Cologne Cathedral Tours

Guided tours in English, roof, excavation and night tours, and a free self-guided route through Germany's most visited landmark.

Self-Guided Route Guided Tours

Advertisement

Time Needed

45 mins - 3 hours depending on what you visit.

Admission

€12 regular / €6 reduced; children under 14 receive a free ticket.

Guided Tours

60 min in English, €8 plus the visitor ticket. No audio guides.

Photography

Allowed without flash or tripods.

The Perfect Self-Guided Tour

Experience the grandeur of Cologne Cathedral at your own pace. Follow this recommended route to see the most important highlights in order.

Cologne Cathedral Exterior West Facade
1

The West Facade & Portals

Before entering, stand back on the Roncalliplatz and admire the massive twin towers. The main entrance is through the ornate western portals, which feature hundreds of intricate sculptures depicting biblical scenes.

Learn about the architecture
Cologne Cathedral Nave Interior
2

The Central Nave

As you enter, you'll be struck by the sheer scale. The nave stretches 144 meters long with ribbed vaults soaring 43 meters high. Walk slowly down the center aisle to absorb the verticality and the light pouring in from the stained glass.

Explore the interior
Gerhard Richter Window
3

Stained Glass Windows

Head towards the South Transept to view the famous modern Gerhard Richter window (installed in 2007) with its 11,500 pixel-like squares. Then compare it with the medieval Bible Windows in the clerestory, dating back to 1260.

Discover the windows
The Gero Crucifix
4

The Gero Crucifix

In the Chapel of the Cross (Kreuzkapelle) in the northern aisle, you will find the Gero Crucifix. Carved in oak around 970 AD, it is the oldest surviving monumental crucifix in the Western world.

Read its history
Shrine of the Three Kings
5

Shrine of the Three Kings

Proceed to the high altar area (the Choir). Behind it rests the cathedral's most precious treasure: The Shrine of the Three Kings. This large, golden reliquary from the late 12th century is said to hold the bones of the Magi.

See the Shrine details
Tower Climb Stairs
6

The South Tower Climb (Optional)

If you are physically fit and have a ticket, exit the main nave and head to the South Tower entrance. Climb the 533 steps for unparalleled panoramic views of Cologne and the Rhine River from 97 meters up.

Tower Climb Guide

Advertisement

Which Cologne Cathedral tour is right for you?

The cathedral's own tour service, based at the DOMFORUM across the square from the main entrance, runs every guided tour inside the building. Here is how they compare.

Tour Length Price per person Public tour in English?
Interior 60 min €8 (€6 reduced) + €12 / €6 visitor ticket Yes, on set dates
Roof ~90 min €27, entry included No (private group only)
Excavations ~90 min €27, entry included No (private group only)
Night (Nacht Raum Dom) 90 min €27, entry included Not listed
Bells 120 min Private group only: €330 for up to 12 No (private group only)
Treasury 60 min €8 (€6 reduced, German) + Treasury ticket No (private group only)

The age limit of 16 on special tours has no exceptions, even with a parent. Public tour tickets go on sale for the current month and the next two, and cannot be cancelled or exchanged.

Are there Cologne Cathedral tours in English?

Yes. Public guided tours of the cathedral interior run in English on set dates. They last 60 minutes and cost €8 (€6 reduced), and every participant also needs the €12 / €6 visitor ticket, bought separately. Children below primary-school age join for free.

The interior tour is the only one that runs publicly in English. For the roof, excavations, bells or Treasury in English, book a private group tour and choose English as the language (a €10 surcharge applies on special tours). Groups must book at least 14 days ahead and can cancel free of charge up to 14 days before.

How much does a Cologne Cathedral tour cost?

A public interior tour costs €8 (€6 reduced) on top of the €12 / €6 visitor ticket, so €20 for one adult. Roof, excavation and night tours cost €27 per person and already include entry, so no visitor ticket is needed for those.

Can you do a roof tour of Cologne Cathedral?

Yes, if you are 16 or older. The roof tour takes about 90 minutes and costs €27 per person, with no extra visitor ticket. You climb about 240 steps on a narrow historic staircase without a handrail (the works lift may be used, but it is not guaranteed), so it suits only people with a head for heights. It is not step-free. Public roof tours are in German; for English, book a private group of up to 12.

Is there an excavation tour under Cologne Cathedral?

Yes. The excavation tour goes under the cathedral floor, past Roman and early medieval remains, for about 90 minutes. It costs €27 per person with no extra visitor ticket, is for ages 16 and up, and is not step-free. Tours run on weekday afternoons (15:30–18:00) and on Saturdays (10:00–16:00). See what is under the cathedral floor before you go.

Is there a night tour of Cologne Cathedral?

Yes. The night tour, called Nacht Raum Dom, shows the cathedral without the daytime crowds, including the choir and a close view of the Shrine of the Three Kings. It lasts 90 minutes, costs €27 per person and runs on selected dates only. It is for ages 16 and up, needs no extra visitor ticket, and cannot be booked as a group. The listing does not mention English, so expect a German-language tour.

Is there an audio guide for Cologne Cathedral?

No. The cathedral's tour service says there are no audio guides in Cologne Cathedral. Use the free self-guided route above, which you can print or save as a PDF, or join a 60-minute guided tour in English.

Tour details checked on 17 October 2026 at domfuehrungen-koeln.de. Dates and prices can change; check before booking.

Book a guided tour online

If you would rather join a group with a guide than follow the self-guided route above, these are popular options around the cathedral. The interior visitor ticket (€12 / €6) is separate unless a listing says it is included.

1 hour

Cathedral walking tour with VR

A guided walk around the outside of the cathedral. Virtual reality lets you jump between today and scenes from its 700-year history.

Check dates & prices
2 hours

Old Town highlights walking tour

A guided walk through the historic Old Town, taking in the cathedral, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Old Town Hall.

Check dates & prices
1 hour

Cologne from the water: 1-hour Rhine cruise

The best view of the twin towers is from the river. A short panorama cruise past the city's landmarks.

Check dates & prices

Partner links: bookings go through GetYourGuide, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Cancellation terms are shown on each tour page.

Tour Planning FAQ

Do I need a visitor ticket as well as a tour ticket?

For interior and Treasury tours, yes: each person needs the €12 / €6 visitor ticket (or the Treasury ticket) on top of the tour price. Roof, excavation, bell and night tours include entry. The Tower and Treasury tickets cost €8 regular or €4 reduced each.

How long does a tour of Cologne Cathedral take?

A brisk self-guided walkthrough takes about 30 minutes; allow 45 to 60 minutes to see the art and windows properly. Guided interior tours last 60 minutes, and roof, excavation and night tours about 90 minutes. Adding the Tower Climb (1 hour) and the Treasury (45 mins) makes it a 2.5 to 3-hour visit.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Because it is an active religious building, visitors are asked to dress respectfully. Shoulders should be covered, and shorts/skirts should be of a modest length. Hats should be removed inside.