Cologne Cathedral to Charge Entry Fee for Tourists

Starting July 2, 2026, tourists visiting Cologne Cathedral will be required to pay a €12 entry fee. The charge applies only to visitors; access remains free for those attending religious services. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany's most visited landmarks, implemented the fee to help cover maintenance and operational costs. The decision follows similar moves at other European religious sites struggling with high visitor numbers and preservation expenses.