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Stralsund

Stralsund, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany

Step Back in Time in Stralsund, Germany Nestled on the Baltic coast of Germany, Stralsund is a captivating city where history whispers from every cobblestone and maritime adventure fills the air. Designated a UNESCO Wor…

#Historic architecture#UNESCO World Heritage Site#Baltic Sea#Hanseatic League#Museum

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Stralsund.

Top Hotels in Stralsund

Top Flights to Stralsund

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Stralsund.

Tours

Explore Historic Old Town

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Stralsund's historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit Ozeaneum Aquarium

Discover the wonders of the underwater world at Ozeaneum, featuring exhibits on Northern seas.

Stralsund Harbour Tour

Explore Stralsund's historic harbour area, with its docks and old ships.

Stroll through Neuer Markt

Explore local businesses and landmarks at Stralsund's vibrant Neuer Markt.

Shopping

Stadtmilchkontor

A unique shopping experience offering dairy products and German delicacies.

Outdoor

Walk Rügen Bridge

Take a scenic walk across Germany's largest bridge, connecting Stralsund to the island of Rügen.

Cycling to Zingst

Enjoy a cycling adventure along scenic coastal routes from Stralsund to Zingst.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Stralsund.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

Information not available

Languages

German, German

Average weather

Stralsund

Jan

2°-2°

Feb

3°-2°

Mar

6°0°

Apr

11°3°

May

16°7°

Jun

20°11°

Jul

22°14°

Aug

22°13°

Sep

18°10°

Oct

13°6°

Nov

7°2°

Dec

4°0°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Stralsund.

What people love

Located in the beautiful region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in Germany, Stralsund offers a unique and charming travel destination with a variety of attractions and activities. Here are some pros of traveling to Stralsund:

Historic Old Town: Stralsund's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring well-preserved medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the picturesque streets, admire the Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and learn about the city's rich history.
Ozeaneum: One of the top attractions in Stralsund is the Ozeaneum, a fascinating aquarium and museum dedicated to the marine life of the Baltic Sea. Visitors can see a variety of sea creatures, interactive exhibits, and learn about conservation efforts.
St. Mary's Church: The impressive St. Mary's Church is a must-see landmark in Stralsund. This red-brick Gothic church dates back to the 14th century and offers stunning views from its tower.
Harbor and Maritime Museum: Stralsund is a port city with a rich maritime history. Visitors can stroll along the harbor, watch the boats come and go, and visit the Maritime Museum to learn about the city's seafaring past.
Outdoor Activities: Nature lovers will appreciate the beautiful surroundings of Stralsund, including nearby beaches, nature reserves, and islands. Outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and boat tours are popular in the region.
Culinary Delights: Stralsund offers a variety of dining options where visitors can sample local cuisine and fresh seafood. The city's restaurants, cafes, and markets provide a taste of regional flavors.

Overall, traveling to Stralsund offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and culinary experiences, making it a delightful destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic German experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Stralsund, Germany, could include:

Weather: Stralsund experiences a maritime climate, which means it can be quite damp and cool, especially in the winter months. Travelers who prefer warmer, drier climates may find this weather unpleasant.
Language Barrier: While many people in Stralsund may speak English, the primary language spoken is German. Travelers who do not speak German may encounter difficulties communicating with locals or navigating the city.
Limited Nightlife: Stralsund is a smaller city, and while it offers some bars and restaurants, the nightlife scene may not be as vibrant or diverse as in larger cities. Travelers seeking a bustling nightlife may find Stralsund lacking in this regard.
Limited Public Transportation: While Stralsund has a public transportation system, it may not be as extensive or efficient as in larger cities. Travelers relying on public transportation to get around may find it limiting and may need to rely more on walking or taxis.
Limited Tourist Attractions: While Stralsund is a beautiful city with historic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site (the Old Town), some travelers may find that there are fewer tourist attractions compared to other larger cities in Germany.

Overall, Stralsund offers a unique and charming experience for travelers, but those looking for specific amenities or experiences may find it lacking in certain aspects.

Stralsund is a city located in the northeastern part of Germany, in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It has a rich and varied history, marked by its strategic location by the Baltic Sea.

Early History

Founding: Stralsund was founded in 1234 by the Slavs, but it quickly fell under German influence and received its town privileges in the same year.
Hanseatic League: Stralsund became a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. This greatly contributed to its economic growth and development in the late medieval period.

The Middle Ages

14th Century: The city prospered as part of the Hanseatic League and became a significant trading center. It was involved in several conflicts due to its strategic and economic importance.
Peace of Stralsund (1370): A notable event where Stralsund played a crucial role in concluding the war between Denmark and the Hanseatic League, leading to a favorable treaty for the League.

The Modern Era

Thirty Years’ War: Stralsund played a pivotal role during the Thirty Years' War. It was one of the few cities that successfully resisted a siege by the Imperial forces under Albrecht von Wallenstein in 1628, with the help of Swedish and Danish forces.
Swedish Rule: Following the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Stralsund, along with Western Pomerania, came under Swedish control and remained so until 1815.

19th and 20th Centuries

Prussian Annexation: In 1815, after the Napoleonic Wars and the Congress of Vienna, Stralsund became part of the Kingdom of Prussia.
World War II: Stralsund suffered damage during World War II but retained much of its historical architecture.

Post-War Era and Reunification

East Germany: Following World War II, Stralsund became part of East Germany until reunification in 1990.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The historic old town of Stralsund was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, recognizing its well-preserved medieval architecture and unique historical significance.

Important Landmarks

St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche): A Gothic church that is one of the oldest and most significant buildings in Stralsund.
St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche): Another important Gothic brick church, notable for its impressive architecture.
Old Market Square (Alter Markt): The central historic square surrounded by medieval buildings, including the Town Hall (Rathaus), which is a remarkable example of Hanseatic architecture.
Ozeaneum: A modern maritime museum located on the harbor, showcasing marine life and the maritime history of the region.

Notable Historical Figures

Ernst Moritz Arndt (1769-1860): A poet, writer, and politician, Arndt was a prominent figure in the German nationalist movement. He was born near Stralsund and is celebrated for his contributions to German literature and politics.

Stralsund's rich history and cultural heritage make it an important city in the historical narrative of Northern Europe, particularly in relation to the Hanseatic League and its maritime traditions.