Stralsund Christmas Market - German Christmas Market Tourist Information

Stralsund – the red town by the sea

Along with Wismar town centre, Stralsund’s historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. Founded in 1234, the town known for its red brick Gothic architecture also features gabled houses, imposing churches, medieval abbeys and an impressive town hall.

Stralsund is also a great example of a town living close to nature. One of the main attractions is the harbour with its old warehouses, canals and vibrant atmosphere. Full of cutters, launch boats, sailing ships and yachts, it gives an insight into what life was like here in the days of medieval tradesmen and sailors.

The Hanseatic towns, including Stralsund, are famous for the boned, marinated Bismarck herring, which owes its name to the clever fishmonger Johann Wichmann who once surprised the Chancellor Otto von Bismarck with a casket of this delicacy on his birthday. Bismarck enjoyed it so much, that the fishmonger secured the name for his herrings. Today, the Bismarck herring is shipped from here all over the world. Meat-lovers will also appreciate the traditional Pomeranian cooking, which includes mouth watering dishes such as suckling pig and stuffed ribs, washed down with a Störtebeker pils brewed in Stralsund.