Schiffercompagnie Stralsund

The Schiffercompagnie building stands prominently in Frankenstraße 9 with its distinctive red gables and a ship-shaped weather vane, housing a collection of captain portraits, ship models, and maritime artifacts that document over 500 years of seafaring history.

Founded in January 1488 by 50 seafarers and citizens connected to shipping, the Schiffer-Compagnie was established as a brotherhood to provide mutual protection, cooperation, and social security for the families of its members during the Hanseatic period.

The organization continues its centuries-old tradition of monthly Thursday meetings in the historic Schifferstube and hosts the annual Schaffermahl in March, where representatives from business and politics gather to enjoy traditional maritime dishes like pike soup, labskaus, and red pudding.

Located centrally in Stralsund's old town, the building is easily accessible on foot or by public transport and offers visitors insights into maritime history through its historical collection, with occasional special events open to the public.

The building's founding statute from 1488, written in Low German on 37 parchment pages, remains preserved and documents the religious motivation and communal ideals of the original seafaring brotherhood that still operates as a registered association today.