See where your ancestors' journey began

Visit St. Michael's Church with its view over Hamburg's port

During the 19th century Hamburg's port became the starting point for many migrants who journeyed to a new life in the United States. Hamburg established its importance as “the gate to the world” - a phrase our city is still known for. St. Michael's history has always been intertwined with and influenced by Hamburg's port. For port workers, fishermen and merchants our church became a place of community; its white and open baroque interior creating a sense of peace and tranquility in an often strenuous and loud environment. It is therefore not surprising that many emigrants who journeyed to the United States visited our church before their departure. 

 

Welcome to St. Michael's!

As the most important baroque church in nothern Germany the “Michel” is one of Hamburg's landmarks and acts as a witness to over 350 years of history. In a city that changed drastically during those decades, St. Michael's became a consistent companion to those working at or traveling from Hamburg's port. Its tower's 360-degree-view over the Elbphilharmonie, the city centre and the newly renovated Hamburg Bunker is incomparably beautiful and shows Hamburg's striking features from a bird's-eye-view. 

Those interested in experiencing our St. Michael's services are invited to the daily meditations at noon where we offer 20 minutes of service with extraordinary music from the four organs in our church. 

Take a look for yourself: St. Michael's church, the crypt and its tower are well worth the visit!

 

Experience our 360-degree-view over Hamburg

For those who were born in Hamburg, St. Michael's was the place where they were baptized, the place where they got married und the place where they left their traces in our church records. For other men and women who were unable to stay at the emigration halls of Hamburg's port - nowadays known as BallinStadt museum - St. Michael's became a refuge where they waited and collectively prayed until their ships departed. 

Therefore, St. Michael's church was not only a witness to the many people departing from Hamburg but also a beacon for those saying goodbye to Germany; St. Michael's tower with its distinctive copper roof being the last sight of a life they left behind. 

Experience the 360-degree-view over Hamburg and its port for yourself! ⬇️

Opening hours

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Admission times

      Subject to change without prior notice

      Please note that certain areas of our church are closed off during services and events and cannot be visited during those times. Receive detailed information on services and events from our calendar.

      Tickets for your visit

      All tickets for our tower and crypt as well as postcards, books, CDs and souvenirs are available at our visitor center or online.

      Church Visit


      The church can be visited for free during its opening hours. When leaving the church we kindly ask for a small donation for its maintenance.

      Tower

      Adults: 8 Euros (discounted: 6 Euros)
      Children (from 6 to 15 years): 5 Euros (discounted: 4 Euros)

      Please not that the tickets for our Nachtmichel might vary from those prices.

      Crypt + Movie „Hamburg HISTORY“

      Adults: 6 Euros (discounted: 5 Euros)
      Children (from 6 to 15 years): 4 Euros (discounted: 3 Euros)

      Combined Tickets for the Tower & Crypt + Movie „Hamburg HISTORY"

      Adults: 10 Euros (discounted: 8 Euros)
      Children (from 6 to 15 years): 6 Euros (discounted: 5 Euros)

      Discounts

      Discounted tickets are available for: Hamburg-Card or Jugendpass holders, people with disabilities, retirees, school students and apprentices over the age of 15, university & college students, those currently unemployed (who have proof thereof), groups starting at 10 people, parents with three or more children.

      Directions

      We recommend using public transport to reach St. Michael’s: S1, S3 (Stadthausbrücke), U3 (Rödingsmarkt or Baumwall), Bus 16 or Bus 17 (Michaeliskirche).

      You will find parking for passenger cars in the St. Michael’s car park (Michel-Garage), accessible via Rödingsmarkt/Schaarsteinweg. Parking is permitted for two hours in the nearby car park at Zeughausmarkt.

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