St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche)

The basics

Climb to the top of “Old Peter,” as the church is known to locals, to see views over the oldest part of Munich. The spire of this historic building was almost completely destroyed in World War II bombings, but it has been fully restored with the traditional architecture. St. Peter’s Church is a popular stop on Munich city tours including Old Town walking tours and history-themed tours.

Things to know before you go

• St. Peter’s Church is a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and people searching for views over the city’s rooftops.
• Admission to the church is free.
• To climb to the top of the spire, be prepared to tackle approximately 300 steps.
• The sanctuary is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers but the top of the spire is only accessible by stairs.

How to get there

Located in the historic Graggenauer district of Munich, St. Peter’s church is easily accessible by public transportation; take the S-Bahn or U-Bahn to Marienplatz. This landmark is within Munich’s pedestrian area and is near traditional Bavarian markets.

When to get there

St. Peter’s Church is open daily with slightly reduced hours during the winter months. Colored rings at the lower platform provide details on what to expect from the views at the top of the Spire; white rings signify views all the way to the Alps. For the most peaceful experience at the church, visit on a weekday vs. a weekend. First-time travelers to Munich may want to plan around the rowdy days of Oktoberfest, taking place in late September and early October.

The Church’s Famous Jeweled Skeleton

Beyond the views from the spire, another attraction draws visitors to St. Peter’s church. The Skeleton of St. Mundita is a gem-studded skeleton with false eyes and jeweled teeth. It provides an intriguing counterpoint to the church’s beautiful Gothic paintings and ceiling fresco.