Cologne Cathedral's €12 tourist fee covers half of daily operating costs

Since 1 July, tourists have been charged a €12 entry fee to visit the Cologne Cathedral. The Dom Chapter reports that this fee now covers roughly half of the monument’s daily operating and maintenance costs, estimated at about €44,000 per day. Worship services and access to the prayer area remain free. The chapter plans to publish a detailed assessment of visitor numbers, revenues and trends in early 2027, noting that early figures are positive and that the introduction of the fee has proceeded smoothly without long queues or disruption.

The revenue model aims to sustain the historic building while preserving free access for religious activities.