© ThisIsJulia Photography
© ThisIsJulia Photography
© ThisIsJulia Photography
© ThisIsJulia Photography
© ThisIsJulia Photography
© ThisIsJulia Photography
© Hauptkirche St. Michaelis / Peter Vette
© Hauptkirche St. Michaelis / Peter Vette
© Hauptkirche St. Michaelis / Peter Vette

St. Michaelis Church

Hamburg Michel

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.

Hamburg CARD Discount

Combined ticket

Adults: 8.00 € instead of 10.00 €; Savings: 1.00 €, Children (6-15 y.): 5.00 € instead of 6.00 €; Savings: 1.00 €

Crypt with exhibition & film

Adults: 5,00 € instead of 6,00 €; Savings: 1,00 €, Children (6-15 y.): 3,00 € instead of 4,00 €; Savings: 1,00 €

Tower (observation deck)

Adults: 6.00 € instead of 8.00 €; Savings: 2.00 €, Children (6-15 y.): 5.00 € instead of 6.00 €; Savings: 1.00 €

from 11.90 €

Hamburg CARD

Free travel by bus, train and harbour ferries (HVV) and up to 50% discount on over 150 tourist offers

Short & Sweet

  • For whom All Hamburg visitors
  • How to get there by public transport (U3 or bus)
  • What not to miss Not only impressive from the outside, go in too!
  • Length of stay 1-2 hours
  • Tip The best view of Hamburg is from the Michel

DISCOVER NOW Events at this location

Pikto Land NEU
© Hamburg Messe und Congress

International Ecumenical Opening Worship
  • Religion & Spirituality

  • 09.05.2024
  • 14:00
  • Hauptkirche St. Michaelis zu Hamburg
Avi Avital / CHAARTS Chamber Artists
© Jean-Baptiste Millot

Avi Avital / CHAARTS Chamber Artists
  • World Music

  • 15.05.2024
  • 19:30
  • Hauptkirche St. Michaelis zu Hamburg

More on this subject

Elbphilharmonie Luftaufnahme Sonnenaufgang
© mediaserver.hamburg.de / Cooper Copter

You should see this Sights in Hamburg

A short holiday in Hamburg also means sightseeing in Hamburg. Whether the Elbe Philharmonic, Landungsbrücken or Hamburg City Hall - they and many other sights are simply part of a trip to Hamburg. The easiest way to explore Hamburg's sights is on a sightseeing tour with the striking double-decker buses.

Sights in Hamburg
St. Michaelis Kirche Hamburg auch bekannt als der "Michel"
© ThisIsJulia Photography

Contemporary witnesses with an eventful history Main Churches

They are the witnesses of the past, places of faith and landmarks of our city. From nowhere else in Hamburg you have such a clear and wide view over the city.

Main Churches
© Fotolia / JFL Photography

CITY AREA PORTRAIT Alt- & Neustadt

The historic core of the Altstadt (German for Old Town) district is shaped by traditional buildings such as the Hamburg city hall and the chamber of commerce, the alleyways and bridges which stretch out all the way to the HafenCity district. In the Neustadt district district between Laeiszhalle and Jungfernstieg with elegant promenades, fashion stores and gallery owners – overlooking the Alster.

Alt- & Neustadt

THIS MIGHT INTEREST YOU AS WELL Further recommendations

© ThisIsJulia Photography

St. Jacobi

The main church of St. Jacobi was built during the 14th century and is filled with ancient treasures. One of the most prominent of these is undoubtedly the famous the Arp Schnitger organ dating from 1693 - the largest preserved baroque organ in the northern Europe.

St. Jacobi
© ThisIsJulia Photography

Museum and observation tower Mahnmal St. Nikolai

At the ruin of the former main church St. Nikolai you can immerse yourself in the history of Hamburg. During the heavy air raids on Hamburg in the summer of 1943, St. Nikolai was largely destroyed. Today the ruin is a place of remembrance of the victims of the Second World War.

Mahnmal St. Nikolai
© ThisIsJulia Photography

St. Katharinen

St. Katharinen church was founded as a parish church on the newly embanked marshy island of Grimm for the resident ship builders, merchants and brewers around 1250.

St. Katharinen

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