Cologne Cathedral Tours

Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Cologne Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Cologne Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, night scenes and heritage architecture
Cologne Cathedral showing heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral


Marvel at the Gothic architecture and the shrine of the three wise men at one of the largest churches in the world.

The Cologne Cathedral is the tallest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world. It was built between 1248 and 1880 in order to house the precious Shrine of the Three Holy Kings. The cathedral stands 516 feet (157 meters) tall and is one of the most popular attractions in the city.Admire the majestic spires before entering the cathedral. Once inside, walk down the main aisle and look up at one of the tallest Gothic vaults in the world. The stained-glass windows are particularly eye-catching five of them were gifts from King Ludwig I of Bavaria. One of the windows is a 66-foot (20-meter) high modern interpretation added by the German artist Gerhard Richter in 2007.Approach the impressive High Altar to see the sarcophagus the cathedral was built for. Decorated in gold and studded with jewels, the shrine is said to hold the crowned skulls of the Magi, otherwise known as the “three wise men,” and is the largest reliquary in the Western world.The shrine is not the only treasure you’ll find in the Cologne Cathedral. The oldest surviving crucifix monument north of the Alps, the Gero-Kreuz, is located just by the sacristy. In the Sacrament Chapel is theMilan Madonna, an elegant wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, dating back to the 13thcentury. Enter the Treasure Chamber to see a collection of precious artifacts, some dating as far back as the fourth century.Climb the cathedral tower for views of the city from 328 feet (100 meters) high. Some say the cathedral is an example of divine intervention, as it survived the bombings that razed the rest of central Cologne to the ground during World War II. Others attribute its survival to the fact that Allied bomber pilots used the cathedral as a point of orientation for navigating the area.The main hall can be entered free of charge. There are small fees for entry to the Treasury Chamber and Cathedral Tower. The cathedral is located next to Cologne’s main train station. Take the U-Bahn to the station Dom/Hauptbahnhof. There is a pay parking facility nearby.

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Dorint Hotel Düren
Hotel Bochum Wattenscheid, Affiliated by Meliá
Hotel Hauer

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Best Lodging Options Near Cologne Cathedral

Maritim Hotel Köln

Maritim Hotel Köln

Heumarkt 20, Cologne, NW
Maritim Hotel Köln
URBAN LOFT Cologne

URBAN LOFT Cologne

Eigelstein 41, Cologne
URBAN LOFT Cologne
Hilton Cologne

Hilton Cologne

Marzellenstr. 13-17, Cologne
Hilton Cologne
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

5 out of 5
Trankgasse 1-5 / Domplatz, Cologne, NW
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln

Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln

Pipinstrasse 1, Cologne, NW
Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln
CityClass Hotel Alter Markt

CityClass Hotel Alter Markt

4 out of 5
Alter Markt 55, Cologne, NW
CityClass Hotel Alter Markt
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne - MGallery

Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne - MGallery

4.5 out of 5
Kurt-Hackenberg-Platz 1, Cologne, NW
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne - MGallery
Novotel Köln City

Novotel Köln City

4 out of 5
Bayenstr. 51, Cologne, NW
Novotel Köln City
CityClass Hotel am Dom

CityClass Hotel am Dom

4 out of 5
Am Hof 38 - 46, Cologne, NW
CityClass Hotel am Dom
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cologne Cathedral

While visiting Cologne Cathedral, immerse yourself in the vibrant local scene by enjoying live music and exploring nearby theaters. For a fun outing, check out local shopping options, and if you're looking for a unique experience, consider visiting a bowling alley. Whether you're seeking culture or entertainment, there's plenty to keep you engaged in this beautiful city.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is the Old Market, a vibrant public market just 0.2 miles from Cologne Cathedral, perfect for unique gifts. Hof 242, located 2 miles away, offers family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, visit City Center Porz, a shopping center 6 miles away with a variety of stores.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at Claudius Therme, a serene retreat offering rejuvenating body treatments just 1 mile from Cologne Cathedral. For a lively atmosphere, enjoy music and events at Tanzbrunnen Köln, located only 0.7 miles away, perfect for entertainment seekers looking to unwind.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water fun at Aqualand Leisure Pool, located 6 miles from Cologne Cathedral, perfect for families and adventure seekers. Take a scenic ride on the Cologne Cable Car, only 1 mile away, offering stunning outdoor views. For more water excitement, visit Naturstrand Bleibtreusee, 8 miles from the cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Cologne Cathedral! Start with the Musical Dome, a lively nightclub just 0.2 miles away, perfect for dancing. For a cultural evening, enjoy a show at Schauspiel Köln, 0.9 miles away, or Theater am Dom, only 0.4 miles away, both offering captivating performances.

Find the best attractions near Cologne Cathedral

While visiting Cologne Cathedral, don't miss the chance to explore nearby attractions like art museums and conference venues that cater to culture and family experiences. Dive into the history of the impressive Kölner Dom, a centerpiece of Cologne's rich heritage. Discover the breathtaking architecture of the Cologne Cathedral and immerse yourself in its stunning beauty as you enjoy this remarkable landmark and its surrounding points of interest.

  • LANXESS Arena: Located a mile from Cologne Cathedral, LANXESS Arena is a premier entertainment venue offering a vibrant atmosphere for concerts and sports events. It's perfect for families seeking fun and excitement in a lively setting.
  • Cologne Trade Fair Grounds: Also one mile away, this event venue is the hub of business and industry, hosting various conferences and exhibitions. It’s an excellent spot for networking and exploring the latest trends in various fields.
  • Chocolate Museum: Just 0.7 miles from the cathedral, this delightful museum immerses visitors in the rich history of chocolate. With interactive exhibits and tastings, it’s a sweet experience for culture enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike.

Best time to go to Cologne Cathedral

Visitor numbers around Cologne Cathedral is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Cologne Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cologne Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Cologne Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
April50.5°F (10.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cologne Cathedral

Visiting Cologne Cathedral is budget-friendly since entry is free. For accommodations, consider traveling in February, July, or December for lower prices, and aim to book about a month in advance for the best deals. Fridays typically offer the cheapest hotel rates, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare rates, customize your search, and consider package deals for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and help you earn rewards for future stays. Always filter for the lowest rates to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cologne Cathedral are February, July and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Cologne Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cologne Cathedral is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Cologne Cathedral is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the most affordable rates and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Cologne Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.