Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
This giant Gothic cathedral, which until its completion in 1880 had been under construction for over 500 years, is perhaps Germany's most famous religious structure and includes two huge towers that serve as the defining symbol of Cologne's skyline.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Altstadt-Nord
How to get there
- Koln Central Station • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,861 within 5 kms
Attractions
371 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- SamuelGrubStroud, United Kingdom25 contributionsFantastic Cathedral with lots to seeDespite being bombed in WW2 much remains of the original and a lot of the windows were taken out to protect them from the bombing. Massive and full of sculpture and art, well worth a long visit. Beware the 500+ steps up to the top of the tower, you need to be pretty fit to make it all the way to the top!Visited December 2022Written 8 December 2022
- DuncanTCHEast Greenbush, New York1,272 contributionsA masterpiece of Gothic ArchitectureThe Cologne Cathedral is simply not to be missed. It is a prime example of gothic architecture from the outside. But what really surprised me is how this cathedral continues to accept new styles and new types of art since its construction. On the inside, one will see gothic style obviously, but one will also see modern art (and stained glass), baroque, romantic, neo classical and a ton of other styles that I don't even know. Clearly, this is a building that is "living" and is constantly changing with time and growing because of it. That's what really makes this is masterpiece.Visited September 2022Written 11 December 2022
- Andrew RAmsterdam, The Netherlands117 contributionsAwesome and inspiringI read that Cologne Cathedral is the most visited landmark in Germany and now I know why. Stunning building inside & out with incredible views from tower (530 steps!). History buffs will love the amazing selction of artefacts and if you are spiritually minded, Christian or otherwise, this is a wonderful place to reflect on the majesty of lifeVisited December 2022Written 12 December 2022
- Helen935Angouleme, France119 contributionsA must visitThe cathedral is central to the old quarter, immediately opposite the train station. We didn't have to queue nor was there an entrance fee even though we visited at peak time. The interior is magnificent and the outside appears to be having a well needed and well organised clean/restoration. There were quiet areas if you wanted some down time or a quick pray. Candles were available. this space was quiet with most people respectful. The amount of time you stay is entirely up to you.Visited December 2022Written 13 December 2022
- SB BrownLundbreck, Canada133 contributionsAmazing, Just AmazingThe sheer size of this cathedral is the first thing you notice and then the ornate decoration on the exterior. We did a brief self tour inside and marveled at beauty of it and the history that it represents. When we visited the Christmas market was right next door so the crowds were perhaps larger than normal but it is certainly a busy place. Almost a circus atmosphere around this place, with various street performers, panhandlers, beggars, and sellers of all sorts of stuff. I guess this all goes along with have six million visitors a year showing up. I was glad to have visited and marveled at this structure, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss it, but I think seeing it once was enough for me.Visited November 2022Written 15 December 2022
- Sarah E163 contributionsRemarkableIt is worth visiting Cologne simply to see this cathedral if nothing else. It is astounding in detail, grandeur and height. Being British I’ve grown up with quite impressive, historical buildings as standard and having being fortunate enough to travel, this is third only to the Coliseum and La Sagrada Familia of those I have seen, in my opinion. Incredible and highly recommend.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 19 December 2022
- inna sHaifa, Israel289 contributionsone of the most beautiful cathedrals in EuropeCologne is worth visiting only for its amazing Gothic Cathedral. It is located just near the central station. the cathedral is amazingly beautiful both inside and outside. It's a big place, leave enough time to enjoy it.Visited December 2022Written 19 December 2022
- davidandmelBirmingham, United Kingdom1,654 contributionsAmazingThis striking building is a symbol of the city and one of the finest religious buildings in Europe. It does need a good clean on the outside but inside it is beautiful with amazing stained glass and a wonderful vaulted ceiling. If you are feeling energetic you can climb one of the towers for amazing city views.Visited December 2022Written 21 December 2022
- Clarina EGaborone, Botswana949 contributionsCologne CathedralSuch an enormous cathedral. Huge. Such sanctity. The cathedral inspires one to calm down, pray to the almighty and we left with peace in our hearts. The stained glass is beautiful. We could have spent hours just looking at the art.Visited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 22 December 2022
- County-HunterTacoma, Washington3,175 contributionsImmenseSecond largest cathedral in Europe with the tallest towers, the building is impressive. We took a red bus tour of the city and the cathedral can be seen practically anywhere you might go. I would recommend a guided tour if you have the time with a climb up the 509 stairs to the top. We didn't have the time or energy so we just wandered around. Still well worth a visit.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 December 2022
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4.5
22,211 reviews
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Bfords
Essex76 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
535 steps! Def worth the view. Took us 45 mins in total, we did stop for a couple of breathers. The last steps to get to the top by the bell tower are easier than they look!
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fiona0983
Market Weighton, UK75 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Definitely worth a visit if you are in Cologne. Was surprised it was free to enter the cathedral, which was an added bonus. We was lucky the sun came out whilst inside so got to see some of the stained glass windows in all their glory. The architecture and grandeur is worth the visit even if you are not religious.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty Bielicki
Stuart, FL14,506 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
In June of 1979 was my first visit to Germany’s most visited landmark. Back then, the number of visitors were far less than it is today. There were about a hundred people inside and outside. Most of these tourists were Japanese. My early thoughts of the Catholic Cathedral that it is huge, dark inside and black outside. I was actually more thrilled in finding out that the McDonalds on the corner—which is still there—sold bier.
There were thousands visiting on our June day of 2023. Massive amounts of humanity. Current calculations have it that 20,000 people visit this famous Cathedral daily. I decided not to climb one of the towers as my grandson did a few years before. The twin-spired church is the tallest in the world, and second tallest Cathedral on the European continent.
The building of the Cologne Cathedral started in the 13th century. It wasn’t until 1880, 632 years from the start, when the Cathedral was finally finished.
We took note this time of the beautiful stain-glass windows throughout. Unlike 1979 arriving by car, we arrived at the Hauptbahnhoff close by. I don’t remember this train station being so close. It is one of the busiest train stations in Germany with 1,200 arrivals and departures.
It is remarkable that the Cathedral withstood the aerial bombardment of WWII. 70 hits with 14 direct hits. The allies used the twin spires as a navigational landmark. Being 515 feet tall, the Cathedral was hard to miss from the heavenly skies.
Not far away is the people bridge of Hohenzollernbrucke with 500,000 love locks. One can actually purchase a love lock from a vendor nearby and share the memory with your love one.
If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please click “Thumbs-up” to let me know.
There were thousands visiting on our June day of 2023. Massive amounts of humanity. Current calculations have it that 20,000 people visit this famous Cathedral daily. I decided not to climb one of the towers as my grandson did a few years before. The twin-spired church is the tallest in the world, and second tallest Cathedral on the European continent.
The building of the Cologne Cathedral started in the 13th century. It wasn’t until 1880, 632 years from the start, when the Cathedral was finally finished.
We took note this time of the beautiful stain-glass windows throughout. Unlike 1979 arriving by car, we arrived at the Hauptbahnhoff close by. I don’t remember this train station being so close. It is one of the busiest train stations in Germany with 1,200 arrivals and departures.
It is remarkable that the Cathedral withstood the aerial bombardment of WWII. 70 hits with 14 direct hits. The allies used the twin spires as a navigational landmark. Being 515 feet tall, the Cathedral was hard to miss from the heavenly skies.
Not far away is the people bridge of Hohenzollernbrucke with 500,000 love locks. One can actually purchase a love lock from a vendor nearby and share the memory with your love one.
If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please click “Thumbs-up” to let me know.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elsazeelie
United Kingdom15 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Wow just stunning
Some areas u der construction but the detail is amazing. Can walk around and look at this for ages. Even prettier with the Christmas markets and lights around it in the evening
Some areas u der construction but the detail is amazing. Can walk around and look at this for ages. Even prettier with the Christmas markets and lights around it in the evening
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dilara Altug
Istanbul, Türkiye258 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
When we were there, some parts of the cathedral were under construction. But we could see most or it. It was of course a marvellous architecture. But to be honest it was not the best cathedral that I visited.
Written 17 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2WanderingSouls
Gig Harbor, WA63 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This visit to the Cologne Cathedral came 41 years after my first visit. The only change I noticed was in the number of visitors; it was fairly crowded inside as well as in the front courtyard. However, one should not be dismayed by the crowds, the cathedral is quite large and you will not have to battle for space.
The cathedral is open from 6 am until 8 pm, and we noticed that most of the tourists and tour busses started to arrive after 10 am. Admission to the cathedral is free. The cathedral is one of the tallest in Europe, but it is inside that you can view some of the most amazing medieval stained-glass windows (a small pair of binoculars can prove to be an asset), the Shrine of the Three Wise Men behind the High Alter, and a collection of gems in the Treasury (separate admission required). It is also worth noting the tiles and mosaics at various locations on the cathedral floor. Plan to spend at least two hours wandering through the cathedral in order to get the full experience.
Those that are fit and feel comfortable climbing a spiral staircase will be rewarded with spectacular views of Cologne. The tower opens at 9 am and I recommend going as near to then as possible. The cost to make the climb is 6 Euros. While you will climb 533 steps, there are a couple of places that you can stop to relax. Know that it is a tight maneuver when meeting people coming down as you ascend, or meeting people going up while you descend. The bell chamber was closed due to construction when we went up, though when work is not being done, it is accessible. The recommended time to climb, observe and return is between a half an hour and 45 minutes. However, we found ourselves taking nearly 45 minutes just taking in the views from the top.
The cathedral is open from 6 am until 8 pm, and we noticed that most of the tourists and tour busses started to arrive after 10 am. Admission to the cathedral is free. The cathedral is one of the tallest in Europe, but it is inside that you can view some of the most amazing medieval stained-glass windows (a small pair of binoculars can prove to be an asset), the Shrine of the Three Wise Men behind the High Alter, and a collection of gems in the Treasury (separate admission required). It is also worth noting the tiles and mosaics at various locations on the cathedral floor. Plan to spend at least two hours wandering through the cathedral in order to get the full experience.
Those that are fit and feel comfortable climbing a spiral staircase will be rewarded with spectacular views of Cologne. The tower opens at 9 am and I recommend going as near to then as possible. The cost to make the climb is 6 Euros. While you will climb 533 steps, there are a couple of places that you can stop to relax. Know that it is a tight maneuver when meeting people coming down as you ascend, or meeting people going up while you descend. The bell chamber was closed due to construction when we went up, though when work is not being done, it is accessible. The recommended time to climb, observe and return is between a half an hour and 45 minutes. However, we found ourselves taking nearly 45 minutes just taking in the views from the top.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer D
Western Australia, Australia1,215 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Absolutely massive. Free entry is a bonus - Gothic architecture - definitely worth visiting whilst in Cologne. Coffee shops and souvenirs available nearby
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat M
Parrish, FL266 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The church is amazing and the history behind it is even better. The church is right beside of the train station then there are so many people and it seems unsafe for women and children. We recommend to go to visit the church (free entrance) but be careful with the people around.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack C
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
You have to go and see this building up colose. Stunning on so many levels. The architecture, details, history and scale are just mind-blowing. Worth taking the time to go and visit.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shraddha24
Trier, Germany56 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
It's a superb architectural experience in Köln. It's magnificent structure puts you in awe. It's so magnificent that it almost empowers the complete city by its existence. You go anywhere and you will keep seeing the Dome and its pillars. Amazing experience. Do take out lot of time to visit. Being in Europe one come across lot of Cathedrals but this one is exceptional. There is a big shopping area behind it prepare for lot of walk. It's located right near Köln Hauptbanhof and in case you have to get your hotel room you can cover this before moving ahead.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is cologne cathedral open on december 25th or 26th?
ebbkmrbig
Chesham, UK23 contributions
being a church, and as a Christian, it will be open for the biggest celebratiin service of the year, thing is you may find it difficult to get in..
many people will be attending the services I would assume! so to be certain go on line and look on the cathedral website..
Ali P
10 contributions
I am thinking about traveling on the 30th December - 2nd January (new years) will all the christmas markets be closed?
drmader
Orinda, CA2,143 contributions
We thought we would miss the markets but have to say we hit Brussels 12/23
Cologne 12/26 Heidelberg 12/27 and all
Were at the tail
End.. cologne by far the most gorgeous mart old dark wood, ice skating, alpine feel.. we loved all
Do them but this was great. We have been to them in England and France too. Cologne was way beyond any we have ever seen in terms of charm and quality and food .. and clean not cheesy.. authentic and old and stunningly gorgeous
7425D
Lake Katrine, NY
How do you reserve a roof tour?
Doc687
Rochester, MN218 contributions
I am not sure if there is roof tour but certainly contact the information office across the street. It is called Domforum. They should be able to give you additional information.
You can also climb the 500+ stairs to the top of one of the spires; this gives you a great view of Cologne. Good luck ; it is a very historic place.
Lu S
Stillwater, MN269 contributions
Hi, my Viking tour states that is one is afraid of heights, this climb is not for you...are there really open staircases?!
jayne135
Barnsley, UK225 contributions
This is my review-hope it helps
The Dom is an amazing building that is next to the main railway station and near the Rein. Inside is also very beautiful with beautiful stained glass windows, well worth a visit!
We chose to go up the 500+ stairs up the tower. It cost 4 euro for an adult but you can get discount for families and older people. If you are afraid of heights or are claustrophobic this may not be for you. First 300+ steps you go up a spiral staircase where there are people coming down, there is not a lot of space to pass each other. The next part of the climb was scary for me as I struggle with heights. It is a metal staircase where you can see out of which makes you realise how far you have climbed. The third and final climb was back to a spiral staircase which was good as it was a one way system (the people coming down used a different staircase for this part).
The view from the top are worth the 500+ steps. Well worth the effort!
ChestnutPA
Bethlehem, PA59 contributions
Hello - I've been doing some research on the Cologne Cathedral for an upcoming trip but haven't found any definitive information on how to purchase tickets to access the top of the Cathedral. Can you share any information you have on that? Thank you - Cecelia
Becki P
Nantwich, UK48 contributions
Hi,
At the right hand side of the Cathedral entrance there are some steps leading downstairs to some toilets and the entrance to the tower climb.
Follow the corridor and there is a ticket booth at the end.
Enjoy!
_maderab25
Ridgewood, NJ14 contributions
I visited this spectacular cathedral last year during the day. This time, I am visiting again and would like to see the Cologne Cathedral at night. I believe it is open until 9pm, but does anyone know until what time the outside of the church is lit. Thanks!
Pete_Coach
Ottawa, Canada1,158 contributions
As far as I know, it stays it till 11PM.
cladidier
Salon-de-Provence, France27 contributions
Bonjour, cladidierc. Que voudriez-vous savoir sur cette attraction ?
Bonjour,
j'aimerais savoir s'il y a des dates et horaires de visite, le prix de la visite et si le tombeau des Rois Mages se visite en même temps svp?
Merci d'avance!
Joel C
Buvrinnes, Belgium126 contributions
Ouvert tous les jours
De Novembre à Avril : 06h00 – 19h30
De Mai à Octobre : 06h00 – 21h00
Visites les Dimanches et jours fériés de 13h00 à 16h30
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cologne Cathedral
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- Hotels near Cologne Cathedral:
- (0.02 km) First Domizil
- (0.03 km) Dom Hotel Koeln
- (0.06 km) Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- (0.14 km) Hotel Sandmanns
- (0.17 km) Ibis Koeln Am Dom
- Restaurants near Cologne Cathedral:
- (0.02 km) Cafe Relchard
- (0.03 km) Hanse-Stube
- (0.03 km) taku
- (0.04 km) Peking am Dom
- (0.05 km) McDonald's
- Attractions near Cologne Cathedral:
- (0.01 km) Bimmelbahn
- (0.01 km) CCS Cologne Coach Service
- (0.01 km) Free Walking Tours Cologne
- (0.01 km) LeavingLovingLiving
- (0.01 km) Der KolnShop