Cologne Cathedral Tickets
Climb 533 steps up the south tower for breathtaking views over the Rhine and see the magnificent Shrine of the Three Kings.
Book Tickets & ToursWelcome to Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), Germany's most visited landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As of July 2026, a €12 ticket is required to enter the main nave (free access remains for prayer via the North Transept). Separate tickets are also needed to climb the south tower or visit the Cathedral Treasury. This site helps you plan your visit, choose the right tickets, and make the most of your time at this Gothic masterpiece. For details, see our visitors guide and check the latest opening hours.
Available Tickets
Ticket prices breakdown
- Cathedral Nave: 12€
- South Tower Climb (Adults): €8 — climb 533 steps to the viewing platform.
- Cathedral Treasury (Adults): €8 — see medieval relics and priceless artworks.
- Combined Ticket (Tower + Treasury): €12 for adults, offering a discount on visiting both.
- Reduced Tickets: €4 for either the Tower or Treasury for children, students, and visitors with disabilities. A combined reduced ticket is €6.
- Family Tickets: Available for both individual attractions (€20) and combined (€30).
Note: Tickets for the tower and treasury must be purchased on-site and cannot be booked online.
Why book your tour here
Enhance your visit with a guided experience
Expert Guides
Discover the stories behind the stained glass, the architecture, and the Shrine of the Three Kings with a knowledgeable local guide.
Audio Guides Available
Explore at your own pace with an informative audio guide, available in multiple languages to enrich your self-guided tour of the nave.
Flexible Options
Choose from public overview tours, in-depth thematic tours, or private experiences tailored to your interests. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Instant Confirmation
Book your guided tour in minutes and receive your confirmation and meeting point details instantly by email. No on-site queues for tour booking.
The Shrine of the Three Kings
The very reason for the cathedral's existence rests behind the high altar: the Shrine of the Three Kings. This magnificent golden sarcophagus, considered the largest and most artistically significant reliquary in the Western world, is traditionally believed to hold the remains of the Biblical Magi. The relics were brought from Milan to Cologne in 1164 by Archbishop Rainald von Dassel.
The creation of the shrine began around 1180, involving master goldsmiths like Nicholas of Verdun, and was completed circa 1225. Its presence transformed Cologne into one of Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations. The ambitious Gothic cathedral was designed specifically to provide a worthy setting for this incredible masterpiece of Mosan art, a testament to the city's faith and power in the Middle Ages.
How It Works
Plan your visit in 3 simple steps
Plan Your Visit
Decide if you want to climb the tower, visit the treasury, or both. Remember, the main cathedral is free. Check the opening hours for each section.
Buy Tickets On-Site
Tickets for the tower climb and treasury are sold at their respective entrances at the cathedral. Online booking is not available. Consider a guided tour for a deeper experience.
Enjoy the Cathedral
Explore the vast nave for free. If you have tickets, climb the 533 steps for an incredible view or descend into the treasury to see centuries-old artifacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your visit