Limburg Cathedral

Limburg Cathedral (Limburger Dom) in Limburg an der Lahn, Hesse, is one of Germany's most photogenic churches: seven towers and a white-and-red painted facade rise from a limestone cliff above the Lahn River. Consecrated in 1235, the Cathedral of St. George blends Romanesque and early Gothic design, and Germans of a certain age remember it from the old 1,000 Deutsche Mark bill. It is an easy, rewarding stop between Frankfurt and Cologne.

Why it matters

A community of canons was established on the rock by 910, and the present church went up from the late 12th century, a textbook example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. It became a cathedral when the Diocese of Limburg was founded in 1827. The bold colors were restored in 1968 to 1972, based on traces found on the walls. With seven towers, it has more than any other church in Germany. Inside, much of the medieval painted plaster survives, along with the tomb of Count Konrad Kurzbold, the founder.

Opening hours and tours

Entry is free. The cathedral is open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to March. Public German-language tours (about one hour, 3 EUR, free for under-16s) run Tuesday to Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m., and Sunday at noon. If you would like a tour in English, the cathedral asks you to register in advance. All details as of October 2026.

Renovation: roof and facade work began in August 2026 and is expected to last about four years. The church stays open, but scaffolding will cover parts of the exterior, starting with the west front.

How to get to Limburg

Limburg sits on the high-speed ICE line between Frankfurt and Cologne, and the Limburg Süd station is only a short ICE ride from Frankfurt Airport. For the old town, the regional Limburg (Lahn) station is more convenient; from there it is an uphill walk through half-timbered lanes. Regional trains are covered by the Deutschlandticket, ICE trains are not. Drivers should use the parking garages at the edge of the old town.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. Combine the cathedral with the old town and the medieval Lahn bridge for a half-day trip. Prices in Limburg are in euros, and card payment is not guaranteed for tour fees, so carry some cash.

Nearby

• Diocesan Museum and Cathedral Treasury, home to the Byzantine Limburg Staurotheke
• Limburg Castle next to the cathedral
• Old Lahn Bridge from the 14th century, the classic photo spot