Site regulations for the ascent of the dome

Welcome to the Dome Ascent of the Frauenkirche Dresden!

Please note that the Frauenkirche is a reconstruction based on its historical model. The building's structure does not comply with modern construction regulations. This results in specific requirements and potential risks for visitors, particularly when using steep ladders, spiral staircases, and navigating narrow spaces.

1. Safety and Health Information

Climbing the dome requires good physical condition, sure-footedness, and sturdy footwear.
Visitors with the following conditions are advised not to undertake the ascent:

  • Fear of heights or confined spaces

  • Cardiovascular or respiratory diseases

  • Musculoskeletal limitations

  • Visual impairments without a companion

The dome ascent is undertaken at your own risk.

2. Age Regulations and Supervision

Children and young people under the age of 12 may only ascend when accompanied by an adult guardian.
The accompanying person must actively supervise the child throughout the entire visit.
Parents or guardians are responsible for their children.

3. Access and Conduct

Access to the dome ascent is via entrance G; exit is also via G, or in exceptional cases, via A.
Ascent and descent are on foot via the stairwell.
No more than 120 people are allowed in the dome ascent area (including the platform) at any one time.

Please observe appropriate behavior throughout the ascent:

  • Avoid noise and loud talking

  • Smoking, open flames, and tobacco products are strictly prohibited

  • The consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances, including cannabis, is strictly prohibited

  • Throwing objects from the viewing platform is not allowed

  • Food, drinks, large bags, backpacks, and bulky items are not permitted

  • Animals are not allowed

  • Umbrellas must be left at the designated stands at the start of the spiral ramp – no liability is accepted

All guests, staff, service providers, and other persons in the dome ascent area are expected to behave in a manner respectful of the sacred nature of the building.

The dome ascent welcomes visitors regardless of cultural, religious, or social background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age.
The foundation does not tolerate any form of discrimination and expects all guests and staff to treat one another with respect and appreciation.

Any form of verbal or physical boundary violation, sexualized or physical violence, is strictly prohibited for all individuals present in the dome ascent area.

4. Weather Dependency

The dome ascent is subject to weather conditions and will be closed for safety reasons in the event of:

  • Ice or slippery surfaces

  • Wind speeds above level 6 (Beaufort scale)

  • Heavy rain or thunderstorms

  • Other extreme weather phenomena

5. Accessibility

Due to the structural conditions, the dome ascent is unfortunately not accessible to people with disabilities.
The routes (stairwells, spiral ramps, narrow stairs, low passages) can only be managed on foot and require physical effort.

6. Emergency Procedures

The ascent route is equipped with an emergency call system.
A defibrillator is available in case of emergency. It is located on the right-hand side in the middle section of the spiral ramp when ascending.
Announcements and instructions can be made via a loudspeaker system.

7. Staff Instructions

The instructions of the supervisory staff must always be followed.
In the event of a fire, instructions from the fire department must be followed at all times.
In case of violations or endangering other visitors, access may be denied or the ascent may be stopped.

This house policy takes effect on August 1, 2025, and replaces all previous versions.

Frauenkirche Dresden Foundation
Managing Board