Exploring Cologne Cathedral: The Climb And Its Duration

One of the world's grandest and largest cathedrals, Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany's most-visited landmark, attracting around 6 million people a year. It is renowned for its Gothic architecture and religious artefacts, offering amazing views over the city's historic centre. But how long does it take to climb the hundreds of steps to the top of its South Tower?

The climb is 533 steps and takes 15-90 minutes

Climbing the Cologne Cathedral's South Tower is a popular activity for visitors to the city. The tower stands at 157 metres tall and offers sweeping views of the city and the Rhine. However, it is not an easy climb, with 533 steps to the observation platform and no elevator. The climb is not suitable for those with claustrophobia or who are not in good health, as the staircase is narrow and can be slippery.

The time it takes to climb the tower depends on your fitness level and how long you want to spend at the top. For those who are fit and do not take a break, the climb itself can take as little as 5-7 minutes. However, if you are less fit or want to take your time, it could take 15 minutes or more to reach the top. In total, including the climb up and down, and some time spent enjoying the view, the whole experience is likely to take between 30 and 45 minutes. If you are visiting with a group, or if it is a busy day, you may also need to factor in some time spent waiting at the ticket desk.

If you are planning to climb the tower, it is recommended that you do so in the morning to take advantage of the best light for photographs. However, if you are hoping to catch the sunset, there are better spots in the city to head to, such as the Cologne Triangle.

The tower is open to the public from 9 am to 5 or 6 pm, depending on the time of year, with last admission being 30 minutes before closing. It is closed on 11 November, 24-26 December, 31 December, and 1 January. Entry costs €6 for adults, with reduced tickets available for €3 and family tickets for €12.

There are 8 bells in the tower

Climbing the tower of Cologne Cathedral is quite a feat. There are 533 steps to the observation platform, which is 97 metres high. It takes a certain level of fitness to climb up to the platform, and comfortable shoes are a must. The climb is not for the faint-hearted, as the steps can be narrow and slippery, and it can get tight when encountering other visitors. However, the effort is worth it for the panoramic views over the city of Cologne, the Rhine, and, in good weather, the Siebengebirge.

Almost halfway up the tower, at a height of about 53 metres, you will come across the belfry, where eight of the cathedral's twelve bells reside. The largest of these is St. Peter's Bell, also known as "Fat Peter" or "Dicker Pitter" to the people of Cologne. Cast in 1923, it weighs approximately 24,000 kilograms, with a clapper weighing around 600-700 kilograms and a diameter of 322 centimetres. Until 2016, it was the largest bell in the world swinging on a straight yoke. St. Peter's Bell has a deep resonance and is only rung on special occasions and major holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. It also rings to mark the declaration or death of an Archbishop of Cologne or of a Pope, as well as the investiture of a new archbishop.

The other bells in the tower include Pretiosa, Speciosa, the Bell of the Three Kings, St. Ursula's bell, St. Joseph's bell, the Chapter bell, the Ave bell, the Angelus bell, the Vespers bell, the Consecration bell, and the Emperor's bell.

Climbing the tower of Cologne Cathedral is not just a physical challenge but also an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of its bells. The climb offers a unique perspective on the cathedral and the city of Cologne.

The tower is 157m tall

The tower of Cologne Cathedral is an impressive 157m tall. That's a lot of stairs to climb! In fact, there are 533 steps to the observation platform, which is about 100m above the ground. The climb is not for the faint-hearted and a certain level of fitness is required. The stairs are narrow and sometimes slippery, and it can get tight when you meet people coming down as you're heading up. But don't let that deter you—the panoramic view from the top is well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with a sweeping vista of the city of Cologne, the Rhine, and, on a clear day, the Siebengebirge.

The tower is accessible via a separate entrance on the side of the cathedral. This is where you'll find the box office to purchase your tickets. The tower is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm or 6 pm, depending on the time of year, and entry costs €6 for adults. It's recommended that you plan for between 30 and 45 minutes to climb the tower and take in the views. Of course, if you're feeling fit and don't want to spend too much time at the top, you could get up and down in about 15 minutes.

If you're short on time, it's worth noting that there are lockers available near the train station where you can store your luggage. And if you're looking for a place to relax after your climb, there are cafes nearby where you can sit outside, enjoy a coffee or a local beer, and admire the view of the cathedral.

So, if you're up for the challenge, go ahead and take on the 533 steps to the top of the Cologne Cathedral tower. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a workout!

The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting an average of 6 million visitors annually. Construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, taking over six centuries. The cathedral is renowned for its German Gothic architecture and is the tallest twin-spired church in the world at 157 metres. It is Germany's most visited landmark.

The cathedral is a grand structure, built to house the Shrine of the Three Kings, whose relics were brought to the town in 1164. The building is a Gothic and Neo-Gothic basilica with five aisles, a two-tower facade, and a projecting transept. The western section, begun in 1330, has subtle style changes, but these are hard to perceive in the overall building. The later work in the 19th century followed medieval techniques and forms faithfully, and there are many original liturgical ornamentations that remain intact.

The cathedral contains many artistic masterpieces, including the semi-circular nave with beautiful stained glass windows—the largest 14th-century window sequence in Europe. The high altar sits on an enormous slab of black marble, believed to be the largest in any Christian church. The cathedral also features 14 statues on pillars in the choir from the 1300s, early 14th-century carved oak choir stalls, and painted choir screens from the early 1300s.

The Cologne Cathedral was extensively damaged during World War II, hit by 14 bombs. Restoration work began immediately after the war and was completed by 1956. The cathedral is constantly under repair and renovation due to the weathering of its stone structure.

The cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark

Covering more ground than an American football field, the Cologne Cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting over 6 million visitors per year. Construction of the cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880, over 600 years later. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture.

The central nave of the cathedral is in the shape of a Latin cross, measuring 45 metres wide by 144 metres in length. The twin spires are 157 metres tall, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world. The cathedral's interior is the world's third-largest.

The cathedral contains a variety of significant artworks and architectural features, including the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded sarcophagus of gold and silver studded with jewels, which is said to contain the bones of the Biblical Magi. The cathedral also features the largest stained-glass window in Germany, dating back to the 13th century, and a modern stained-glass window by artist Gerhard Richter, composed of 11,263 pieces of colourful blown glass.

The cathedral's tower offers sweeping views of the city of Cologne and the Rhine. Visitors can climb 533 steps to the observation platform, which takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on fitness level. The climb can be narrow and slippery, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

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