City Profile – Tradition meets Modernity

Not only is the year 1234 easy to remember, it also marks the beginning of Stralsund’s exciting 780-year history.

Facts and Figures

• Founded: 1234
• Coordinates: 54°19’ N, 13°05’ E, in the northeast of the Federal State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
• Mayor: Dr. Alexander Badrow (CDU)
• Area: 39 km²
• Population: 57,540 (as of 31 Dec. 2014)
• Postal codes: 18435, 18437, 18439
• Area code: 03831

In the Hanseatic Tradition ...

In the Middle Ages, maritime trade shaped the fate of merchants, often bringing unprecedented wealth and prosperity. Stralsund was once an important trading and transshipment hub of the Hanseatic League. Later, the department-store giants Wertheim and Tietz would open their first stores here. And today, the city is an attractive shopping location, offering a wide range of products and services. Stralsund’s Town Hall is also a popular place to take a stroll and window-shop. Historical ambience included!

Red Brick ...

Red is the dominant colour for Stralsund’s churches, abbeys, monasteries, town hall and municipal buildings. Red brick is to the people of Stralsund what Sachertorte is to the Viennese: and both are genuine works of art and baked in an oven. And then there are the abbeys in all their tranquillity, and the Rügen Bridge which connects mainland Germany to its largest island.

Lots to See at the Sea ...

Whether you’re walking along the shores of the Strela Sound, wandering across Harbour Island or admiring ships from the North Pier (Nordmole), you’ll notice that the face of Stralsund is turned seawards. In the harbour, the masts of ships dance to the rhythm of the waves. And the hull of the Gorch Fock I shines a brilliant white. The air carries the aroma of smoked fish and the sound of crying gulls. The area around Stralsund is not only a sailing paradise, but also an important seaport and shipbuilding location. Even the fish are wild about the Strela Sound, a fact that the recreational anglers greatly appreciate. Swimmers and children love to romp about at the Stralsund Beach.

All Work and no Play ...

Stralsund is the largest city in Vorpommern and its ideal location offers outstanding conditions for companies setting up new operations in the industrial and commercial sectors. At the Stralsund University of Applied Sciences, students find optimal conditions for research and study. Our city is a dynamic business location and excellent place to work, study and enjoy your free time.

Museums Galore ...

Whether you have a passion for ships, fish or history, Stralsund’s museums are much more than a place to stay dry on a rainy day. Just a hop, skip and jump apart, the Museum of Cultural History attracts visitors with its gold treasure of Hiddensee, the Oceanographic Museum (Meeresmuseum) and OZEANEUM fascinate guests with their awe-inspiring aquariums, and Marine Museum on the small island of Dänholm tells thrilling tales of adventure.

Unique UNESCO World Heritage Site ...

Anyone who loves historical architecture will feel right at home in Stralsund’s old town. Even the view of Stralsund from above is spectacular: Stately gabled houses snuggle together, wall upon wall, within the confines of the old town to form a carpet at the feet of three colossal red brick churches. St. Mary’s, St. Nikolas’ and St. James’ are impressive monuments that bearing witness to Stralsund’s former wealth and status.

Better Living ...

Stralsund has made a name for itself – for folks of all ages. Housing comes in all shapes, sizes and styles: Whether it’s a Gothic gabled house, a medieval abbey, a baroque palace, a modern townhouse or a renovated Plattenbau, Stralsund offers houses and flats to suit every taste and budget!

The Next Generation ...

For young residents and guests, Stralsund is a place for exciting discoveries. There’s no getting bored here! Kids can enjoy the fresh sea breeze while playing at the beach, rowing races and sailing regattas with friends on the Knieper Pond, playing pirate on the Gorch Fock I and waving at seahorses in the Oceanographic Museum. And if you’re looking for educational activities, just stop by the music school, the children’s library or the theatre.

Twin Cities

Svendborg/Denmark		The Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Svendborg have had a twinning arrangement since 1992.	For more information: www.svendborg.dk
Kiel/Germany		The Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Kiel have had a twinning arrangement since 1987.	For more information: www.kiel.de
Pori/Finland		The Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Pori have had a twinning arrangement since 1968.	For more information: www.pori.fi
Ventspils/Latvia		The Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Ventspils have had a twinning arrangement since 1987.	For more information: www.ventspils.lv
Stargard/Poland		The Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Stargard Szczeciński have had a twinning arrangement since 1987.	For more information: www.stargard.pl
Malmö/Sweden		The Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Malmö have had a twinning arrangement since 1991.	For more information: www.malmo.se
Trelleborg/Sweden		In 2000, the Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Trelleborg signed a “cooperation agreement”.	For more information: www.trelleborg.se
Huangshan/China		In October 2015 the Hanseatic city of Stralsund and Huangshan in province Anhui in China signed a city twinning arrangement.	For more information: www.huangshan.gov.cn