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View From Cologne’s Cathedral, Love Lock Bridge & Koln Triangle Review

I only went to Cologne’s Cathedral for the Christmas Market, but ended up spending a lot of time taking photos of it.

Cologne Cathedral

I’ve visited several cathedrals in Europe; St.Paul’s, Duomo, Berliner Dom, Basilica San Marco, Domkirche St. Stephan, Notre Dame.

And I’m always stunned by the architecture, the detail and wonder how they built these huge structures hundreds of years ago.

Inside, this stained glass window is one the most beautiful I’ve seen.

I also recommend climbing to the top of Cologne Cathedral for the views.


History of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) is one of Europe’s most iconic Gothic churches and Germany’s most visited landmark. Construction began in 1248 to house the relics of the Three Wise Men, brought to Cologne from Milan in 1164. The cathedral was designed to rival the great churches of France, with soaring spires and intricate stonework. Work halted in the 16th century, leaving it unfinished for nearly 400 years. It was finally completed in 1880, following the original medieval plans.

At 157 metres tall, it’s the tallest twin-spired church in the world and has the largest façade of any church. Despite being hit by bombs during World War II, the cathedral survived and became a symbol of resilience. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Today, Cologne Cathedral remains a place of worship, pilgrimage, and architectural wonder, drawing millions of visitors each year.


10 Interesting Facts About Cologne Cathedral

  1. Construction took 632 years, from 1248 to 1880.
  2. It houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, said to contain the bones of the Magi.
  3. The cathedral was the tallest building in the world from 1880 to 1884.
  4. It was hit by 14 bombs during WWII but remained standing.
  5. The Gerhard Richter Window contains 11,263 coloured glass squares.
  6. The cathedral has 11 bells, including the 24-ton St. Peter’s Bell.
  7. The choir has 104 carved oak seats and medieval frescoes.
  8. The cathedral’s façade is the largest of any church in the world.
  9. It attracts over 6 million visitors annually.
  10. The Gero Crucifix, dating to the 10th century, is one of the oldest in Europe.

Things to See and Do at Cologne Cathedral

  • Tour the Interior
    Admire the soaring nave, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. Highlights include the High Altar, Gero Crucifix, and medieval choir stalls.
  • Visit the Shrine of the Three Kings
    This ornate gold reliquary is the cathedral’s centrepiece, believed to hold the remains of the Magi. It’s a major pilgrimage site and a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship.
  • Climb the South Tower
    Ascend 533 steps to reach the observation deck, offering panoramic views of Cologne and the Rhine. It’s a steep climb, but the views are worth it.
  • See the Gerhard Richter Window
    Installed in 2007, this modern stained glass window adds a burst of colour and abstraction to the Gothic setting. It’s made of thousands of coloured squares.
  • Explore the Cathedral Treasury
    View religious relics, gold and silver artefacts, and medieval artworks in the Schatzkammer. Entry requires a separate ticket.
  • Attend a Mass or Concert
    Experience the cathedral’s acoustics during a service or musical performance. The atmosphere is reverent and moving.
  • Join a Guided Tour
    Learn about the cathedral’s history, architecture, and symbolism from expert guides. Tours are available in multiple languages.
  • Browse the Gift Shop
    Pick up souvenirs, books, and cathedral-themed items. The shop is located near the tower entrance.
  • Relax in the Cathedral Square
    Enjoy street performances, cafés, and views of the cathedral’s façade. It’s a lively spot for people-watching.
  • Visit Nearby Attractions
    Combine your visit with Museum Ludwig, the Roman-Germanic Museum, or a walk across the Love Lock Bridge.

Practical Information For Visiting Cologne Cathedral

  • Location: Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne, Germany
  • Opening times: Daily 6:00 am – 8:00 pm; tourist access typically 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Mon–Sat), 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Sun)
  • Entry: Free; tower climb €6, treasury €6, combo ticket €9
  • Parking: Paid parking nearby; public transport recommended
  • Accessibility: Ground floor accessible; tower via stairs only
  • Dogs: Assistance dogs only
  • Food: Cafés and restaurants nearby; no café on site
  • Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
  • Nearby: Museum Ludwig, Hohenzollern Bridge, Old Town, Chocolate Museum

Another surprise as I walked to Koln Triangle an observation tower with great views over the Rhine and Cologne.

Love Lock Bridge in Cologne

How many love locks are in this photo alone?

Multiple that by this photo…

Atlas Obscura estimate 40,000 love locks are on Cologne’s Hohenzollern Bridge (not sure how they got that figure, but I can confirm there were a lot of love locks).

You can see how tightly packed the love locks are.

The View From Koln Triangle

And Koln Triangle is worth visiting too. It only costs €5 for an adult ticket for panoramic views 339 ft up.


History of Koln Triangle

KölnTriangle is a modern glass tower on the east bank of the Rhine, directly opposite Cologne Cathedral. Completed in 2006, it was designed by architects Gatermann + Schossig and built on a triangular footprint inspired by the Reuleaux triangle — a shape with constant width. Though primarily an office building, it’s best known for its public observation deck, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Cologne.

Standing 103 metres tall, the tower was part of a wave of urban development in the Deutz district. Its construction sparked debate over Cologne’s skyline, with UNESCO briefly listing the cathedral as endangered due to concerns about visual impact. Today, KölnTriangle is celebrated for its sustainable design, including geothermal heating and a double façade for energy efficiency. The rooftop platform is a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset, offering a full view of the cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the city beyond.


10 Interesting Facts About Koln Triangle

  1. The building’s footprint is shaped like a Reuleaux triangle — a curve of constant width.
  2. The observation deck sits at 103 metres and offers 360-degree views of Cologne.
  3. The tower was completed in 2006 and won awards for sustainable architecture.
  4. It was once known as the LVR Tower due to its original owner, the Rheinische Versorgungskassen.
  5. The viewing platform is fully glassed in for safety and comfort.
  6. Orientation panels on the windows point out key landmarks across the city.
  7. The tower was used in filming for the TV show Deutschland sucht den Superstar.
  8. UNESCO raised concerns about its impact on Cologne Cathedral’s skyline.
  9. The elevator reaches the 28th floor in seconds; the final ascent is by stairs.
  10. On clear days, you can see as far as Düsseldorf and the Siebengebirge hills.

Things to See and Do at Koln Triangle

  • Visit the Observation Deck
    Take the lift to the 28th floor and climb a short staircase to reach the rooftop platform. From here, enjoy sweeping views of Cologne Cathedral, the Rhine, and the Old Town. It’s especially popular at sunset.
  • Use the Orientation Panels
    Each window is marked with key landmarks, helping you identify museums, churches, bridges, and neighbourhoods across the city.
  • Take Photos of the Skyline
    The platform is a hotspot for photographers. The cathedral appears at eye level, and the glass enclosure allows for clear shots in all directions.
  • Explore the Architecture
    Note the building’s curved façade and energy-efficient features, including its brise soleil system that reduces glare without blocking views.
  • Dine at KölnSky Restaurant
    Located on the 27th floor, this restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling windows and seasonal menus. Reservations are recommended.
  • Enjoy the Riverside Walk
    After your visit, stroll along the Rhine promenade or cross the Hohenzollern Bridge back to the cathedral side.
  • Spot the Art Installations
    Look for the colourful stele sculpture and typographic mural by artist Rainer Gross near the entrance.
  • Attend Seasonal Events
    The tower occasionally hosts exhibitions, light displays, and rooftop events. Check listings for special openings.
  • Combine with a Visit to Deutz
    Explore the Deutz district’s cafés, parks, and historic sites, including the Rheinpark and Deutz Abbey.
  • Pair with a Cathedral Visit
    For a full skyline experience, visit the cathedral first, then cross the bridge to see it from above at KölnTriangle.

Practical Information For Visiting Koln Triangle

  • Location: Ottoplatz 1, 50679 Cologne, Germany
  • Opening times: Daily, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm; closed during storms or high winds
  • Entry: Adults €5, reduced €4; children under 12 free
  • Tickets: Purchase on site; cash only
  • Parking: Paid underground parking available; public transport recommended
  • Accessibility: Lift to 28th floor; final access via stairs only
  • Dogs: Assistance dogs only
  • Food: KölnSky Restaurant (27th floor); Mongo’s Restaurant on ground floor
  • Toilets: Available on site, including accessible facilities
  • Nearby: Hohenzollern Bridge, Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig, Rheinpark
  • Official website: Cologne Tourist Board – KölnTriangle