Welcome to St. Nikolai Memorial
The church of St. Nikolai is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hamburg. It was originally built as a chapel for sailors and travelers in 1195. Located close to the harbor of Hamburg, it grew along with Hamburg's flourishing trade business. The church burned down during the Great Fire of Hamburg in 1842, but was rebuilt through donations of the citizens of Hamburg. When finished in 1874, the neo-Gothic church with a 486-feet steeple was the highest building in the world. During World War II, St. Nikolai fell prey to the so called “Operation Gomorrha”, the allied bombing raids on the city of Hamburg. Along with substantial parts of the city, it was destroyed and burned down.
Today, the remains of the once monumental church serve as a memorial for the victims of war and persecution. The Memorial of St. Nikolai shows a permanent exhibition on the destruction of Hamburg and varying exhibitions on different topics of contemporary history and politics. It also offers a wide range of panel discussions, lectures, and educational films. Please refer to our program under “Veranstaltungen”.
A panorama lift takes visitors up to a viewing platform 250 feet above the ground. From there visitors enjoy a view over downtown Hamburg, the harbor, and the river Alster.
Opening hours of St. Nikolai Memorial
May – September: daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October – April: daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
Adults: 3.70 €
Students / Hamburg Card/ Groups: 2.90 €
Children: 2.00 €
