Regensburg Cathedral

Regensburg Cathedral (Dom St. Peter) is the finest Gothic church in Bavaria and the centerpiece of Regensburg's UNESCO-listed Old Town on the Danube. Its twin spires rise 105 m above the medieval rooftops, and inside you will find one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass in the German-speaking world. In 2026 the cathedral celebrates 750 years of its Gothic building, and admission is free.

Where it is and how to get there

Regensburg lies in eastern Bavaria, about 1.5 hours by train from Munich and roughly an hour from Nuremberg, which makes it an easy day trip. Regional trains are covered by the Deutschlandticket. From the main station, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk through the Old Town to the cathedral square. If you drive, park in a garage on the edge of the Old Town, since the historic center is largely car-free.

A short history

After fires destroyed the earlier Romanesque cathedral in 1272 and 1273, work on a new Gothic church began around 1275, inspired by French cathedrals. Building dragged on for centuries. The famous openwork spires were only added between 1859 and 1869, and the cathedral was declared complete in 1872, almost 600 years after work began. A small Romanesque tower, the Eselsturm, survives from the older church. A dedicated state workshop has looked after the building since 1923, which is why you will usually see scaffolding somewhere.

What to see

• Stained glass: medieval windows that fill the nave with colored light, best on sunny mornings.
• The smiling angel: an Annunciation group carved around 1280, in which the angel Gabriel smiles at Mary.
• The "swallow's nest" organ: a Rieger organ from 2009 that hangs freely in the north transept, described as the largest free-hanging organ in the world.
• The cloister and All Saints' Chapel: accessible only on a guided tour.
• Cathedral Treasury Museum: sacred treasures from many centuries.
• Regensburg Cathedral Boys' Choir: the Domspatzen, one of the world's most famous boys' choirs, are based here.

Opening hours and tours

The cathedral opens daily at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. from November to March, 6 p.m. in April, May and October, and 7 p.m. from June to September. Entry is free, but sightseeing is not possible during services (as of October 2026).

Guided tours start at the DOMPLATZ 5 visitor center opposite the cathedral and are mostly in German. Weekday tours at 12:30 p.m. cost €8, and the daily 2:30 p.m. tour including the cloister (May to October, about 75 minutes) costs €10. Children up to 16 go free, and no booking is needed. Contact the center for tours in English.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. Even a short visit gives you one of the most impressive Gothic interiors in Germany, free of charge. Combine it with the Stone Bridge and a walk through the Old Town for a perfect half-day. In the anniversary year 2026, look out for extra concerts and exhibitions.

Nearby

• Stone Bridge: a 12th-century bridge across the Danube, a few minutes' walk away.
• Old Town Hall: home of the Perpetual Imperial Diet of the Holy Roman Empire.
• St. Emmeram's Palace: the residence of the Thurn und Taxis princes.
• Walhalla: King Ludwig I's hall of fame above the Danube, about 10 km east.