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Stralsund town

16 Marienstraße, Stralsund, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Description

Stralsund is located along the Baltic city, in the Pomeranian part of the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It also serves as the getaway to Rügen Island with 2 bridges and several ferry services. The town was founded in the 13th century and joined the Hanseatic League shortly afterwards (1293). It came under Swedish rule between the Thirty Years's War and the Napoleonic Wars (1628-1815) and became part of Prussia after that. Today it is a popular tourist destination thanks to its well-preserved old town and is listed as a UNESCO WHS alongside Wismar. The town highlights include the Old Market Square with the Gothic City Hall, the 13th century St. Nicholas' Church, the 14/15th century Gothic Saint Mary's Church, and the Old Port area with the Ozeanum aquarium (refer to separate review).

Access & Transport

The town is located 30km from Bergen auf Rügen, 80km east of Rostock, 270km west of Hamburg and 260km north of Berlin. It is also only 180km to the Polish town of Szczecin. By train, it is 50-60mins from Rostock (Regional and ICE), 2h50 from Hamburg, about 3h from Berlin and only 25-30mins to Bergen auf Rügen.

Instructions & Recommendations

We recommend visiting the Ozeaneum (reviewed separately) whilst in town. Rügen Island is just across the namesake bridge and also deserves a visit (1 or even 2 days)

Meta review

The town is often included in tours covering the best of Hanseatic German sights and many travellers enjoy the well-preserved and compact old historical areas that can easily be covered on foot. The highlights include the harbour, city gate and old market square with the striking design of the City Hall, and Nikolaikirche. The latter attracts attention with its whitewashed niches that contrast with the red brick architecture; the inside of the church is also surprisingly colourful and decorated with several altars, carvings and statues, and even a medieval astronomical clock.

Environmental & Social

The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint and the setting is quite green. Tourism helps preserve some of the city's architectural and cultural heritage. It also injects economic activity locally.

Conclusion

Stralsund has a very enjoyable setting and one of the best old towns of Northern Germany, if you fancy the Hanseatic Brick Gothic architecture. It isn't large, but that makes it convenient and it is only a short jump from there to the beautiful coastline of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area and Rügen Island.

Key positive

very well-preserved old town with characteristic architecture

Interesting background history

Key negative

No standout monument

Suitability

No restrictions but note there are several cobbled streets in the old town

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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