It is Cologne’s most iconic landmark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visited buildings in Europe: the
Cologne Cathedral
. What felt like a given to millions of tourists for decades is now changing: from
1 July 2026
, tourists visiting the interior of the cathedral will need to pay an admission fee. Here’s everything you need to know before you go – and how to make the most of your visit.
The New Admission Fee: What Does the Cathedral Cost from July 2026?
The Cathedral Chapter has decided: from 1 July 2026, admission to the interior of the Gothic cathedral will be
12 euros
per person. The motivation is not profit, but the long-term preservation of the building: according to the cathedral’s official ticket website, ongoing maintenance costs amount to around 16 million euros per year – roughly 44,000 euros per day. With rising staff, material and energy costs, a more reliable source of funding had become necessary. However, reduced or free tickets are available for many visitors:
- Adults: 12 euros
- Concession (6 euros): Students aged 14 and over, apprentices, university students, and holders of a social pass issued in NRW
- Free: Children aged 13 and under, people with severe disabilities including one accompanying person, and members of the Zentral-Dombau-Verein (ZDV)
Tickets can be purchased online at
koelner-dom.de/tickets
or on-site at the central ticket desk in the Kurienhaus, Roncalliplatz 2, 50667 Köln (daily 9:00–17:30). Online booking is available up to three months in advance.
Opening Hours and Entry: How Your Visit Works
From 1 July, tourist visitors will enter exclusively through the
West Portal
. The exit is generally via the North Portal. Visiting hours are as follows:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00–17:45 (last entry: 17:30)
- Sundays and public holidays: 13:30–16:30 (last entry: 16:15)
Anyone wishing to visit the cathedral for personal prayer without paying can still do so: the entrance via the
North Transept (station side)
remains free of charge and is generally open from 6:00 to 20:00 outside of services. Church services are always free to attend for everyone.
Exceptions: When Is Entry Still Free?
On selected days, the cathedral continues to open its doors to everyone – no ticket required. These include
1 May
(Labour Day) and
3 October
(German Unity Day). Entry is also free during the „Night of Open Churches“ in Cologne, on certain days around the Epiphany Pilgrimage (late September), and from Epiphany (6 January) through the following Sunday. Please note that these dates may change from year to year – check koelner-dom.de in advance.
Cologne Cathedral in a European Context
At 12 euros, the Cologne Cathedral sits in the mid-range compared to other major European churches. St Paul’s Cathedral in London charges the equivalent of 31 euros, and Westminster Abbey as much as 35 euros. The Sagrada Família in Barcelona costs 26 euros, while Berlin Cathedral charges 15 euros. Entry remains free, by contrast, at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Notre-Dame de Paris, St Michael’s Church in Hamburg, the Frauenkirche in Munich, and Speyer Cathedral, among others. Cologne Cathedral welcomes around six million visitors a year – running an operation of this scale requires considerable resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Admission Fee
When does the admission fee come into effect?
The 12-euro admission fee applies from
1 July 2026
. Tickets have been available for advance purchase since 15 June 2026.
Can children enter the cathedral for free?
Yes. Children aged 13 and under have free entry – including to the Treasury and the tower climb.
Are church services still free to attend?
Yes, attending a church service remains free of charge. Visiting the North Transept for personal prayer is also still free.
Where can I buy tickets?
Online at
koelner-dom.de/tickets
or on-site at the central ticket desk in the Kurienhaus, Roncalliplatz 2, 50667 Köln. QR codes posted around the cathedral also link directly to the ticket page.
Location and Getting There from Mercure Hotel Cologne Belfortstrasse
From the
Mercure Hotel Cologne Belfortstrasse
in the quiet Agnesviertel neighbourhood, Cologne Cathedral is easily reachable on foot – the walk takes around
15 minutes
. If you prefer public transport, the nearest metro stop is just about 300 metres from the hotel. A visit to the cathedral pairs wonderfully with a stroll through
Cologne’s Old Town
or a detour to the
Hohenzollernbrücke
, which sits right next to the cathedral. Allow at least one to one and a half hours for the cathedral itself – and remember to book your ticket online in advance to avoid queuing.
