St. Peter's Church

The basics

St. Peter’s was built in 1189—though it’s thought that a previous church stood here earlier—and it’s one of only five churches in Hamburg that survived World War II. Visitors who make the pilgrimage here will find a sacred spot at the highest point in Hamburg’s Old Town, with art and architectural elements from the 13th century through today. (Needless to say, the church has been restored quite a bit.)

The church’s tower adds another 433 feet (131 meters) to the hillside, which makes it one of the highest viewpoints in the city. Should you manage to climb the 544 steps to the tower’s top platform, you’ll be rewarded with views over the city center—through the tower’s portholes, of course.

Things to know before you go

• As long as there’s no service being offered, early mornings or late afternoons usually offer more chances for quieter exploration.

• Though entry to the main nave is free, consider leaving a donation to support church maintenance.

• While photography is allowed, be sure to keep your flash off.

• There is a small fee to access views from the tower.

How to get there

If you’re planning to spend any time in Hamburg’s Old Town, you can simply walk over to St. Peter’s—it’s near the Rathaus, the Jungfernsteig, and more. Otherwise, hop on the U-Bahn and get off at the Rathaus station. From there, it’s less than a 3-minute walk to St. Peter’s.

When to get there

While the church is open every day of the week and still offers services, you’ll probably also want to experience the tower. That’s typically open Monday to Saturday, with the last entry to the top in the late afternoon. Of course, schedules are subject to change, so check in advance of your visit.

A game of “I Spy”

St. Peter’s Church holds the oldest-known art in the city: bronze lion-head door handles made in 1342, which can be found in the left wing of the west portal. You might also spot the mural depicting the first bishop Ansgar of Bremen, with the words “Apostle of the North,” which dates back to 1460.