The Church of St. Nicholas (German: St.-Nikolai-Kirche) was a Gothic Revival cathedral that was formerly one of the five Lutheran Hauptkirchen (main churches) in the city of Hamburg, Germany. The original chapel, a wooden building, was completed in 1195. It was replaced by a brick church in the 14th century, which was eventually destroyed by fire in 1842. The church was completely rebuilt by 1874, and was the tallest building in the world from 1874 to 1876. It was designed by the English architect George Gilbert Scott.
The bombing of Hamburg in World War II destroyed the bulk of the church. The removal of the rubble left only its crypt, its site and tall-spired tower, largely hollow save for a large set of bells. These ruins continue to serve as a memorial and an important architectural landmark. When Hamburg residents mention the Nikolaikirche, it is generally to this church that they are referring, and not the new Hauptkirche dedicated to Saint Nicholas in the Harvestehude district. The remains of the old church are the second-tallest structure in Hamburg. In 2005, an elevator was installed to a 75.3-metre-high (247 ft) platform.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Rafael Pacheco | Dec 28, 2017
The ruins of the St. Nicholas church which was destroyed during an air raid in 1943. It was kept this way in order to remember some of the atrocities of WWII.
Jordan Friedlander | Dec 5, 2017
The trick here is to look for the big Museum sign taking you downstairs. There is a fascinating museum dedicated to the bombing of Hamburg there that actually angered me in a way I didn't expect at all. I felt awful for the Germans. I felt angry at them too! How could they do that to the Jews!! How could the British kill so many innocents, left by the Germans to die horrible deaths! How could the Germans fight this story from being told?!? Needless to say the memorial made a lasting impression ( it's in German and English) . On top of that, the history of the church and elevator ride to the top was breathtaking too. All round worth the visit!
Nancy Hughes Smith | Jan 3, 2018
When visiting Hamburg St. Nikolai Memorial us a 'must see'. The view from the top of the tower is worth the trip. One can only imagine being on the building crew! The memorial museum is a very moving experience and a reminder of the horrors of war and the damage man is capable of inflicting. After my visit to St. Nikolai I have reinforced my wish for world peace and resolve to let it begin with me!
Denis Pisarev | Jan 4, 2018
€5 admission includes the Crypt Museum and the elevator to the top of the tower. The Museum is about the Hamorrah Operation, its victims and destructive heritage. Not only about the St. Nicholas Cathedral. The top of the tower opens a really great view with gargoyles at the city centre. The only thing I didn't like there were fences at the top of the tower, they could be better.
Justin Hein | Jan 16, 2018
It's strange to take an elevator up the church tower. Definitely go to the museum in the basement (entrance not from the tower)
Anthony Lubbock | Mar 30, 2018
This is such a profound experience, you can't help be taken back by the history and the hard facts of what happened both to instigate the air raid on Hamburg (leading to the destruction of this landmark and so many others in Hamburg), but also the pain and anguish that the war and related periods brought upon all of the human race! A must visit, as its a sobering experience. If heights bother you then don't worry, the lift is not a requirement.
Francis Marsden | Apr 1, 2018
Quick lift up to (almost) the top of the steeple of the church. Small viewing platform. Naturally a restricted view as the tower tapers, so photos somewhat compromised. €5.
Rebecca Greenhalgh | Mar 23, 2018
Very interesting place to visit and great to be in a glass lift to get to the top. Interesting history behind the monument - definitely worth €5
Christer Persson | Apr 1, 2018
Great place. The elevator in the tower is a little bit scary. Important historical building.
Connie Or | Jun 3, 2018
Worth visiting. Can take the elevator up in the tower. Very nice view ower Hamburg. The museum is handicapped friendly and has an elevator to get down there.
Twisted Monkey | May 24, 2018
A must visit when in Hamburg. Learn the painful history of the City from this very church ruin. The museum is great, German to English translation is available. The viewing deck has an amazing view of the entire City.
Ralph Theodory | Jun 4, 2018
It is very painful to see such an amazing church in its destroyed state. But this monument shows a dark time of the history in europe, i recommend visiting it. You will sense the holiness of this place and the sadness around it. It also has old photos of the chuch in 1944 before it got destroyed.
Bobby Beachy | Jun 19, 2018
Very cool to see and definitely worth walking through. 5 Euro was a bit steep to climb to the top, but there are some cool views between the large stone structures. Not super easy to take pictures from up there.
Thomas Pong | Jul 7, 2018
Just 5 euro you can go to the tower and visit a very meaningful museum, which shows a history that's always be forgotten by the mainstream. A must-go location in Hamburg.
Anton Oseledko | Jun 23, 2018
Very nice place to visit. Defo place to see in Hamburg. 5 eur for a museum and tower 75 meters from ground observatory. Museums is lit! A lot of history
Vivian Pohjanen | Jul 25, 2018
Even though there isn't that much left from the old church its enough. Guys should definitely check this one out! The details what you can see is devine and there is quite nice contract between the old church and the new office buildings.
Magnus Lundin | Jul 26, 2018
The burned out tower is seen from all over the city center and is an impressive sight in close up. A ride to the top of the tower is well spent. Stunning view over Hamburg, matched with pictures from 1943.
Cesar Magana | Aug 5, 2018
Impressive remains of a construction, if you want to go up the tower don't visit on sundays because the lift/museum will be closed
Peter Torres | Aug 5, 2018
A good place to visit to know the history of what is left of that church after allied bombing. The english inscription can be found on top of that church.
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap travel packages from Washington, D.C.
Cheap travel packages from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
Cheap travel packages from Andrews Air Force Base (ADW)
Cheap travel packages from Baltimore/Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshal (BWI)
Cheap travel packages from Richmond Intl. (RIC)
Cheap travel packages from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)
Cheap travel packages from Newport News Williamsburg Intl. (PHF)
Cheap travel packages from Norfolk Intl. (ORF)
Cheap travel packages from Roanoke Regional Woodrum Field (ROA)
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway