Kölner Dom

Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this monumental cathedral took 632 years to complete, finally being consecrated in 1880. Cologne's Dom is the first thing you will notice when leaving through the main exit of the central station. If you don't see it, you've likely taken the back exit. If you are in good shape, you can climb the 509 stairs to the top of the south tower. The round trip takes about an hour and requires comfortable shoes, but the panoramic view is well worth the hike. Touring the cathedral is forbidden during Mass; to ensure the doors are open for visitors, check the liturgical calendar: koelner-dom.de.

• outdoors
• viewpoint
• history
• family

Getting there

U-Bahn: Dom / Hbf

Hours

Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00; Sun 13:00-16:00

Price

Admission to the cathedral is free, a 'sightseeing fee' for tourists is being introduced in July 2026 (worshippers and those attending Mass still enter for free). Admission to the South Tower costs €8 (reduced €4, family €20), and admission to the Treasury is also €8 (reduced €4, family €20). A combined ticket for the tower and the treasury is available for €12 (reduced €6, family €30). No luggage or large bags may be carried inside; lockers are available at the nearby station or the service centre

Website

koelner-dom.de (opens in a new tab)