The Long Climb: Cologne Dome's Summit Steps

The Cologne Cathedral, officially known as Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus, is a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the tallest twin-spired church in the world. It stands tall at 157 metres, with the northern tower surpassing the southern one by 7 cm. Visitors can climb 533 steps to the top of the southern tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Rhine River. The cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and attracts millions of visitors each year.

The climb to the top of the Cologne Dome is 533 steps

The stone staircase eventually gives way to a metal staircase, which leads to a narrow, external stone walkway traversing the circumference of the southern tower. This is where the hard work pays off, as you are rewarded with wonderful views across Cologne and down to the Rhine below. The intricate Gothic tracery and ornamental masonry of the tower can also be admired up close.

The climb is not for the unfit or those who struggle with stairs, as there are no lifts and the staircase is narrow and dizzying. The climb can also be hot and muggy, and the steps are small and uneven, so it is important to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. It is also worth noting that there are identity checks by cathedral staff when entering the tower, and only small bags and rucksacks are allowed.

The Cologne Dome is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting around 20,000 visitors a day. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second-tallest church in Europe, standing at 157 metres tall. The cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.

The climb to the top of the Cologne Dome is not for the faint of heart, but the views across the city and the chance to admire the architecture up close make it well worth the effort for those who are able.

The tower is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm in May and September

The Cologne Cathedral is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm in May and September. The tower is accessible to visitors who wish to climb the 533 steps to the viewing platform, which is about 100 metres above the ground. The cathedral is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people a year. It is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest church in Europe. The cathedral is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.

The Cologne Cathedral is located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is constructed of different types of rock, including Schlaitdorf sandstone, which is constantly being renewed due to weathering. The cathedral is a Gothic structure with typical features such as flying buttresses and spitting gargoyles.

The cathedral houses important pieces of Biblical artwork, including the Shrine of the Three Wise Men, which is believed to be the largest reliquary in the Western world. This shrine is encased in a gold gilt case and can be found behind the High Altar. The cathedral also boasts the largest swinging bell in the world, the Saint Peter bell, which weighs 24 tonnes and is located in the South Tower.

The Cologne Cathedral has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century when Archbishop Rainald von Dassel brought back relics from his travels in Italy. Construction of the cathedral began in 1248, but it was not completed until 1880, spanning seven centuries. The site has been a place of Christian worship since the 4th century, with a Christian church on the site since the 9th century.

The cathedral is free to visit and is open daily. However, there is a small fee to climb the tower, which offers one of the best views of Cologne. Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the morning and mid-week to avoid the crowds, as the cathedral welcomes around 20,000 visitors per day.

The entrance to the tower is outside the main cathedral

The entrance to the tower of Cologne Cathedral is outside the main cathedral. It is accessible from the southern tower, which is the only one visitors can climb. To find it, face the main portal of the cathedral and turn to your right. Walk towards Roncalliplatz and, after a few metres, you will see a flight of steps beside the south tower leading downwards. These steps will be marked 'Dom-Turm / Parkhaus / Toiletten' ('cathedral tower/car park/toilets'). The entrance to the tower is at the bottom of these steps.

The entrance fee to climb the tower is €6 for adults. Children, schoolchildren, students, and persons with special needs pay a reduced entry fee of €3. Families can buy a family ticket for €12. Combi tickets, which give visitors access to both the tower and the Cathedral Treasury, cost €10 for adults. The reduced rate is €5, and family tickets are €20.

The tower is open to the public from 9 am to between 4 pm and 6 pm, depending on the time of year. It is closed on Women's Carnival Day, Carnival Saturday, Carnival Sunday, Rose Monday, 11 November, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Last admission to the tower is half an hour before closing.

The tower features a spiral staircase and a metal staircase. There are 533 steps to the viewing platform, which is about 100 metres above ground. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes to climb to the top, depending on how fast you can climb the steps and how long you want to stay at the top.

The Cologne Dome is Germany's most visited landmark

The Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is Germany's most visited landmark, attracting an average of 6 million people per year. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.

A Brief History

The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but was halted around 1560 and left unfinished. Attempts to complete the construction began around 1814, but the project was not properly funded until the 1840s. The edifice was finally completed according to its original medieval plan in 1880, making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world.

The Shrine of the Three Wise Men

The true highlight of the cathedral is the Shrine of the Three Wise Men, which is believed to be the largest reliquary in the Western world. The relics were brought back from the conquered City of Milan by Frederick Barbarossa and given to the Archbishop of Cologne, Rainald von Dassel, in 1164. Now encased in a gold gilt case conceived by Nicholas of Verdun and completed in the 1220s, the shrine is located behind the High Altar of the cathedral.

The Medieval Windows

The medieval windows of the Cologne Cathedral were removed before the Allied air raids of 1944, so the stunning stained glass survives to this day. Some of the glass dates back to the 14th century and can be dated thanks to the appearance of various coats of arms. One of the Biblical-themed stained glass windows is one of the oldest in Europe.

The View from the Top

Visitors can climb 533 steps to the top of the southern tower and be rewarded with one of the best views of Cologne. The platform offers a scenic view over the Rhine and is about 100 metres above the ground. However, the climb is not for the faint of heart, as the stone spiral staircase is narrow and can be challenging when passing other visitors.

The southern tower is 7 cm taller than the northern one

The Cologne Cathedral, officially known as the Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus, is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. It is located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The cathedral boasts an impressive height of 157 metres (515 feet), making it the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest church in Europe. The construction of this magnificent structure began in 1248 but was halted around 1560, leaving it unfinished for several centuries. It wasn't until the 19th century that romantic enthusiasm for the Middle Ages, along with more modern technologies, led to the completion of the cathedral from 1842 to 1880.

Now, let's focus on the topic at hand: "The southern tower is 7 cm taller than the northern one." Indeed, the northern tower stands at a height of 157.38 metres (516.3 feet), while the southern tower reaches 157 metres (515 feet). This difference of 7 centimetres may seem insignificant, but it adds to the impressive stature of the cathedral.

The towers of the Cologne Cathedral are not just about height; they also offer a challenging climb for those seeking a panoramic view of the city. Visitors can embark on a strenuous journey up the southern tower, ascending 533 stone steps to reach a viewing platform situated about 100 metres above the ground. This climb is not for the faint of heart, as it involves a narrow spiral staircase and the absence of an elevator. However, those who brave the ascent are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Cologne and the Rhine River.

In conclusion, the southern tower of the Cologne Cathedral, standing 7 centimetres taller than its northern counterpart, showcases the grandeur and architectural brilliance of this iconic landmark. The ability to climb the southern tower and witness the surrounding cityscape from above adds to the allure and significance of this magnificent structure.

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