What to see inside Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is a high Gothic basilica with five aisles, a broad transept and a double-tower facade in the west. Inside, the height of the nave and the stained glass carry the first impression. The art is spread across the choir, the chapels and the transepts. Four things are worth finding on a first visit: the Shrine of the Three Kings, the Gero Cross, the altar by Stefan Lochner and the windows.
Since 1 July 2026 the tourist visit of the interior costs admission: €12, or €6 reduced, and children up to and including 13 years go in free. Prayer and services stay free of charge. Tickets and the tower and treasury options are covered on our Cologne Cathedral tickets page. Some areas can be closed during services or building work, so expect not to reach every artwork at every hour.
The main artworks
Where they stand and what makes each one special.
The Shrine of the Three Kings
The gold reliquary stands behind the high altar. It is the main work in the interior and not in the treasury. You see it as part of the interior visit; there is no separate shrine ticket. Read about the shrine
The Gero Cross
A monumental wooden crucifix donated by Archbishop Gero. It hangs on the east wall of the Cross Chapel. The cross beam and the figure of Christ are original. The radiant sun behind it and the marble altar were added in 1683. The work is dated to around 970.
The altar of the city patrons
Stefan Lochner painted it around 1442. It first stood in the city council chapel and has been in the cathedral since 1810, in the Marian chapel. During Advent and Lent the wings are closed.
The Milan Madonna
A painted wooden figure made in the cathedral workshop around 1280 to 1290. The paint, sceptre and crown that you see are from a restoration around 1900. It is not the original statue unchanged from its Milan source.
Our pick: the cathedral in VR
Before you go in, this walk shows the building's construction with VR glasses.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Cologne Cathedral tours and tickets
Guided visits and tickets that include the interior, with live prices and availability.
Cologne Cathedral windows: the Richter window and the Bavarian windows
The cathedral's windows span more than a century and a half. The five Bavarian windows in the south aisle were donated by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1848 and made by the Royal Glass Painting Institute in Munich. They were unveiled on 14 August 1848.
The Richter window fills the south transept. It dates from 2007 and measures 106 m². It is built from 11,263 small squares of glass, each with an edge of 9.6 cm, in 72 colours. The squares are placed by chance, with some mirrored, so the window shows no figures or saints. On bright days it throws colour on the floor. The two groups of windows are easy to compare: one narrates, the other plays with light.
Visiting rules inside the cathedral
The cathedral is a church with daily services.
Clothing
Cover your shoulders and upper body. Skirts and trousers should reach at least mid-thigh. Headwear worn for religious or health reasons is allowed.
Behaviour
No eating or drinking, no smoking and no phone calls or video calls. Keep your voice low.
Photos
Private photos without flash are allowed outside services. During services, take pictures only from your place and be considerate. Tripods need permission.
Bags and checks
Security checks apply. Large suitcases and hiking backpacks are not allowed and cannot be stored.
Hours, Mass times and Sunday access are on the opening hours page. The interior and the treasury are step-free. The tower is not.
A simple route through the interior
One way to cover the highlights without backtracking.
Start in the nave
Look up at the vaults first. The nave is about 43.4 m high.
Walk the south aisle
The five Bavarian windows are here. The Richter window fills the south transept.
Go to the choir
Behind the high altar stands the Shrine of the Three Kings. The Gero Cross is in the Cross Chapel, and the Lochner altar in the Marian chapel.
Finish outside
Add the treasury or the tower after the interior. Treasury details
Seeing the interior with a guide
Guided visits add stories, but the admission ticket is extra.
Public tours
The public interior tours last 60 minutes and cost €8 for adults and €6 reduced. Tours run in German and in English. The interior admission is not included.
Tours for children
The children's tour is for ages 6 to 13, lasts 60 minutes and costs €6 for children and €8 for accompanying adults. Younger children go free. The public tour runs on Sundays at 14:30. Interior admission is extra, where children are not already free.
Roof and excavation tours
These are separate 90-minute tours at €27 for ages 16 and up. They need no extra interior ticket. All cathedral tours
More on the cathedral
Pages that go with your visit.
Inside Cologne Cathedral: frequently asked questions
What is worth seeing inside Cologne Cathedral?
The Shrine of the Three Kings, the Gero Cross, the Lochner altar of the city patrons, the Bavarian windows from 1848 and the Richter window from 2007.
Does it cost money to go inside?
Since 1 July 2026 a tourist visit of the interior needs a ticket: €12 for adults and €6 reduced. Children up to and including 13 years are free. Prayer and services stay free of charge.
Where is the Shrine of the Three Kings?
Behind the high altar, in the interior of the cathedral. It is not in the treasury.
How old is the Gero Cross?
It is dated to around 970. The radiant sun and the marble altar around it come from 1683.
What is special about the Richter window?
It dates from 2007, measures 106 m² and consists of 11,263 squares in 72 colours, placed by chance. It contains no figures.