St. Nicholas’ Church in Stralsund’s Old Town has a great location next to the town hall and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Look for the unique double steeples of the structure. A Baroque dome towers over the church. When you spot it among the other rooftops, you will know that this historic place of worship isn’t far away.
This church, on the Old Market Square, was first mentioned in 1276, making it the oldest in Stralsund. Visit for an Evangelical Lutheran service. St. Nicholas’ Church has been dedicated to this religion since 1524.
As Stralsund is located on the Baltic Sea, it is no surprise that the church is devoted to the patron saint of sailors, St. Nicholas of Myra. Look for tributes to seafaring in the church, including depictions of Stralsund merchants who traveled to Riga to trade. The artwork dates back to 1420.
Head to the magnificent altar to see a grand crucifix, as well as a depiction of the Last Supper. Continue on to the north ambulatory, where you’ll find one of the earliest statues of St. Anne in the Baltic Region.
Discover several organs throughout the church, including a large one built in Germany by Carl August Buchholz in 1841, and the choir organ, built in 1986.
Proceed to the high altar to see the astronomical clock. From this clock, you can read the time as well as the positions of the sun, moon and stars. This is also one of the oldest mechanical clocks in the entire world that still contains its original wheels. Take time to appreciate its history.
There is a fee to enter the church as a tourist and take a look around. With its convenient location in Old Town, the best and most scenic way to get to St. Nicholas’ Church is on foot from your local accommodations. Park in the metered parking just a short walk away if you’re planning to drive or hop on a local bus that will drop you off near the church.
