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Frauenkirche Munich: All information about the cathedral, towers and ascent

The view of the Maria cathedral towers of Munich Cathedral 360 degree view of Munich from the towers of the Frauenkirche Visit Munich Cathedral and climb its towers

Munich's Cathedral of Our Lady, colloquially known as the Frauenkirche, is undoubtedly one of Munich's most famous landmarks. With its imposing architecture and majestic twin towers, it towers high above Munich's city center. The south tower of Munich Cathedral reaches an impressive height of 98.45 meters, towering over all other buildings in the area.

With the Munich City Pass you get free admission and with the Munich Card you get a 20% discount on the ticket price for the tower ascent at Munich Cathedral.

Legends, architecture and interior design of Munich Cathedral

Frauenkirche Munich and the Legend of the Devil

A well-known legend surrounding Frauenkirche revolves around its master builder, Jörg von Halspach, who allegedly made a pact with the devil to enable the church's construction. The legend states that von Halsbach made a contract with the devil, stipulating that he could build the church without windows. The devil worked throughout the night, and when the church was completed in the morning, the windows were indeed missing. 

However, there is a twist in the Frauenkirche's history. Von Halsbach had employed a clever trick to outsmart the devil. He designed the columns of the church in such a way that they obstructed the sightline of the windows when inside the church. Therefore, while the windows are indeed present, they are not visible from the inside.

Towers of Frauenkirche Munich: The City's Landmark

The history of the Frauenkirche dates back to the 15th century, when it was built. Since then, it has not only served as a religious site, but has also become an important meeting place for believers to gather for worship. But the Frauenkirche is not just a place of prayer; it is also a symbol of Munich and synonymous with the city itself.

The two characteristic towers of the Frauenkirche are known worldwide and are considered a characteristic feature of the Munich skyline. Following a comprehensive renovation in 2022, the south tower is once again open to guests, who have the opportunity to scale its heights and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Munich and the surrounding area. On a clear day, the view even extends as far as our majestic Alps towering in the distance.

The ascent to the tower room of the South Tower is an unforgettable experience that offers the opportunity to admire the beauty and splendor of the city from a unique perspective. With 360-degree panoramic views, the whole of Munich can be seen from a bird's eye perspective and the historical and modern sights can be admired in equal measure.

Inside the Frauenkirche (Women's Church)

The interior of the Frauenkirche in Munich captivates with its simple elegance and late Gothic architecture. The nave stretches over a considerable length, accommodating numerous worshippers during religious services. In the chapels dedicated to various saints, visitors can pray and hold devotions. One of the standout features inside is the magnificent tomb of Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria and his wife Renata of Lorraine, a masterpiece of Renaissance art.

Although legend has it that the Frauenkirche has no windows, they do exist, albeit not visible from the inside due to the architecture. These windows are often adorned with intricate stained glass artwork. The church also houses an impressive organ used for musical performances and religious services.The interior of the Frauenkirche is not just a place of prayer but also a significant historical and cultural site. Its understated beauty and impressive architecture make the interior of the Frauenkirche a captivating place that draws visitors from all over the world.

 

Tower Ascent: Highest Viewing Point in the Old Town

  • 360 degree panoramic view: When you climb the tower, a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Munich and the surrounding area awaits you. From up here, you can admire the city in all its glory.
  • Highest vantage point: With a total of 89 steps and an elevator, you can reach the closed Turmstube, which is the highest vantage point in Munich's city center.
  • Touch screens for orientation: Touch screens are available for better orientation. You can use them to find out more about the various sights and buildings that you can see from the windows.
  • View as far as the Alps: In good weather, the view from the tower of the Frauenkirche extends as far as the majestic Alps.
  • Protection from wind and weather: You are protected from the wind and weather in the closed tower room. So you can enjoy the view of Munich and the surrounding area in peace and comfort, regardless of the weather conditions.

 

Opening Hours of the Munich Dome

Monday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm; last ascent at 4:30 pm

Sunday/Holidays: 11:30 am to 5 pm; last ascent at 4:30 pm

December 24: closed from 2 p.m.

December 31: closed from 4 p.m.

New Year: closed

Good Friday: closed

 

Reservation for the Ascent in Munich's Frauenkirche

For your tower ascent in Munich's Frauenkirche, the following regular prices apply:

Adults: €7.50
Children/Youth (6-16 years): €5.50

The Munich City Pass gives you free admission to the south tower of Munich Cathedral.

If you have the München Card, you will receive a generous 20% discount on the ticket for the tower ascent.

You don't need to make a reservation in advance. Instead, you can simply come to the Domshop and purchase your ticket for the tower ascent on the spot. This makes it flexible and convenient for visitors who want to visit the Frauenkirche. Enjoy your visit and the panoramic view over Munich!

By the way, visiting the cathedral is free of charge outside of religious services and is open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.      

 

Special Usage Conditions

  • No visits during church services: It is not permitted to visit the towers during ongoing church services. Please check the current service times on the official website at muenchner-dom.de to plan your visit accordingly.
  • One-way traffic on the spiral staircase: One-way traffic applies on the spiral staircase in the tower. Please pay attention to the signs and follow the specified route to ensure a smooth ascent and descent.
  • Limited total number of visitors: Due to the structural conditions, the total number of visitors is limited to 60 people at a time. This is for the safety and comfort of visitors.
  • Admission in small groups: Admission takes place in small groups of a maximum of 20 people. This allows for an orderly and pleasant tour of the towers.
  • Possible closure of the South Tower: Due to special events such as unplanned church services, the South Tower may be temporarily closed. Please understand that such unforeseen circumstances may affect the tour.

 

 

Getting to Frauenkirche Munich

Frauenkirche in Munich is easily accessible by public transportation. Here are the main ways to get there:

By S-Bahn or U-Bahn U3/U6: You can use the S-Bahn or the U-Bahn lines U3 and U6 to reach Marienplatz. Marienplatz is one of the central transportation hubs in Munich.

By U-Bahn U4/U5: Another option is to use the U-Bahn lines U4 or U5 to reach Odeonsplatz. This station is close to Frauenkirche and provides convenient access.

By Tram: Tram lines can take you to Theatinerstraße, which is also near Frauenkirche.From all of these mentioned stops, it's only a short walk of about 300 meters to reach Frauenkirche Munich. Simply follow the signs or use a map app to ensure you find the correct way.

 

Adress of Munich Dome

Adress:
Munich Cathedral (Münchner Dom)Domshop and South TowerFrauenplatz 180331 Munich

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