Fulda Cathedral

Fulda Cathedral (Fuldaer Dom) is a baroque cathedral in the center of Fulda in Hesse, and the burial place of Saint Boniface, the "Apostle of the Germans". With its two tall west towers, white stucco interior and the crypt where pilgrims have prayed for centuries, it is the top thing to do in Fulda. A small cathedral museum stands right next to it.

Where it is and how to get there

Fulda lies in eastern Hesse, on the high-speed ICE line between Frankfurt and Kassel, roughly an hour by train from Frankfurt. From the station it is about a 15-minute walk into the old town and to the cathedral square (Domplatz). If you drive, use one of the parking garages at the edge of the old town; we could not confirm prices, so check on site.

Why it is worth a visit

The cathedral was built between 1704 and 1712 under Prince-Abbot Adalbert von Schleifras, to plans by Johann Dientzenhofer. It replaced the medieval Ratgar Basilica, once the largest church north of the Alps. Fulda abbey was a major center in early medieval Germany because Boniface, who died in 754, was buried here. The church became the seat of the diocese in 1752. In 1980 Pope John Paul II prayed at the saint's tomb.

What to see

• Facade and towers: the two west towers are about 65 m (213 ft) tall, and the dome over the crossing is visible from far away.
• Interior: white walls with black and gold accents, stucco apostles by Giovanni Battista Artari and dome frescoes by Luca Antonio Colomba.
• Boniface crypt: the tomb of Saint Boniface lies in the crypt, the goal of the annual pilgrimage. Sturmius, the first abbot of Fulda, is also buried in the cathedral.
• Cathedral Museum (Dommuseum): medieval sculpture, baroque liturgical objects and parts of the Silver Altar, reached through the garden of the Domdechanei.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

The Dommuseum is open April to October Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m., Sundays and holidays 12:30 to 5 p.m. From November the closing time is 4 p.m. Admission is 5 euros for adults, 4 euros reduced and 3 euros for pupils and students. The diocese does not publish opening hours for the cathedral on the pages we checked, and it is an active church with services, so check ahead. Guided tours of the museum can be arranged by phone.

Tips for visitors

Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the cathedral and about 90 minutes if you add the museum. Dress modestly and be quiet during services. We could not verify accessibility information for the crypt, so ask the diocese in advance if you need step-free access.

Nearby

Next to the cathedral stands St. Michael's Church, regarded as the oldest copy of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in Germany. The baroque City Palace of the prince-abbots is a short walk away.