Cologne Cathedral at night on the Dark Side of the Dom ghost tour

Dark Side of the Dom Tour: A Ghost Tour Through Cologne’s Haunted Old Town

What to Expect on Your Ghost Tour

Looking for a different side of Cologne’s history?

The medieval past, the witches, the ghosts, the things that go bump in the night: Cologne has all of them. On our Dark Side of the Dom ghost tour, a local guide walks you through the legends and true stories that reveal the darker side of this famously welcoming city.

We set off as the sun goes down and the shadows grow longer, exploring the dark corners of Cologne’s medieval Old Town. It’s history and ghost stories in equal measure, told the way only a local can, with a Cologne twist.

What You Need to Know

Price: 15€ per person
Language: English and German (separate tours)
Schedule: English: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays at 19:00
German: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 19:00
Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: Heumarkt, in front of the Trattoria L’Ancora
Group size: Max 24 guests. Book up to 7 spots together; for larger groups, book a private tour.

Cologne today is a city of culture, music, Kölsch and open arms, where everyone is welcome. It hasn’t always been that way.

On our ghost tour, you’ll explore the gloomy side of Cologne’s past, focusing on its medieval history, with a few jumps into more recent times. It’s still Kölle, so naturally it all comes with a Cologne twist: ghost stories, dark secrets and scary tales all have their place in this city’s history.

Haunted Places in Cologne

The Dark Side of the Dom tour uncovers the stories and legends of Cologne’s darkest ages. As the sun sets, we’ll head from our meeting point on Heumarkt into the very heart of the medieval city.

Be prepared for:

Witches
Murderers
A ghost or two
The pure misery of life in the Middle Ages

It’s our darkest tour. Are you brave enough?

Guests listening to a ghost story at night on the Dark Side of the Dom tour in Cologne

The Legends You’ll Hear

Every city has its ghost stories. Cologne has two thousand years of them.

The Devil and the Cathedral BuilderA master builder, a wager with the Devil, and the reason Cologne’s Cathedral took over 600 years to finish.
Richmodis von AduchtDuring the plague, a wealthy Cologne woman was buried with her rings still on her fingers. That night, she came home.
Katharina HenotCologne’s powerful postmistress, accused of witchcraft and burned in 1627. Was it sorcery, or did someone simply want her out of the way?
Haus FühlingenA grand villa on the city’s edge, a string of tragic deaths, and a reputation as Cologne’s most haunted house.

…and a few more we’ll save for the night itself.

Is there a ghost tour in Cologne in English?

Yes. Our Dark Side of the Dom ghost tour runs in English on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 19:00, and in German on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 19:00. Tours start at Heumarkt, in front of the Trattoria L’Ancora, last about two hours and cost 15€ per person.

How scary is the Dark Side of the Dom tour?

It’s spooky, not scary. Dark Side of the Dom is a storytelling tour through Cologne’s dark history and legends, not a jump-scare or haunted-house experience. Expect atmosphere, gruesome tales and a few chills, but nobody leaping out at you.

Is the ghost tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages. Our guides adjust the stories to the group, so families with children are very welcome.

What legends and haunted places will we visit?

We walk through Cologne’s medieval Old Town, visiting important churches and historic buildings, both haunted and ancient. Along the way you’ll hear legends like the Devil and the Cathedral builder, Richmodis von Aducht and the witch trial of Katharina Henot. Please note that we don’t go inside Cologne Cathedral.

What happens if it rains, and do I need to book in advance?

The tour runs in all weather, rain or shine, warm or cold, so please dress for the conditions. Groups are limited to 24 guests, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.