When I visited Munich I included the Cathedral Church of Our Lady—locally known as the Frauenkirche – on our Munich itinerary. This iconic landmark is a must-see in Munich, combining rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking Gothic architecture. I was surprised by the intricate details and profound spiritual ambiance that make this historic monument an essential stop on any Munich travel itinerary.
We visited after lunch – both churches in the area: St. Peter’s Church, Munich and this one, Frauenkirche.
A Glimpse into the history of Frauenkirche – the Cathedral Church of Our Lady
Built between 1468 and 1488 under the guidance of architect Jörg von Halsbach, the Frauenkirche is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a living testament to Munich’s storied past.
I learned, before visiting it (while doing my research) how the cathedral survived heavy damage during World War II and was meticulously restored, preserving its historic charm for generations of visitors.
Today, it serves as a central hub for cultural events and religious celebrations in Munich. It is cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising and seat of its Archbishop.
Stunning Gothic Architecture in Munich
I was impressed by the Frauenkirche’s unique Gothic design. The twin towers, each soaring 99 meters (325 feet) high, immediately captured my attention when we were in the New Town’s Hall tower.
The addition of unusual onion domes in the 16th century sets this cathedral apart from typical Gothic spires and adds to its allure.
And this is the entrance as I was able to capture it with my camera.
Inside, the spacious nave is bathed in natural light filtering through stunning stained glass windows.
I would say that it is minimalist and has a very sober atmosphere. Nothing is extra, only the essential.
Jesus on a cross is imposing.
Another impressing element is the cenotaph for Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian (he died in 1347.) It is a memorial monument completed in 1622 and the bronze fogures depict important figures for Bavaria. You can discover more (as well as find out more about the church) from the official site (you will need to translate it.)
There is also an impressive organ here:
We visited in the late afternoon, as mentioned, and there were people inside the cathedral. However, it was not crowded (it is also big).
You can take a few minute and sit in silence, centering yourself, simply being. No rushing.
Uncovering Local Legends and Unique Features
One of the most memorable feature is the legendary Devil’s Footprint at Frauenkirche, Munich, near the entrance.
According to local folklore, the devil left his mark here in frustration—a quirky story that adds a layer of mystery to this Munich landmark. Yes, this church has a connection to the Devil as has the other one, nearby, St. Peter’s (presented in the article linked above).
On a funny note (not!), we missed this landmark. We were tired and one of my family members was not feeling well, so we did not spend a lot of time inside Frauenkirche, one of the top attractions in Munich.
We got to see it – but, as you see, we missed a famous detail for which it is known.
Planning Your Visit to the Frauenkirche in Munich: My Tips and Tricks
Location: Nestled in the heart of Munich near Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche is perfectly positioned for exploring other top Munich attractions such as the Neues Rathaus and Viktualienmarkt. You can easily get here – Marienplatz station for subway or bus.
Entry and Accessibility: Admission to this historic site is free, making it an ideal and budget-friendly option for your Munich sightseeing tour. You can, however, choose to donate to help preserve the cathedral. You can also pay to lit candles.
The program is available on the official site too – it is 8:00-20:00 – but the dome (observation point) closes at 17:00.
Tower Climb Experience: You can climb one of the cathedral’s towers. I chose to go to the observation point offered by Neues Rathaus – New Town Hall – as I mentioned in the dedicated article (linked above) because it was more accessible for my knee (I had a previous surgery wnd a somewhat limited mobility.)
I read that climbing the tower of the Frauenkirche can be a bit challenging, but that the panoramic views of Munich and the Bavarian Alps (on a clear day) are absolutely worth the effort. This is obviously a paid activity here.
Visitor Tips: I liked visiting in late afternoon – as mentioned, it was not crowded (but we did not get into the tower too). I would also recommend coming in the morning to enjoy a more peaceful experience. Remember to respect the sacred atmosphere as the cathedral remains an active place of worship. Try to abstain from talking – use a whispering voice – and also respect the signs at the entrance. Nothing absurd, just common sense rules!
A Nice Surprise that I Discovered when Exiting Frauenkirche: The Water Mushroom Fountain
Located in front of Frauenkirche – The Church of Our Lady in Munich in Augustinerstraße / Frauenplatz, The Water Mushroom Fountain (Wasserpilz Brunnen) was a nice surprise for us. As this church was the last place we included on our first day in Munich, and as it was a sunny, warm day (even if only late June), we decided to take a few moments and relax here. I sat on one of the stones, while my son got closer tot he water and the mushroom-haped elements. We thus had time to look closely at the Frauenplatz
urrounded by mature trees that generously provide shade during the warm summer months, the area invites you to relax and soak in the atmosphere while watching the water gracefully dance in the fountain’s basin.
This fountain is also a great spot for photos.
Why the Frauenkirche is a Highlight for Munich Travelers
For anyone planning a trip to Munich, the Frauenkirche is an unmissable part of your travel guide. Its blend of stunning Gothic architecture, captivating historical legends, and breathtaking views makes it one of Munich’s top attractions. I was surprised by how every element of this cathedral contributes to its overall magic, ensuring that your visit will be both inspiring and unforgettable.
Yes, I prefer Gothic churches (I find them warmer and having a vibe that I resonate with more), but I always include such famous churches on my itineraries and I take the time visiting them.
Is Frauenkirche Munich worth visiting?
As I have shown above, Frauenkirche is much more than a cathedral—it’s a symbol of Munich’s enduring spirit and historical significance. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for extraordinary experiences on your Munich travel journey, the Frauenkirche offers a unique and unforgettable adventure.
So I would definitely recommend you to add The Church of Our Lady in Munich to your itinerary, even if for a quick stop. It has a lot to offer – as mentioned it has an observation point in one of the towers – and the interior is interesting, definitely worth seeing. You can go at anytime during the day – we were later in the afternoon as we first went to see the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel, then continued visiting the New Town Hall – including the observation tower, the Toy Museum after that. After lunch, we headed to Virtualienmarket and St. Peter’s Church in Munich and then here.
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