Stralsund: Taken 15th place among Europe's most beautiful old towns!

Stralsund: Taken 15th place among Europe's most beautiful old towns!

Today we can look forward to a great award for the old town of Stralsund: The city was awarded by Tourlane Voted 15th out of the “25 Most Beautiful Old Towns in Europe”. In a comprehensive assessment that examined 65 old towns around the world, our city performed excellently.

The criteria for this evaluation were varied: age, walkability, cost of city tours and of course popularity on social media played a role. Gabi Garolea, head of the Stralsund Tourism Office, was pleased with the positive response. She emphasizes how important the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stralsund is for the region. The city stands out clearly with its features such as the brick Gothic style, the maritime flair and the high quality of life.

Historical heritage and maritime flair

Stralsund, together with Wismar, is one of the most important Hanseatic cities on the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. The old towns of Stralsund and Wismar are true treasure chests that preserve a large number of authentic historical structures. These architectural gems tell the story from the Hanseatic era through Swedish rule to today.

The city centers of Stralsund and Wismar have been inhabited for centuries and have always remained the center of urban life. The ports of the two cities have been important for the economy in all eras and continue to retain their historical substance today. Thanks to comprehensive renovation measures and high standards of monument preservation, the authenticity of the city is preserved. For example, the impressive silhouette of Stralsund with the famous St. Mary's Church continues to be an eye-catcher.

The meaning of the Hanseatic era

Historically, Stralsund was a leading center of the Hanseatic League from the 13th to the 15th century. This is reflected in the construction technology and urban structure, which are still visible today in numerous churches, the town hall and other commercial buildings. The city's cultural heritage is also highlighted in the “European Brick Gothic Route”, which focuses on important buildings.

Stralsund occupies a special place in the list of the most beautiful old towns. It should not be forgotten that Regensburg was the second German city to reach third place in the ranking. Both cities are closely linked through the Historical Cities Working Group, which further strengthens the appreciation and care of cultural heritage.

This award and the history of Stralsund are not only a reason to celebrate, but also an incentive to further develop the city as a hospitable and cultivated place. The historic city skyline remains a flagship, and with around 500 historic buildings, from gabled houses to impressive brick churches, Stralsund shows that it is still very popular.

A look into the future gives hope that Stralsund will continue to flourish as a cultural center and use its warm hospitality to delight guests from near and far.