St. Michaelis Church

Hamburg has many large churches - but only one "Michel": On its platform 106 metres high, there is a fabulous (and breezy) view of Hamburg, the port and the surrounding countryside - one that should not be missed!

"Michel" is the nickname of the St. Michaeliskirche, one of the main churches of Hamburg and one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Germany. After an eventful history - built three times between 1647 and 1912 and completely destroyed twice - the main church of St. Michaelis zu Hamburg is still one of the most impressive buildings in the Hanseatic city today.

From the platform at a height of 106 metres, the legendary (and airy) view over Hamburg, the harbour and the surrounding area offers a completely new perspective. Those who want to "work up" this experience choose the stairs to the top - past the impressive church bells. But even this experience can be enhanced: postpone it to night and experience the night Michel! The breathtaking view over the Hanseatic city at night with classical background music will top any visit to Hamburg - literally.

Breathtaking panorama: climbing the tower of the Hamburger Michel

The Hamburger Michel, Hamburg's landmark, is the first address for a fantastic panorama of the Hanseatic city when climbing a tower. It is mainly the tower with the huge clock and the viewing platform at a height of 82 meters that you think of when you say "Michel" in Hamburg. The Michel shapes the silhouette of the city, and those who climb the 452 steps are rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view. The Michel dominates the silhouette of the city. If you struggle up the 452 steps or use the lift from 52 steps, you will be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view over Hamburg.

Hamburg is spacious and from the platform of the 132-metre-high church tower you can overlook Germany's largest seaport as well as the historic Speicherstadt and the future-oriented HafenCity. Children will also be thrilled by the view from up here, as the elegant cruise ships, the long container ships and old sailing ships that are moored in the harbour can be observed from here. And the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall is probably not only a sight worth seeing for friends of architecture.

A special feature that really gets an evening in Hamburg off to a good start is the so-called Nachtmichel: every evening you can enjoy the magnificent view of the city illuminated at night, accompanied by a non-alcoholic drink and classical music. Thus, one can enjoy a romantic evening by climbing the tower of the Hamburger Michel.

The Michel offers more than a good view

The St. Michaelis church was originally built in the 17th century, but it was repeatedly destroyed by fire, so that the building that is still preserved today was not completed until the beginning of the 20th century. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to visit the interior, which is completely decorated in white and gold and in which there is one of the biggest organs of the German-speaking area. Organ concerts of excellent quality are regularly held here, and a visit to one is a must for every music lover.

Georg Philipp Telemann and his godson Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, among others, worked at the main church as municipal music directors in the 18th century. C.P.E Bach held this office for over 20 years and found his final resting place in the church's crypt. Johannes Brahms was baptized and confirmed here. The creation of Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony is closely linked to this place. In addition to the breathtaking interior architecture and the picturesque view from the bell tower over the entire Hanseatic city, the musical spirit of the master composers can still be felt today - for example at very different concerts or the daily midday devotions with breathtaking organ playing.

Church services - Events at the Hamburg Michel

A visit to the Hamburger Michel is possible all year round. The only exception are the times of the church service. Here, visits cannot be made. The church service is one of the regular events at the Michel. Lunch devotions, Protestant masses with children's church and organ recitals are offered here. The masses are freely accessible to everyone. There is also a performance of the Türmer Choräle every day at 10:00 and 21:00, on Sundays this event is at 12:00. Visitors who would like to learn more about the history of the Hamburg Michel on a guided tour must book this in advance.

The tradition of trumpeting

Challenging concerts and moving church services impress in the interior, while the classical "tower blowing" follows old traditions: A trumpeter, plays a verse in all four directions every morning at 10 a.m. and in the evening at 9 p.m., but on Sundays he only plays a chorale at 12 p.m. In the crypt an exciting film about the 1,000 year old history of the Hanseatic city and the more than 350 year old church is shown and commented: It impressively reports from good and bad Hamburg days.

Exhibitions and guided tours of the church tower

The church tower of St. Michaelis is equipped with the largest church tower clock in Germany and can also be visited. Inside the tower, visitors can visit the exhibition in the crypt vault and learn everything about the development of the city over the last 1,000 years. The Hamburg "HiStory" is a 30-minute screening, which is offered daily on the screen. Visitors will thus find various exciting events in the Hamburg Michel.