Stralsund town
1 / 6
Stralsund - by Kathleen Palnau (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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)
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
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo