Germany is actually so many things in itself-from the solid cultural richness, magnificent architectural designs, and truly iconic. The best example to talk about it is Cologne Cathedral or Kölner Dom in German. It’s one of the most wanted sights by millions of tourists that come to visit this place every year coming from all corners of the globe.
With every and each addition of a piece to the Visit Every Corner, we hope to give you complete travel guides. Be it a need for a break a little while from your life or discovering some other cultures, we hope to offer you just that which you’ll need and desire to turn that trip into that unforgettable experience in a lifetime. Our guides hide some secrets as well as that must-have information regarding those world-famous places that are believed to make it a lifetime experience in traveling.
You’ll be impressed by how much beauty Germany can provide with its grandiose buildings, like the Cologne Cathedral. Learn everything about visiting this impressive cathedral-from its history, what to see there, and how to visit properly-from our article.
Cologne Cathedral Germany- Interesting Facts
First of all, some facts about visiting Cologne Cathedral Germany that have to be known why this monument stands out. Sited in the heart of Cologne, it is one of the biggest cathedrals in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1. Incredible Height
Cologne Cathedral Germany: Its spires reach 157 meters into the sky. When Cologne Cathedral spires were built, it was the tallest building ever constructed in the world. The cathedral is one of the biggest architectural achievements globally in the 13th century.
2. Long History of Construction
It took more than six hundred years to build the cathedral, from 1248 to 1880. That must speak of human tenacity of will. There were always setbacks, the Black Death among them, and various wars.
3. Stained Glass Windows
In these premises, the toweringly beautiful cathedral contains some windows from the 14th century, which cast kaleidoscope light on colored walls and decorate biblical scenes into them. Colorful lightings on the insides of such buildings add beauty to the already beautiful spiritual essence.
4. Shrine of Three Kings
Inside the cathedral lie housed the shrine of the three kings who are said to carry with them the remains of the Three Wise Men. This is one of the great relics in the history of Christianity, hence attracting a huge crowd of pilgrims and visitors to the shrine.
Recommended Tours Cologne Cathedral Germany:
Now that we have covered a little about Cologne Cathedral Germany, let’s jump into some of the best tips to help you get the most out of your visit.
1. Plan a trip before early in the day
Cologne Cathedral is one of the most visited attractions in Germany, which makes it very crowded. In order not to be surrounded by too many people and really to enjoy your time spent here, it is rather highly recommended that you visit the place early in the morning. This would enable you to appreciate the serenity of the cathedral as well as some of the views around.
2. Guided Tour
Going solo in the cathedral is enough but if one wanted to get it in depth, going with a tour would best fit the desire to understand history and architectural wonder, most satisfying of all. One can discover some of the finest details an inattentive traveler might just pass by while going with the stories on why the structures came into existence.
There are a few languages spoken and the tours only last an hour or so. You can also get a tour that would allow you to traverse through the South Tower and gain panoramic views of the city.
3. Panoramic View from South Tower
One of the finest views to experience is Cologne Cathedral in Germany’s majesty when viewed from above. For a few bucks, walk up 533 steps; that is an expense indeed worth paying for. Climbing it wasn’t easy but breathtaking at the top. One could view the entire city down there. Of course, from here, that beautiful Rhine River would present excellent scenery in itself.
The tower also gives you the chance to get a great view of the cathedral itself so you can view those little details from the spires and statues. Do not forget your camera to take some fantastic shots of the views.
4. Crypt and Other Secret Treasures
Most visitors view the huge nave of the cathedral, but some precious jewels are in situ to be found. The crypt is for old archbishops and some small chapels. It is kind of quiet and serene because a man would think of all history regarding the site.
Other less visited attractions of the cathedral are the treasury. They house sacred relics, artifacts with significant faiths, and manuscripts that are extremely old. This collection gives visitors more of an understanding of how the cathedral plays a role in Christianity history.
5. Attend Mass While Visiting
Such immersion can be achieved by visiting the cathedral at one of the daily masses conducted in Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral holds its services, including evening mass, and has special liturgies on Sundays and holidays. Mass is an ideal way to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the cathedral while listening to the organ music reverberate within the beautiful structure.
Even if you’re not religious, attending a mass at the cathedral is a beautiful and moving experience.
6. Don’t Miss the Roman-Germanic Museum Nearby
If the time has become free, after the visit to the cathedral, you should definitely visit the Roman-Germanic Museum. There you can see an incredible collection of relics of the Roman epoch of Cologne: mosaics, statues and even utensils which were used by old city dwellers in their everyday life. All these will give you a very important historical background for your visit to Cologne Cathedral Germany.
7. Observe the Weather
The weather of Cologne may surprise you, and hence, take a little review of the current weather condition just before heading off. For visiting the South Tower, ensure cool temperatures, since it would have strong winds there even on hot summer days, and carry comfort shoes with you as you can get really tiring to climb.
8. Leverage from the location
The cathedral might be of a huge benefit to enable you to access all there is in the horizon around it at your advantage.
The Cologne Cathedral is rather central. Therefore traveling to other attractions and site might be less inconvenient. Old Town and the Ludwig Museum, to name just two attractions can easily be accessed by walking because Köln Hauptbahnhof the train station lies across the square facing the cathedral.
From shopping to dining or culture, whatever you want there is always an activity around the cathedral. While visiting the cathedral, do not forget to stay in the active city of Cologne for some days.
9. Photography Tips
It is a photographer’s dream because the cathedral presents great grandeur, but here are a few tips to get you through taking some of its beauty. Lighting inside usually is dim so you may want to set it a little higher on the ISO scale. Try getting some shots with the stained glass windows, and that is purely a work of art.
Probably the best shot of the cathedral outside is when it is going to set, meaning the golden hour. Soft light during this hour throws a beautiful glow on the facade of the cathedral.
10. Entrance Fee and Hours of Operation
Free Admission
The Cologne Cathedral, Germany, is free to visit. However, a fee will be paid if one person plans to view the South Tower or an auditorium and also tour a guided tour. It opens from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Mass times vary.
Surcharge
Extra would be charged if one wanted to go to the treasury or the crypt. Check the cathedral’s website for more updated information on the operating hours and charge.
Conclusion: Why You Must Visit
Cologne Cathedral Germany is one of the loveliest and intimidating structures in Europe. The Gothic architecture, history, and the spiritual atmosphere offer Cologne Cathedral as a destination that travelers cannot miss once they visit Germany.
It could be an immense interest in history or architecture or maybe just a view of one of the world’s most spectacular cathedrals; Cologne Cathedral is no letdown. Every one of these tips and recommendations used within this guide helps ensure that every minute of time spent exploring the location leaves people with memories as they leave so as not to leave the site but take with them greater respect for the place.
At Visit Every Corner, we consider travel’s point of view that is not to see places but to witness everything firsthand, therefore take your luggage to Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
