee, a cathedral fee is charged which, in addition to the handling fee, includes a cathedral levy for the upkeep of the cathedral.
If capacities are available, smaller groups (up to a maximum of 10 people) can also join the public guided tours of the DOMFORUM.
The meeting point for the guided tours is the foyer of the DOMFORUM.
Author
License (master data)
KölnTourismus GmbH
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