Cologne Cathedral hosts pilgrimage until 27 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 16:00 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Cologne Cathedral hosts the 20th Three Kings Pilgrimage from 23 to 27 September 2026 in Cologne, Germany. The cathedral, also called the Kölner Dom in German, is the setting for services and access to the Shrine of the Three Kings during the pilgrimage.
Three Kings Pilgrimage runs until 27 September
The Metropolitan Chapter of Cologne Cathedral announced the pilgrimage programme for 23 to 27 September 2026. The event brings pilgrims from Cologne, the Archdiocese of Cologne and further afield to the shrine associated with the relics of the Three Kings.
The pilgrimage opened on 23 September 2026 with a pontifical mass led by Berlin Archbishop Heiner Koch. The official programme also includes an ecumenical service on 25 September 2026, while the final day, 27 September 2026, concludes with a vespers service and a pilgrim mass. The official pilgrimage programme lists the dates and venue.
The pilgrimage has particular relevance for visitors because the shrine is not only a named part of the building but also the focus of the event. During the pilgrimage, visitors can approach the shrine in a way that is not part of an ordinary sightseeing visit, as reported by West German Broadcasting.
The shrine links a 2026 pilgrimage to Cologne history
Cologne Cathedral is a High Gothic five-aisled basilica with a 144.5-metre length, an 86.25-metre-wide projecting transept and a 157.22-metre-high tower facade. Construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880 after several stages, according to the UNESCO World Heritage description.
The cathedral became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Its scale and long construction history place the 2026 pilgrimage within a building shaped by more than seven centuries of religious and architectural development. The shrine gives that history a direct visitor focus during the five-day programme.
Free access changes the visit during the pilgrimage
Since 1 July 2026, tourist visits to the cathedral interior normally require a ticket. For the Three Kings Pilgrimage, however, tourist admission is free from 24 to 27 September 2026 outside church services, according to West German Broadcasting. The opening day, 23 September 2026, is governed by the pilgrimage services and does not carry the same general access arrangement.
Visitors should therefore distinguish between the pilgrimage programme and ordinary sightseeing. Church services take priority, and the cathedral administration warns that access can be restricted during services, construction work or special events. The north transept remains the prayer entrance outside services, while the main tourist areas are subject to the current visitor arrangements.
Visiting Cologne Cathedral: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Three Kings Pilgrimage runs at Cologne Cathedral from 23 to 27 September 2026. Its closing day is 27 September 2026.
- Tourist admission is free from 24 to 27 September 2026 outside church services. The shrine and other areas may be affected by services during the pilgrimage.
- The cathedral stands at Domkloster 4 in central Cologne, beside Cologne Central Station. Cologne Hauptbahnhof is the confirmed rail reference for reaching the site.
- The South Tower viewing platform requires 533 steps and has no lift. The tower rises to about 100 metres above ground level.
- German is the official language and the currency in Germany is the euro.
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Frequently asked questions about Cologne Cathedral
When does the Three Kings Pilgrimage take place at Cologne Cathedral?
The 20th Three Kings Pilgrimage takes place from 23 to 27 September 2026. It ends on 27 September 2026 with final religious services.
Is admission free at Cologne Cathedral during the pilgrimage?
Tourist admission is free from 24 to 27 September 2026 outside church services. The arrangement is linked to the pilgrimage programme.
Where is Cologne Cathedral and how do you get there?
Cologne Cathedral is at Domkloster 4 in central Cologne, beside Cologne Central Station. The station provides the main rail connection for visitors arriving in the city.
