St. Nikolai Memorial

St. Nikolai Memorial is a war memorial in Hamburg's old city center consisting of a 147-meter-high church tower that survived after the building was destroyed. A glass elevator reaches an observation deck partway up, and exhibition spaces occupy the crypt below the tower.

The original building was constructed in the 14th century as a church and became one of the city's most important structures. In 1943, bombing raids nearly destroyed the building, but the tower remained standing and has since served as a memorial.

The crypt houses an exhibition about Hamburg during the 1930s and early 1940s, showing how war and political change shaped the city and its residents. Visitors can see objects and documents from this period that bring the story to life.

The glass elevator only rises to 76 meters, not to the tower's top, though this height still offers broad views across the city. Visitors can climb steps if they prefer, but the elevator saves effort and works better for most people.

The tower houses a carillon with 51 bells that plays automatic melodies daily and performs live concerts every Thursday at noon. This musical element often surprises visitors and adds an unexpected dimension to the experience.

Location: Hamburg-Mitte

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Willy-Brandt-Straße 60, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +494046898040

Website: http://mahnmal-st-nikolai.de

GPS coordinates: 53.54755,9.99091

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04