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

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.

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 Frauenkirche dates back to the 15th century when it was built. Since then, it has not only served as a religious site but also become a significant gathering place for us, the faithful, who come here to assemble for worship. However, Frauenkirche is not just a place of prayer; it is also a symbol of Munich and synonymous with the city itself.

The two distinctive towers of Frauenkirche are internationally renowned and considered a characteristic feature of our Munich skyline. Following a comprehensive renovation in 2022, the South Tower is once again open to guests, offering the opportunity to ascend to its heights and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Munich and the surrounding countryside. On clear days, the view extends all the way to our majestic Alps in the distance.

Ascending to the South Tower's bell chamber is an unforgettable experience, providing you with the opportunity to admire the beauty and grandeur of our city from a unique perspective. With a 360-degree view, you can observe our city from a bird's eye view and appreciate both its historical and modern landmarks.

Frauenkirche is undoubtedly one of our city's most impressive architectural wonders and a place you should not miss during your visit to our Bavarian capital. With its rich history, religious significance, and breathtaking vistas, it is a place of special interest for us locals and for you as a tourist alike.

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

  • The tower ascent in the Munich Cathedral offers you, as a visitor, some impressive highlights:
  • 360-Degree Panoramic View: When you ascend the tower, you can expect a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view over Munich and its surroundings. From up here, you can admire the city in all its splendor.
  • Highest Viewing Point: With a total of 89 steps and an elevator, you reach the enclosed bell chamber, which is the highest viewing point in the Munich city center. From here, you have an unparalleled view of the city and its landmarks.
  • Touch Screens for Orientation: For better orientation, touch screens are available. You can use them to learn more about the various landmarks and buildings you can see through the windows.
  • View to the Alps: On clear days, the view from the Frauenkirche tower extends all the way to the majestic Alps. This is an impressive experience that adds an extra dimension to your panoramic view.
  • Protection from Wind and Weather: In the enclosed bell chamber, you are protected from wind and weather. This allows you to enjoy the view of Munich and the surrounding area in peace and comfort, regardless of the weather conditions.
  • The tower ascent in the Frauenkirche provides you with the opportunity to experience the beauty of Munich and its surroundings from a unique perspective. It is an unforgettable cultural and visual experience that you should not miss during your visit to Munich.

 

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

November 30, 2023: Closed

December 24, 2023: Closed from 2 pm

December 31, 2023: Closed from 4 pm

January 1, 2024: 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

If you have the Munich Card or the Munich City Pass, you will receive a generous 20% discount on the ticket for the tower ascent. This is a great way to save money while enjoying the impressive view from the towers of Frauenkirche.You do not need to make a reservation in advance.

Instead, you can simply come to the Domshop and purchase your tower ascent ticket on-site. This makes it flexible and convenient for visitors who wish to explore 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

  • For the tower ascent in Munich's Frauenkirche, there are special usage conditions that should be observed:
  • No Visits During Services: It is not allowed to visit the towers during ongoing religious 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: The spiral staircase inside the tower operates as a one-way route. Please observe the signs and follow the designated path for a smooth ascent and descent.
  • Limited Total Visitors: Due to the building's structure, the total number of visitors is limited to 60 people at a time. This is for the safety and comfort of visitors.
  • Entry in Small Groups: Entry is organized in small groups of up to 20 people. This allows for an organized and enjoyable tower visit.
  • Possible Closure of the South Tower: Due to special events such as unplanned religious services, there may be temporary closures of the South Tower. Please understand these unforeseen circumstances that may affect your visit.
  • It is advisable to check the current information and conditions on the official website of Munich's Frauenkirche before your visit to ensure a smooth tower ascent. Follow these guidelines to make your visit as pleasant as possible and fully appreciate the beauty of the towers.

 

 

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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