Churches are dusty, cold and boring? I beg to differ! Churches have been at the heart of every townscape since time immemorial and have an almost magical attraction for visitors. On this tour, I will take you on a journey into the world of the Protestant North Church, which maintains the four/five main churches in Hamburg.
We begin our tour at Hamburg’s Pilgrim Church of St. Jacobi, which still attracts organ fans from all over Germany with its Arp Schnitger organ. After admiring the altars and the interior of the church, we will head to the ‘City Church’ of St. Petri, just a few metres away, which still houses objects from the former St. Mary’s Cathedral of the city of Hamburg. After taking a look at the important ‘Apostle of the North’, St. Ansgar, and hearing about his life story and, above all, his work, we stroll towards the water to see the ‘university’ and now also ‘HafenCity church’ of St. Katharinen. With its golden crown, it is recognisable from afar as St. Katharinen. The tower of St. Catherine’s Church is the oldest standing building in Hamburg – right?
Once we have answered this question, we will walk through one of the oldest streets still existing in Hamburg to the former main church of St. Nikolai, which today – after being severely damaged in the Second World War – is only a ruin with its tower still standing and therefore serves as a memorial. The tower offers a great view of the city and also houses one of the largest carillons in Germany. Our last stop takes us to the jewel of Hamburg’s churches, the symbol of the city, St. Michael’s. St. Michael’s Church, affectionately known as ‘Michel’, was Hamburg’s first new Protestant church, but its rich decoration is in no way inferior to many Catholic churches. The four organs are just one of the many reasons to stop by.
Join me on my tour of Hamburg’s main churches! Each tour can be extended or shortened to suit your individual needs and combined with other churches. Please contact me to discuss your individual requirements. This tour doesn’t quite suit you? Feel free to take a look at my other tours.
