Stralsunds Old Town Audio Guided Tour of the Citys Highlights

Discover Stralsund’s Old Town through this engaging self-guided audio tour offered by VoiceMap for just $9.99 per person. Lasting approximately 75 to 90 minutes, this tour guides you through the city’s medieval streets, historic buildings, and waterfront attractions at your own pace. Starting at the Marienkirche on New Market Square, the tour covers key sites like the Museumshaus, Gorch Fock I, and the Ozeaneum aquarium.

While the tour includes several highlights, it’s practical to remember that you need your own smartphone and headphones to participate. The tour offers offline access, lifetime use, and a virtual playback option, making it flexible for different schedules and locations. Reviewers note that finding the starting point can be tricky, but overall, it’s a worthwhile experience for those interested in history, architecture, and maritime culture.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $9.99, with lifetime access to the tour
• Approximate duration is 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Starting point is St. Mary’s Church on New Market Square
• Visit notable landmarks including Medieval City Hall, Museumshaus, and Holy Ghost Church
• Highlights include climbing the Marienkirche tower for panoramic views and exploring 19th-century warehouses
• Self-guided format offers flexibility to explore at your own pace with offline access

Starting at St. Mary’s Church: The Gothic Landmark

The tour begins at St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche), a stunning example of Gothic architecture dominating New Market Square. Here, visitors can climb the church tower to enjoy sweeping views of Stralsund and the Baltic Sea Sound. This spot provides an excellent vantage point to appreciate the city’s layout and historic rooftops.

The church’s tower is a key highlight of the tour, offering a panoramic perspective that makes the climb well worth the effort despite some initial difficulty in locating the starting point. The New Market Square, established in 1234, is a lively hub surrounded by medieval buildings, giving a sense of the city’s vibrant past.

Exploring the Historic New Market Square and Medieval Streets

The New Market Square is the heart of Stralsund’s Old Town, with a vibrant atmosphere that dates back to 1234. As you walk through, you’ll notice medieval buildings that have stood for centuries, reflecting the town’s historical significance.

This area offers a glimpse into Stralsund’s past as a major Hanseatic League city, with its historic architecture and bustling atmosphere. The tour provides insights into how the square functioned centuries ago, making it a prime spot for understanding the city’s medieval roots.

Discovering the 14th-Century Museumshaus

A key stop is the Museumshaus, a merchant’s house from the 14th century now serving as a museum. Inside, visitors explore its atmospheric basement and learn about medieval trade in Stralsund.

This location offers a tangible connection to the city’s mercantile history. The Museumshaus enriches the tour by showcasing the everyday lives of medieval traders and their architectural style. It’s a highlight for anyone interested in medieval commerce and historic building preservation.

The Modern Ozeaneum Aquarium and Maritime Landmarks

Contrasting the medieval sites, the Ozeaneum provides an educational experience with its marine life exhibits and oceanography displays. This modern aquarium features impressive marine exhibits and interactive displays, making it a popular stop.

Nearby, the Gorch Fock I, a historic three-masted sailing ship, now functions as a museum. Visitors can learn about maritime history and explore the life aboard naval vessels. These maritime landmarks offer a distinct perspective on Stralsund’s shipbuilding and navigation heritage.

The Old Market Square and Gothic City Hall

The Old Market Square is a charming area filled with historic buildings and bustling activity. The Medieval City Hall here is a Gothic masterpiece, showcasing Stralsund’s importance as a Hanseatic Trading hub.

The City Hall stands as a symbol of medieval civic power with its Gothic architecture and historical significance. Walking around this square offers a chance to absorb the lively ambiance of medieval commerce and local history.

Visiting St. Nicholas’ Church and the Holy Ghost Church

St. Nicholas’ Church, noted for its astronomical clock dating back to 1394, is an important religious and historical site. The church offers insights into medieval timekeeping and religious architecture.

The Holy Ghost Church (Heilgeistkirche) also features historic religious architecture and provides additional context about Stralsund’s ecclesiastical history. Both sites deepen the understanding of medieval spiritual life and architectural craftsmanship.

Practicalities: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour starts at St. Mary’s Church at Marienstraße 16, a location near public transportation options. The activity ends back at the starting point, making it convenient for exploration and subsequent plans.

Participants should download the tour in advance to avoid technical issues, as some reviews highlight initial difficulty in starting the tour. The offline access and lifetime use make it flexible, but you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones.

Flexibility and Self-Guided Exploration

This self-guided GPS tour allows you to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for independent travelers. You can pause, revisit, or skip sections as you wish. The virtual playback functions like an audiobook, adding to its convenience.

While the tour provides detailed directions to each stop, the practical tip is to be prepared with the downloaded files and a map in case of technical hiccups. The duration of approximately 75 minutes is a good guideline, but you can spend more time at favored sites.

Limitations and Considerations

A few users have experienced difficulty locating the start point, so arriving early or confirming the location beforehand is wise. The tour does not include entry fees for attractions like the Ozeaneum or City Hall, so budget accordingly if you plan to visit inside.

Since the tour is entirely self-guided, it lacks a personal guide’s storytelling flair but compensates with detailed narration and visual cues. The price point makes it an affordable way to see Stralsund’s highlights, especially for those comfortable with self-directed sightseeing.

Final Thoughts on the Stralsund Old Town Audio Tour

This self-guided tour offers an affordable and flexible way to explore Stralsund’s historic sites, from medieval architecture to maritime landmarks. At $9.99, it provides lifetime access and offline usability, making it suited for independent travelers who enjoy learning through narration and walking at their own pace.

While initial directions can be tricky, the content’s depth and variety—including panoramic views, historic buildings, and maritime museums—make it a valuable experience. It’s especially suited for those interested in history, architecture, and coastal culture, or anyone seeking an entry-level tour of this Hanseatic city.

For visitors with a smartphone, this tour is a cost-effective and interactive way to absorb Stralsund’s heritage, complementing other visits or as a standalone exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the self-guided format makes it accessible for most ages, especially those comfortable with walking and using a smartphone.

Do I need to be physically fit to complete the tour?
The tour involves walking through the Old Town, which is mostly flat and manageable for most visitors.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring your smartphone, headphones, and charged battery. Make sure to download the tour beforehand to avoid connectivity issues.

Can I start the tour anytime?
Yes, the tour is available any day between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM, all year round.

Are there any entry fees for attractions included?
No, the tour does not include entry fees; attractions like Ozeaneum or City Hall may have separate admission costs.

What if I get lost or have technical issues?
It’s recommended to download the map and audio files in advance. Support is available through VoiceMap support if needed.

How long does the tour typically take?
Approximately 75 to 90 minutes, but it’s flexible depending on how long you spend at each stop.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most sites are accessible, but since the tour involves walking on medieval streets, some areas may have uneven surfaces.

What makes this tour different from a guided group tour?
It offers complete flexibility to explore at your own pace, with lifetime access to the narration, making it a personalized experience.

Can I do this tour more than once?
Absolutely, the lifetime access allows you to revisit the tour as many times as you like.