Münster Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral in Münster (St.-Paulus-Dom) is the seat of the Diocese of Münster and, together with the historic town hall, the defining landmark of this university city in Westphalia. Its twin Romanesque towers, Gothic interior and a famous 16th-century astronomical clock make it one of the top things to do in Münster, and admission is free.

Where it is and how to get there

Münster lies in northwestern Germany, roughly 60 km north of Dortmund and under two hours by train from Cologne. Regional trains are covered by the Deutschlandticket. From Münster Hauptbahnhof it is about a 15-minute walk to the cathedral square (Domplatz), or a short bus ride. The old town is compact and best explored on foot or, like the locals, by bike.

History in brief

The cathedral's story begins with Liudger, who became Münster's first bishop in 805. Today's building was begun in 1225 and consecrated in 1264, while its two Romanesque west towers date to around 1192. An air raid on October 10, 1943 caused heavy damage, and the rebuilt cathedral reopened in 1956. Inside lies Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, the "Lion of Münster," who publicly denounced the Nazi euthanasia program.

What to see

• The astronomical clock: built 1540–1542 and about 7.8 meters tall, it tracks moon phases and planetary positions. Its glockenspiel with the Three Kings plays Monday to Saturday at noon and at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
• The Paradise porch: the main south entrance lined with Gothic apostle figures.
• St. Christopher: a giant 1627 statue on a pillar near the choir.
• The cloister: a quiet corner with the canons' cemetery.

Opening hours and tours

The cathedral is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with free entry (as of October 2026). One-hour public tours run on Saturdays in German for €3. The cathedral treasury is now shown in the new PAULUS Museum nearby, open Monday to Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. with free admission. Barrier-free access is via the clock portal, which has automatic doors.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. Time your visit for the midday glockenspiel and combine it with Münster's Wednesday or Saturday farmers' market on the cathedral square. Allow 30 to 60 minutes. Münster makes a relaxed day trip from Cologne or Dortmund.

Nearby

• Prinzipalmarkt and Historic Town Hall: home to the Hall of Peace, where part of the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648.
• St. Lambert's Church: famous for the iron cages hanging from its tower.
• LWL Museum of Art and Culture: right on the cathedral square.
• Münster Palace: the Baroque palace now used by the university, with a botanical garden.