Aachen Cathedral

A World Cultural Heritage Site in the centre of the old city

Located in the heart of the old city, Aachen Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Aachen. Its architecture and features still highlight the significance and imposing nature of the building, which was completed at the end of the 8th century at the request of Emperor Charlemagne. Its magnificent interior is in full view as soon as you enter. Here, history really does come alive.

To the virtual cathedral sightseeing flight

Aachener Dom bei Abenddämmerung / Blick vom Katschhof — © davis / fotolia.comDuring the evening in particular, it’s worth visiting the Katschhof with its wonderful view of the illuminated cathedral.

Kleiner Münsterplatz Aachen — © B. Schröder / atsThe Münsterplatz square from above - a view from the roof of Aachener Dom.

Aachener Dom / Blick vom Katschhof — © B. Schröder / ats

Aachener Dom im Winter / Blick vom Katschhof — © A. Steindl / atsAlso a beautiful sight in the winter - Aachener Dom covered in snow.

Domblick durch das Aachen Fenster — © A. Herrmann / atsA view past the “Aachener Fenster” onto the cathedral.

Karlsthron im Aachener Dom — © A. Herrmann / atsEmperor Charlemagne’s throne in Aachener Dom.

Kuppelmosaik im Aachener Dom — © atsCeiling mosaic in Aachener Dom.

Visit Aachen Cathedral

April to December daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
January to March daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The cathedral is closed to tourists during services. This also applies to special services and concerts – short-term closure is possible!

Normal visiting times are weekdays from 11 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m..

If you would like to take part in a guided tour, contact the Dominformation, which is the meeting and starting point for cathedral and cathedral treasury tours. The information office also provides information about the cathedral and its history, as well as souvenirs.

Wheelchair users only have limited access to the cathedral. There is a mobile and transportable platform available for wheelchairs up to 300 kilograms. Electric wheelchairs (>300 kg) are unfortunately not allowed for security purposes. The barrier-free entrance is located at the side entrance at the Katschof. Please ring the bell first at the entrance of the Dom. The upper floor is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users and/or people with mobility problems.

Guided tours & more

Interesting facts that you might not yet know.

is the number of meters of the cathedral height.

Kings were crowned in the cathedral.

The number of mosaic stones used.

The surface area of the windows in the choir.

Aachener Domschatkammer Karlsbüste — © ThomasWolter / pixabay.com

The Aachen Cathedral treasury

The treasury is considered one of the most important of its kind north of the Alps. Its collection includes numerous sacred gold and silver items such as chalices, reliquaries and alterpieces.
Admire objects from late antiquity displayed in a space of around 600m², as well as items from the Carolingian, Ottonian, Staufian and Gothic periods. They testify to the long tradition and history of the church as the burial place of Emperor Charlemagne, and as a church where kings were crowned and which is a place of pilgrimage.

Tickets for guided tours of the treasury and entrance tickets to the cathedral treasury are available at the Dominformation opposite the main entrance to Aachen Cathedral.

more