Admission to Cologne Cathedral in Germany—a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by nearly 6 million tourists each year—is now 12 euros per person, effective today. However, those visiting the cathedral for worship will not be required to pay the fee.
Located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany, the cathedral has officially implemented the new tourist charge. The UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts nearly 6 million visitors annually.
Free for worshippers
According to the decision, visitors coming to the cathedral for worship will not be charged an admission fee. Those attending services, praying, or lighting candles will be able to access the cathedral through a different entrance rather than the west gate used by tourists.
While entry and visits to most churches in Germany are free, some structures, such as Berlin Cathedral, offer an annual pass for 15 euros.
Cologne Cathedral’s annual maintenance costs amount to 16 million euros
In a recent statement, the church administration announced that the new fee for the 157-meter-tall cathedral will cover maintenance, security, and daily operating costs. The church administration reported that the annual maintenance cost for Cologne Cathedral amounts to 16 million euros, while its daily operating cost is 44,000 euros.
