Hamburg’s landmark with history and a breathtaking view
Address: St. Michael’s Church, Englische Planke 1, 20459 Hamburg | Built: 1647 | Architectural style: Baroque
The Protestant St. Michael’s Church, affectionately known as “Michael” by Hamburg residents and visitors, is an impressive religious building whose 132-meter-high tower towers above most buildings in the city center and is visible from numerous angles. Those who dare to climb the tower rather than just admire the church from the outside will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Hamburg. The interior, with a total of five organs and the vaulted cellar, is also impressive. The Baroque church had to be rebuilt from the ground up twice in its 400-year history.
Directions and location of the Hamburg warning sign
St. Michael’s Church is located in Hamburg-Neustadt and is unmistakable from many angles. The baroque church stands on the Englische Planke (English Plank), and the area is extensively bordered by Friedrich-Ebert-Straße, the B4, Krayenkamp, and Winklerstraße. From there, small streets and paths lead to the main church, St. Michaelis. The magnificent building is clearly visible from various directions. Not far away are the large ramparts, St. Pauli, the Hamburg Miniatur Wunderland, and Hamburg City Hall. Those who take a boat trip on the Elbe can even see St. Michael’s Church from the water.
Opening Hours and Tours
St. Michael’s Church can be visited at any time during opening hours. Exceptions apply during events and services. The regular daily opening hours for the church crypt, tower, and visitor center are as follows:
St. Michael’s Church – Opening Hours
November to March
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry to the crypt/tower at 5:30 p.m.)
April and October
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last entry to the crypt/tower at 6:30 p.m.)
May to September
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (last entry to the crypt/tower at 7:30 p.m.)
The separate “Nachtmichel” event opens the gates after the tower closes, when no more climbs are permitted. Visiting times and events can be found at https://www.st-michaelis.de/veranstaltungen-am-michel.
Admission Prices for the Hamburg Michel
Those wishing to visit St. Michael’s Church do not need a ticket. However, a donation to help maintain the Michel is requested upon leaving the church. The following admission fees apply to climb the tower, visit the crypt, and watch the film “Hamburg HISTORY”:
Admission Fees for Tower Climb – St. Michael’s Church
Adults
€8.00
Adults Reduced
€6.00
Children between 6 and 15 years
€5.00
Children Reduced
€4.00
Admission Fees for Crypt including the film “Hamburg HISTORY” – St. Michael’s Church
Adults
€6.00
Adults Reduced
€5.00
Children between 6 and 15 years
€4.00
Children Reduced
€3.00
Admission Fees for Combined Ticket (Tower Climb and Crypt including the film) – St. Michael’s Church
Adults
€10.00
Adults Reduced
€85.00
Children between 6 and 15 Years
€6.00
Children’s Concession
€5.00
Note: Admission prices for the “Nachtmichel” may differ from regular prices.
Guided Tours of St. Michael’s Church
Various tours of St. Michael’s Church are offered. A church and crypt tour allows you to discover not only the beauty but also many secrets of St. Michael’s Church. Church guides are available daily to conduct short tours of approximately 30 minutes or to provide information.
Group tours lasting approximately 60 minutes are also offered. Those who would like to learn more about St. Michael’s Church and join a group tour of the church or a church and crypt tour, which lasts approximately 90 minutes, should register in advance.
It is also possible to explore St. Michael’s Church independently with a trained guide and learn a wealth of interesting facts. The St. Michael’s Church app is available for this purpose in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. With Bluetooth enabled and headphones, you can learn a great deal about St. Michael’s Church.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Michel in Hamburg
In which part of Hamburg is the Michel located?
The Hamburg district where the Michel is located is Hamburg Neustadt, which borders Hamburg’s old town. Thus, the Michel is located in the heart of the Hanseatic city, close to the Elbe River.
When was St. Michael’s Church built?
St. Michael’s Church, as it can be admired today, was built in the 18th century. The first Baroque church was built on the same site between 1647 and 1669. A fire caused by a lightning strike completely destroyed the church. St. Michael’s Church was rebuilt between 1751 and 1762. A fire in 1906 caused further extensive damage. From 1907 to 1912, the church was rebuilt according to the plans of the Baroque church from 1762.
Why is St. Michael’s Church called “Michel”?
The nickname “Michel” is due to the close connection Hamburg residents have with St. Michael’s Church, which also plays an important role as a landmark. Michel is the short form of Michaelis and reflects the northern Germans’ tendency to belittle and simplify things.
What is special about St. Michael’s Church in Hamburg?
St. Michael’s Church is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of Hamburg’s history and identity, as well as a prominent landmark. The tower of the Baroque church, with its copper dome, rises 132 meters into the sky and is visible from afar.
Is the tower of St. Michael’s Church climbable?
The tower of St. Michael’s Church in Hamburg can be climbed. Visitors have two options. One is on foot, climbing 452 steps to the observation deck, which is located at a height of 82 meters. Those who prefer a more relaxed approach to the tower can also take the elevator to the observation deck. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with a unique view of the Elbe, the harbor, the city, and, on a clear day, the surrounding countryside.
What awaits visitors inside St. Michael’s Church?
Hamburg’s St. Michael’s Church boasts a bright, spacious nave, resplendent in the Baroque style. There are curved galleries, golden ornaments, and an impressive marble altar adorned with gold accents. Another highlight is the neo-Gothic organ with over 85 stops. The crypt houses an exhibition on the history of the church and its significance for Hamburg.
Hamburg’s Michel – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The Michel is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Northern Germany. The roof of the 132-meter-high church tower is made of copper and shines in the sunlight even from afar. Anyone who wants to climb the tower to enjoy a magnificent view from the 106-meter-high observation deck must first climb 52 steps to reach the elevator hall on the first floor.
Those who don’t want to take the elevator to the observation deck can also take the stairs. However, this involves climbing 452 steps. Those who dare to climb the stairs can take a closer look at six different bells and admire them in detail. A light breeze always blows on the observation deck. In good weather and sunshine, you can enjoy a fantastic view and discover Hamburg from above.
There is also a unique view of the Port of Hamburg and the container ships coming and going. You can also observe fishing boats, excursion steamers, ferry operations, and the hustle and bustle of the city. On the observation deck of the Hamburg St. Michael’s Church, you can also find love locks, with which couples have promised each other eternal love.
If you’ve enjoyed the unique view for long enough, you should definitely take a look inside the main church of St. Michaelis and admire the uniqueness of this Baroque building. The Archangel Michael, a copper statue, watches over the main entrance. He is the patron saint of many professions, including soldiers and knights.
The rather simple exterior design of the sacred building is not continued inside. There are numerous art treasures to discover. The church has five organs. Because of its distinctive timbre, the largest organ in the St. Michael’s Church is considered a special monument of sound from the Neo-Baroque period. Those who would like to hear the organ can do so at 12 noon for a quarter of an hour. This adds a very special touch to the white and gold nave.
The St. Michael’s Church also has a special baptismal font made of white marble and crafted in Livorno in 1736. It’s also worth going all the way down to the crypt. The entire central nave of St. Michael’s Church has a basement and vaulted crypt. Among others, the tombs of Ernst Georg Sonnin, the church’s builder, and the composer Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach are located there. The crypt also houses the “Mechaelitica” exhibition, which explores the history of St. Michael’s. You can also watch the film “Hamburg HISTORY,” which explores the history of Hamburg and the five main criteria for sacred architecture.
Historical Facts and History of the St. Michael’s Church
In its 400-year history, the St. Michael’s Church in Hamburg has seen quite a bit. St. Michael’s Church was built around 1600 as a cemetery chapel. The sacred building stood outside Hamburg’s fortifications in a cemetery where those who had died of the plague were buried. St. Ansgar’s Church now stands where the chapel stood.
As more and more people settled in the New Town, the chapel no longer offered sufficient capacity. As a result, the citizens and council of Hamburg decided to build a new church nearby, which was dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The first consecration of the large St. Michael’s Church took place on March 14, 1661.
In 1750, just under 100 years later, lightning struck the church. The lightning strike caused the church tower to collapse and the building to burn to its foundations. Until the large St. Michael’s Church was rebuilt in 1763, the original church served as an emergency church, also known as the Little St. Michael. The St. Michael’s Church received its current form from the architect Ernst Georg Sonnin, who was largely unknown at the time.
Over its eventful history, the St. Michael’s Church was built three times between 1647 and 1912 and completely destroyed twice. Due to the complete destruction, not much of the original main church, St. Michael’s, remains. However, the mosaic on the altar, by Ernst Pfannschmidt, and the pulpit, crowned by an angel by Otto Lessing, still exist. Also remaining from the original furnishings is the marble baptismal font, supported by three putti.
The iron offering box, located in the nave at the west end, is also still there. It was a gift from the architect Sonnin for the consecration of the church in 1762. This offertory box can be seen as a memorial to the parishes of Hamburg. After 1527, the twelve trustees of each church developed into the political representation of the parishes, which later became an elected citizenry.
During World War II, St. Michael’s was also hit by aerial bombs, causing further damage to the sacred building. After restoration and repair of the damage, St. Michael’s Church was re-consecrated on October 19, 1952.
For many years, St. Michael’s Church was the first and last thing sailors saw when setting off on long voyages from Hamburg. This made it a symbol of Hamburg for sailors, as they associated the sight of St. Michael’s Church with home.
Sights and interesting things to see in the immediate vicinity of the Michel
There’s a lot to discover on a walk in the immediate vicinity of the Michel. To become aware of some of the sights, it’s worth letting your gaze wander and sometimes taking a closer look. Because some interesting and worthwhile sights are somewhat hidden.
On a stroll along Krayenkamp, the half-timbered houses immediately catch your eye. These houses are the oldest row house settlement in Hamburg. They were built between 1620 and 1700 and are located in the immediate vicinity of the Michel. The entire complex was listed as a historic monument in 1933.
At the corner of Krayenkamp and Friedrich-Ebert-Straße stands the Zitronenjette (Lemon Jette). She is a monument to a Hamburg original. Between 1854 and 1894, a small woman walked through the Hanseatic city day and night, earning her living by selling lemons. This attractive monument near the Michel is intended to commemorate this woman.
Located in the center of the Neustadt (New Town) is the Großneumarkt, a picturesque market square. In times long past, it formed the center of the Gängeviertel (Gange Quarter). The square looks back on 400 years of history. Today, the Großneumarkt is a small world unto itself, characterized by young shops, trendy restaurants, and cafés. Many historic buildings can be found there. They have been renovated and exude a special flair. A flea market is also held there regularly. Unique contrasts converge in this historic square.
Near the Michel (St. Michael’s Church) is a beautiful park called Planten un Blomen, which translates into High German as “plants and flowers.” It is located on the western border of the Neustadt (New Town) on the site of the former ramparts. The park is a wonderful place to rest and linger. There are spacious green areas and numerous small lakes that merge into an impressive picture. A stroll through the 47-hectare park reveals numerous wonderful attractions, such as the Schiller Monument.
Cafés and Restaurants Near St. Michael’s Church
If you’re feeling hungry and thirsty after climbing the church tower and visiting St. Michael’s Church, you won’t have to look far, as numerous cafés and restaurants are located in the immediate vicinity of the sacred building. The sheer variety makes it difficult to choose one or the other.
Café Am Michel, Englische Planke 6, is located just 100 meters from the church. Guests are welcomed into the charming café’s tasteful living room atmosphere. In addition to coffee specialties and delicious tea, a nice selection of cakes and small dishes, such as toasted country bread or tuna baguette, is offered.
Address: Café Am Michel, Englische Planke 6
The Krameramtsstuben restaurant at Krayenkamp 10 offers a unique ambiance with historic, restored furniture that exudes a special charm. It is located 200 meters from St. Michael’s Church. The menu includes German dishes and typical North German dishes such as Büsum crab soup, original Hamburg Labskaus, and eel soup. Those who prefer these dishes can also order a Caesar salad and other tasty dishes.
Address: Restaurant Krameramtsstuben, Krayenkamp 10
The Old Commercial Room is a restaurant located at Englische Planke 10. It has a cozy, rustic feel and is located 100 meters from the Michel. The kitchen serves dishes from German, European, and Central European cuisine. There is an extensive drinks menu, from which you can choose a cold beer, wine, or a soft drink.
Address: Old Commercial Room, Englische Planke 10
Beyoglu Kebab House
Those who prefer Anatolian and Turkish cuisine will be in good hands at the Beyoglu Kebab House, located at Großneumarkt 38. Steak, Anatolian kebab, and other delicacies are served from the kitchen in a cozy atmosphere. A cold beer, delicious wine, or non-alcoholic beverages perfectly complement this special treat.
Address: Beyoglu Kebab House, Großneumarkt 38
The Fam Café Kitchen, located at Krayenkamp 13, 100 meters from the Michel, spoils its guests with more than just delicious coffee specialties. The menu also includes tomato mozzarella, delicious soups such as tomato cream soup, and other tasty treats. Drinks and food are served in a rustic, cozy atmosphere.
Address: Fam Café Kitchen, Krayenkamp 13