Things to do in Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is the city´s most famous landmark and Germany’s most visited tourist attraction. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and is celebrated for its gothic architecture.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but completely halted in the 16th century due to a lack of funds. Building was suspended for almost 300 years and the cathedral was finally completed in 1880, more than 600 years after construction originally commenced.
The Cathedral can be seen from just about anywhere in the city as it dominates the skyline with its impressive structure and spires. The second tallest building in Cologne today, its gigantic towers hover over the rooftops of Cologne at 157.38 metres and 157.31 metres tall.
Visit the inside of the cathedral and admire the impressive stained-glass windows as they beam vibrant colours into the interior. Discover the ornate chapels, altars, beautiful mosaics and tombs that fill the interior of the cathedral. Visitors can also climb the 533 steps of the spiral staircase to a viewing platform and admire the panoramic views over Cologne and the River Rhine.
The cathedral is open daily with opening hours dependent on the season and/or special events taking place. The cathedral is easily accessible by car or public transport. If arriving by metro or train, get off at "Dom/Hauptbahnhof" stop and the cathedral is located right next door.
Our recommendations in Cologne Cathedral
Cologne haunted places and ghost stories: interactive city game
Explore the most frightful places in Cologne, with their stories of restless spirits, cruel murders and menacing ghouls.
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Guided tour through the old town of Cologne and its breweries
Join this guided walking tour through the old town of Cologne and its breweries, hear information from your guide and drink the typical Kölsch beer with him.
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Guided walking tour to the highlights of Cologne
Take this guided walking tour through Cologne and learn about the city's main sights and anecdotes.
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Cologne 60-minute walk with a local
Enjoy this experience with a private local, discover everyday local life and learn where the city gets its characteristic ambience from.
en, de
Cologne haunted places and ghost stories: interactive city game
Explore the most frightful places in Cologne, with their stories of restless spirits, cruel murders and menacing ghouls.
en, de
Guided tour through the old town of Cologne and its breweries
Join this guided walking tour through the old town of Cologne and its breweries, hear information from your guide and drink the typical Kölsch beer with him.
de
Guided walking tour to the highlights of Cologne
Take this guided walking tour through Cologne and learn about the city's main sights and anecdotes.
de
Cologne 60-minute walk with a local
Enjoy this experience with a private local, discover everyday local life and learn where the city gets its characteristic ambience from.
en, de
Fun guided tour through the old town of Cologne
Learn historical facts and amusing anecdotes about the people of Cologne and their old town. Book your guided tour in advance.
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Book your Cologne Brauhaus tour. Let your city guide tell you all about the long history of Cologne.
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Self-guided Discovery Walk in Cologne with beers, charming alleys and dwarfs
Explore Cologne's charming city center with this Discovery Game. Solve riddles that lead you through the city while learning about its history.
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Cologne Cathedral and Old Town tour including a Kölsch beer
Book the Cathedral and Old Town tour in Cologne and enjoy a delicious Kölsch beer. Let your city guide tell you all about the long history of Cologne.
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Guided city tour of Cologne's highlights in a nutshell
Explore the immediate vicinity of the cathedral and the old town of Cologne on foot! A certified guide will lead you through the city. Book your tour in advance!
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KölnCard with public transport for 24h or 48h
Explore Cologne with the KölnCard! The ticket includes free public transport and up to 50% off at many museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
How to get there
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne
Germany
Reviews Cologne Cathedral
“Toller Guide, der eine lustige Führung mit uns gemacht hat. Wir haben viel Neues erfahren und bei Fragen konnte er kompetente Antworten geben.”
“Guida competente, simpatica, capace di farti appassionare e rispondere alle nostre curiosità.Assolutamente consigliata per qualsiasi tipo di utenza.”
“My partner and I, from England and Greece, two blind people, had a wonderful 90 minute experience around wonderful 'old town' Cologne. Our guide/driver, Kristoph, was fantastic. he taylored the experience to our needs and told lots of interesting stories and found many objects for us to touch!”
