The 'Michel' is Hamburg's largest church and one of the city's must-see sights. Its bell tower offers a stunning view over the city.
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Mediaserver Hamburg / Andreas Vallbracht
Hamburg's Traditional Landmark
The spot where St. Michael's Church now stands has seen its share of trouble. A lightning strike and then a catastrophic fire centuries later destroyed the first and second churches that were built on this site.
But the city's Protestants persevered, and in 1912 the construction of the church that we see today was finished. Although heavily damaged during WWII, it has been fully repaired, and today you'll find a baroque gem that is regularly listed among Northern Germany's most beautiful churches and important landmarks.
Panoramic Harbour Views
Between the city centre and the Landungsbrücken piers, the distinctive copper roof and the 132-metre-tall tower supporting Germany's largest clock bell are visible from afar. At 106 metres, the observation deck offers a fantastic panorama view of the city and harbour.
The church's massive nave can fit 2,500 people and boasts five different organs. The centrepiece of the church interior is a 20-metre-high altar. And in the crypt below, 2,000 people have found their final resting places.
View St. Michael's Church
Hamburg's Hanseatic Landmark: St. Michael's Protestant Church
Andres Lehmann, www.andreslehmann.de
Between 1647 and 1661, the first large St Michael's Church was built 200 metres to the west of the smaller former church.
Christoph Bellin, bildarchiv-hamburg.de
After a great fire, the second large St Michael's Church was built between 1750 and 1762.
Christoph Bellin, bildarchiv-hamburg.de
You can also catch a glimpse of St. Michael's Church from as far away as the Outer Alster lake.
Andres Lehmann, www.andreslehmann.de
As it's close to the Elbe, St. Michael's offers the most beautiful view of the city and the harbour.
Christoph Bellin, bildarchiv-hamburg.de
On 9 June 2016, two new bells were installed in the tower of St. Michael's above the viewing platform.
S. Wallocha/St. Michaelis
1910: St. Michael's Church receives new bells after it burned down in 1906 and was reconstructed with steel and concrete.
St. Michaelis
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Hamburg's Hanseatic Landmark: St. Michael's Protestant Church
Hamburg's Hanseatic Landmark: St. Michael's Protestant Church
Andres Lehmann, www.andreslehmann.de
Between 1647 and 1661, the first large St Michael's Church was built 200 metres to the west of the smaller former church.
Between 1647 and 1661, the first large St Michael's Church was built 200 metres to the west of the smaller former church.
Christoph Bellin, bildarchiv-hamburg.de
After a great fire, the second large St Michael's Church was built between 1750 and 1762.
After a great fire, the second large St Michael's Church was built between 1750 and 1762.
Christoph Bellin, bildarchiv-hamburg.de
You can also catch a glimpse of St. Michael's Church from as far away as the Outer Alster lake.
You can also catch a glimpse of St. Michael's Church from as far away as the Outer Alster lake.
Andres Lehmann, www.andreslehmann.de
As it's close to the Elbe, St. Michael's offers the most beautiful view of the city and the harbour.
As it's close to the Elbe, St. Michael's offers the most beautiful view of the city and the harbour.
Christoph Bellin, bildarchiv-hamburg.de
On 9 June 2016, two new bells were installed in the tower of St. Michael's above the viewing platform.
On 9 June 2016, two new bells were installed in the tower of St. Michael's above the viewing platform.
S. Wallocha/St. Michaelis
1910: St. Michael's Church receives new bells after it burned down in 1906 and was reconstructed with steel and concrete.
1910: St. Michael's Church receives new bells after it burned down in 1906 and was reconstructed with steel and concrete.
St. Michaelis
Between City Centre and St. Pauli
St. Michael's Church, or the 'Michel' as locals affectionately call it, can be reached easily via public transportation. Just hop on the line U3 to Baumwall or buses 16 or 17 to Michaeliskirche. The church is the centre of the city, so almost all the most important landmarks can be reached from there by foot.
Address Englische Planke 1 20459 Hamburg
Getting There Bus lines 16, 17 to Michaeliskirche U3 trains to Baumwall Bus lines 2, 111 to Baumwall
