Stralsund

Stralsund, a coastal city in northeastern Germany, is known for its medieval architecture and maritime history. This former Hanseatic League city has an Old Town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Stralsund, you can climb towering Brick Gothic churches, shop at the lively Alter Markt, and learn about Baltic Sea marine life at the Ozeaneum aquarium.

Wandering Through Stralsund's Old Town

As you walk through Stralsund's Old Town, you'll see well-preserved medieval buildings that date back to the city's time as a Hanseatic League trading hub. The narrow cobblestone streets and building layout have remained largely unchanged since the 13th century, giving you a sense of what a medieval merchant city was like. Look for the distinctive red brick buildings that characterize the Brick Gothic style, common in the Baltic region.

Exploring Stralsund's Brick Gothic Churches

Two of Stralsund's main landmarks are its Brick Gothic churches: St. Nicholas' Church and St. Mary's Church. St. Nicholas' Church, built between 1270 and 1360, has tall spires and detailed brick work. Inside, you can see vaulted ceilings and medieval frescoes. St. Mary's Church, dating back to the 13th century, was once the world's tallest building. When you visit, check out its astronomical clock and ornate altar. Both churches are excellent examples of the Brick Gothic style that was popular in Hanseatic cities along the Baltic.

Discovering the Alter Markt

The Alter Markt (Old Market Square) is at the center of Stralsund's Old Town. Here, you'll find the 13th-century Gothic Town Hall, a large red brick building with a decorated façade. You can go inside the Town Hall to learn about Stralsund's history and government. Around the square, you'll see buildings in different styles, from the Gothic Wulflamhaus to the Baroque Commandantenhus, showing how the city changed over time. The Alter Markt is still an important part of city life, with markets and events happening throughout the year.

Exploring Marine Life at the Ozeaneum

To learn about Stralsund's connection to the sea, visit the Ozeaneum, a modern aquarium and oceanographic museum. The museum's contemporary design stands out next to the Old Town's medieval buildings. Inside, you can see exhibits about marine life in the Baltic Sea and other oceans. The Ozeaneum has large aquariums with many sea creatures, from local fish to tropical coral reefs. The museum also teaches visitors about climate change and ocean conservation, making it interesting for people of all ages.

Tasting Stralsund's Coastal Cuisine

Stralsund's location on the coast influences its food, with many seafood dishes on local menus. You'll find fresh fish from the Baltic Sea at restaurants near the harbor. Try local dishes like Bismarckhering (pickled herring) or Fischbrötchen (fish sandwiches) for a quick taste of the region. Many restaurants also serve traditional Pomeranian food that comes from the area's farming history. For a fancier meal, try one of the restaurants in old warehouses along the harbor, where you can eat modern food in a historic setting.

Getting to Stralsund

You can reach Stralsund by train or car from other parts of Germany. Trains run regularly from cities like Berlin and Hamburg, and the trip takes about 3 hours. If you're driving, take the A20 motorway to get to Stralsund easily. If you're coming from another country, the closest major airports are in Berlin and Hamburg. From there, you can take a train or rent a car to get to Stralsund. Once you're in the city, you can walk around most of the Old Town. For longer trips, you can use buses or taxis.