A visitor guide to Cologne Cathedral, Germany. Find details on the ticket price for the Treasury and Tower, and essential opening hours for the historic UNESCO site.
Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is Germany‘s most visited landmark and one of the most breathtaking Gothic structures you’ll ever encounter. Rising 157 metres above the Rhine, this UNESCO World Heritage site dominates the city’s skyline with its twin spires – and trust me, when you first step out of Cologne’s main train station and see it looming directly in front of you, it’s seriously impressive.
This gigantic European cathedral has been a magnet for pilgrims and travellers for over 750 years, built to house the precious relics of the Three Kings (the Biblical Magi). Today it remains both an active place of worship and an architectural marvel that draws over six million visitors annually.
A monument that took 632 years to complete
Construction began in 1248, but Cologne Cathedral wasn’t finished until 1880 – yes, that’s more than six centuries later. There was even a 300-year pause in the middle when work simply stopped. When it was finally completed, it briefly held the title of world’s tallest building until the Washington Monument overtook it four years later.
The cathedral survived World War II when much of central Cologne was reduced to rubble – allegedly because Allied bomber pilots used it as a navigation landmark. Lucky for us.
Inside the cathedral
The interior is simply staggering. The vaulted ceilings soar to impossible heights, and the stained glass windows – some dating back centuries, others strikingly modern – fill the space with coloured light. The highlight is undoubtedly the Shrine of the Three Kings, a glittering gold reliquary that’s the largest of its kind in the Western world and supposedly contains the crowned skulls of the Three Wise Men.
Other treasures include the Gero Cross (the oldest large crucifix north of the Alps, dating from around 970), the Milan Madonna from the 13th century, and Gerhard Richter’s controversial modern stained glass window from 2007.
Climbing the tower
If you’ve got decent fitness levels and don’t mind tight spiral staircases, the climb up the South Tower is absolutely worth it. You’ll tackle 533 steps (there’s no lift, I’m afraid) to reach a viewing platform 100 metres above ground. About two-thirds of the way up, you’ll pass through the bell chamber where eight of the cathedral’s massive bells hang – including the famous Petersglocke (St. Peter’s Bell), which weighs a colossal 24 tonnes.
The views from the top are spectacular, though I should mention they’re somewhat obscured by protective wire fencing and the ornate stonework of the tower itself. Still, seeing the Rhine, the city, and the intricate roof tiles up close makes the exhausting climb worthwhile.
Ticket prices for Cologne Cathedral
Here’s where it gets interesting. Entry to the main cathedral is completely free – which is brilliant. But when I checked in December 2025, the pricing structure for everything else is surprisingly straightforward (unlike some cathedrals I could mention). Here’s what you’ll pay:
Individual tickets
South Tower climb (533 steps)
- Adults: €8.00
- Children and students (ages 6-14): €4.00
- Family ticket: €20.00
Cathedral Treasury
- Adults: €8.00
- Children and students (ages 6-14): €4.00
- Family ticket: €20.00
Combination ticket (Tower + Treasury)
This is the smart option if you want to do both:
- Adults: €12.00
- Children and students: €6.00
- Family ticket: €30.00
Guided tours
Public guided tours (conducted by Domforum, typically in German but English tours available):
- Adults: €10.00
- Children and students: €8.00
Tours last about 45 minutes, are limited to 20 people, and can be booked up to seven days in advance at the Domforum. They run daily except Saturdays at 3pm.
Opening times – and this is crucial
This is where visiting Cologne Cathedral gets a bit complicated. The cathedral is technically open from 6am to 8pm daily, but tourist access is restricted during Mass times. Here’s what you need to know:
For tourists:
- Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Sunday: 1pm-4pm
- Tower narthex: accessible after evening Mass until 8pm
Mass times (when tourist access is limited):
- Monday-Saturday: 6:30am, 7:15am, 8am, 9am, 6:30pm
- Sunday: 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 12 noon, 6:30pm
If you turn up expecting to sightsee at 11am on a Sunday, you’ll be disappointed. Check the official Mass schedule on the cathedral website before you visit.
South Tower opening hours:
- March-October: 9am-6pm daily
- November-February: 9am-4pm daily
- Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
Cathedral Treasury:
- Open daily: 10am-6pm
Tower closure dates (this caught me by surprise): The tower is closed during Cologne’s carnival season (Weiberfastnacht, Carnival Saturday/Sunday, Rose Monday), plus 11 November, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Eve and Day.
Practical tips for visiting Cologne Cathedral
- Location: Right outside Cologne Hauptbahnhof (main train station) – you literally cannot miss it.
- Luggage: Only small bags up to 40×35×15cm are permitted inside. There’s paid luggage storage (€2/hour) in a container next to the cathedral shop on Roncalliplatz, open 10am-6pm daily.
- Clothing: Dress respectfully – shoulders and knees should be covered. It is a functioning church, after all.
- Tower fitness: Don’t underestimate those 533 steps. The spiral staircase is tight and can be claustrophobic. There’s only one rest point about two-thirds up.
- Photography: Allowed inside without flash, but be respectful during services. No tripods without permission.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Time needed: Allow at least 1-2 hours for the cathedral alone, plus 30-45 minutes for the tower climb if you’re doing it.
FAQs about Cologne Cathedral
- When was Cologne Cathedral built? Construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880 – taking 632 years in total.
- Is entry free? Yes, entry to the main cathedral is free. The tower climb and Treasury require tickets.
- Can you climb both towers? No, only the South Tower is open to the public.
- What are the Three Kings? The cathedral’s most precious relic – a golden shrine believed to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men from the Biblical nativity story.
- How tall is Cologne Cathedral? 157 metres (515 feet) to the top of the spires.
- How do I get there? Exit Cologne Hauptbahnhof and it’s right in front of you. You can’t miss it.
- Is it wheelchair accessible? The main cathedral is accessible, but the tower climb obviously isn’t – there are no lifts.
More North Rhine-Westphalia travel
Other North Rhine-Westphalia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Dortmund’s Christmas market: Home of the world’s largest Christmas tree.
- Why the Ruhrgebeit is an underrated part of Germany for visitors.
- A Bonn city guide for first time visitors.
- A Haribo pilgrimage in Bonn.
- An Essen city guide for first time visitors.
