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.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Cologne Cathedral
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Altstadt-Nord
How to get there
- Koln Central Station • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,258 within 3 miles
Attractions
450 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- abbaMilan, Italy4 contributionsImpressive sight in CologneIts grand facade and ornate tombs make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. Inside, the grand altar and grand organ make the cathedral even more impressive. The crypt is also a highlight, with its impressive collection of tombs and artifacts. Visiting the Cologne Cathedral is an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Its grandeur and beauty make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Germany.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 3, 2023
- Guo DSannois, France5 contributionsThe most impressive and grandiose cathedralsIts grandiose interior is filled with grandiose arches and decorative chapels, making it a sight to behold. The impressive crypt is also a highlight, with its impressive columns and frescoes. The cathedral also has several chapels, which are decorated with beautiful frescoes and sculptures. The cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Germany, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression. It is truly a grandiose and impressive sight to behold, and one that is sure to stay in your memories forever.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 7, 2023
- David KellyAdelaide, Australia2 contributionsBigger than expectedWhat a cathedral. This is probably the most iconic place that we visited during our trip to Germany y and Belgium. I knew already there the Cologne Cathedral was one of the tallest in the plannet, but you really need to see her with your eyes. Definitely a experience. And if you think the beauty is only outside, just wait to see the inside. Amazing. No wordsVisited July 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten May 7, 2023
- NorCal-traveler08Orangevale, California1,922 contributionsEnormous Cathedral, you can see it for milesThis is an absolutely enormous cathedral. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest in Europe. You can see it from all over the city and beyond. Construction started in 1248 and was completed in 1880. It is right next to the Rhine River and the train station. The Hohenzollern Bridge connects to the cathedral. It is Gothic architecture and has a beautiful Shrine of the Three Wise Men. Over 10,000 people a day visit the cathedral and pay respects to the 3 Magi.Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2023
- LegalEyeDallasTexasDallas, Texas177 contributionsCathedral is great, Cologne is dirtyThe cathedral is stunning. Having seen many, this is one of the most ambitious cathedrals in Europe. I did not enjoy Cologne, however. Crowded streets were fairly dirty with trash. Homeless people on the main streets. Unfriendly people working the restaurants. I won’t return to Cologne.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 6, 2023
- Stella D2 contributionsCologne CathedralMassive building, Very impressive architecture all around. There are few pieces of construction but it didn’t deter from the attraction. We saw the priestly order coming out from the front door speaking to people. There is a lot going on around it, the metro is on the side and the Ludwig Museum is just behind it. Lots of hustle and bustles all aroundVisited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 5, 2023
- THINGS2LIVE4Rocky River, Ohio1,222 contributionsStairs to the topI’m a 44 year old male in decent shape and was able to handle the stairs to the top. This is a working Catholic Church and you can attend a mass. This church was built in phases staring around 1250, please see pictures. This is the biggest church that I can recall seeing.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten July 6, 2023
- Patrick FrancisGalway, Ireland25 contributionsA must during your visit to CologneOutside of the building is very impressive. The Cathedral was damaged in the second world war but had been repaired. The architecture is inspiring with twin spires and a very ornate entrance. The inside is huge with a large and very impressive stained glass window. Although is very busy but you can still find place to sit in quiet meditation. There is also guided tours of the Cathedral.Visited July 2023Written July 9, 2023
- kmehlBuffalo, New York181 contributionsTake the tourAfter visiting the cathedral on our own we decided to take the tour the next day. The English tour was at 2 on Sunday. It was worth it because you get to go into a gated area that has the shrine of the magi. The guide was very informative about the entire church and how it was built and the windows.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 12, 2023
- Yvonne O6 contributionsGreat views, tight climb!If you want a good photo of the exterior, consider being there at 8am before the crowds.9I knew about the number of steps in advance so that was no surprise. A tight climb, up a winding staircase but worth it if you are able. Great views from the top. The Köln Triangle, across the river, has a lift and has lovely views too. Do both!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 18, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
22,263 reviews
Excellent
16,416
Very good
4,859
Average
822
Poor
117
Terrible
49
Maxy M
Plymouth, UK22 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
This place is well worth a visit, the queues can be very long however, do not be put off, it will only take a few minutes. It is simply to make your donation of around €5 on entry. Beautiful inside and the history and architecture are astounding.
Written January 28, 2020
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.
SuzyQu15
Brooklyn, NY1,542 contributions
Dec 2019
This huge cathedral is stunning, but I would say that the exterior is actually more beautiful than the interior. The highlight is the golden box containing the relics of the Three Kings and the beautiful stained glass windows. There is no entrance fee, and you can freely and leisurely walk around. The only drawback to foreign visitors is that the descriptions are only in German.
Written January 1, 2020
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.
Irish_lass90
Dublin, Ireland54 contributions
Aug 2020
What a beautiful cathedral. Amazing atmosphere, and spectacular detail.
For €5 you can climb the cathedral tower to get a 360 degree city view. Would definitely recommend it. There is no lift so you will need to be willing to climb the whole thing.
For €5 you can climb the cathedral tower to get a 360 degree city view. Would definitely recommend it. There is no lift so you will need to be willing to climb the whole thing.
Written September 9, 2020
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.
Carmen T
Phoenix, AZ21 contributions
Sep 2019
I have been lucky enough to see some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy, France, Spain. Just looking at the imposing Gothic structure from the outside, it is breathtaking and almost overwhelming trying to take it all in! Inside, the main attraction is the shrine of the Three Kings. The light coming through the stained glass is absolutely beautiful. I wish there was a tour guide in English available at the time we were visiting, and unfortunately there were no guide books available inside (you have to get them from the book store, which is located outside). Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours in order to have a proper look at this architectural masterpiece.
Written January 12, 2020
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.
Nancy H
Richmond, VA171 contributions
Nov 2021
Through Viking, we were able to book a unique visit to the top of Cologne Cathedral via the construction elevator. Since there are perhaps 100 workers everyday doing reconstruction, the tour had to be after 4 p.m. The elevator took us to the "attic" where we climbed an additional 100 steps to view the city, the spires, and all the gargoyle drain spouts that "protect against evil." We had a knowledgeable guide that made the tour very interesting.
Written November 21, 2021
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.
Jae W. Lee
Long Island, NY5,906 contributions
Sep 2019
Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Seat of Archbishop of Cologne. Whenver we visited Cologne by train or cruise ship, we paid homage to this cathedral. This time, we visited the cathedral again when our Viking River Cruise ship stopped at Cologne during its “Rhine Getaway Cruise”. The majestic Gothic style church with soaring twin spires, flying buttresses and massive stone columns looked as impressive as before. The huge nave with impressive columns, stain glassed windows, and decorative organs were impressive as usual. Visitors with exposed shoulders and knees were stopped at the entrance, and were offered thin blue coveralls to wear before being allowed to enter the cathedral.
The location of this cathedral was so convenient to visitors to Cologne by train or ship. The Central Train Station (Koln Hauptbahnhof) was right behind the cathedral, and the river cruise ship terminal was just across Rhine River. At night, the illuminated cathedral building and other buildings along River Rhine formed an impressive night time skyline of Cologne.
The location of this cathedral was so convenient to visitors to Cologne by train or ship. The Central Train Station (Koln Hauptbahnhof) was right behind the cathedral, and the river cruise ship terminal was just across Rhine River. At night, the illuminated cathedral building and other buildings along River Rhine formed an impressive night time skyline of Cologne.
Written August 12, 2020
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, WA66 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 November 15, 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.
Susan Dorville
1 contribution
Sep 2019 • Friends
We arrived in Cologne around 2 in the afternoon after driving about two hours. Our hotel was within walking distance of the cathedral so we went there to visit this majestic building. We discovered that a flutist was playing religious themed songs that evening and so at 7 lined up and experienced a once in a lifetime musical of world religious music. The cathedral was packed. It was a memory of a lifetime!
Written April 13, 2020
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.
Paul S
Zurich, Switzerland172 contributions
Jan 2020
You cant help but be impressed by this amazing building. The shear size of it is staggering that it was started in the 13th century.
Words cannot describe the volume and height of the interior it is so overwhelming.
You can imagine the pilgrims walking to Koln and seeing the spires in the distance, probably a day or more out and how inspired they would have been.
we missed the service which was a shame as it would have been an experience to go to.
Get there early as it is incredibly busy
Words cannot describe the volume and height of the interior it is so overwhelming.
You can imagine the pilgrims walking to Koln and seeing the spires in the distance, probably a day or more out and how inspired they would have been.
we missed the service which was a shame as it would have been an experience to go to.
Get there early as it is incredibly busy
Written January 5, 2020
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.
Bob K
Fairfax, VA2,234 contributions
Dec 2019
Our first view of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom, officially Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus, English: Cathedral Church of Saint Peter) is the Catholic cathedral in Cologne. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. This landmark attracts on average about 20,000 people a day, and currently the tallest twin-spired church at 515 ft tall, second in Europe after Ulm Minster (which we visited in 2018) and third tallest in the world. Its has the world's largest church façade which is dominated by two 515 ft high towers. The exterior is beautifully decorated with plenty of statues, bar tracery, pinnacles, gargoyles and flying buttresses. The Cathedral's oldest doorway is the Petersportal, built between 1370 and 1380 and decorated with statues. It took centuries to construct this Cathedral beginning in 1248 and finished in the 19th century. On this trip we did not ascend to the top of the spires. It was gray and rainy for most of the trip and there were other interesting things to see. Allow ~1 hr for your visit.
Written February 9, 2020
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, CA2,195 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, MN220 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, MN271 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, UK226 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, PA60 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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Claim your listingCologne Cathedral - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cologne Cathedral
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cologne Cathedral:
- Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine (From $31.62)
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- Hotels near Cologne Cathedral:
- (0.01 mi) First Domizil
- (0.02 mi) Dom Hotel Koeln
- (0.03 mi) Excelsior Hotel Ernst
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Sandmanns
- (0.11 mi) Ibis Koeln Am Dom
- Restaurants near Cologne Cathedral:
- (0.01 mi) Cafe Relchard
- (0.02 mi) Mangal Döner Dom
- (0.02 mi) Hanse-Stube
- (0.02 mi) taku
- (0.03 mi) Peking am Dom
- Attractions near Cologne Cathedral:
- (0.00 mi) Bimmelbahn
- (0.01 mi) CCS Cologne Coach Service
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