St. Michaelis, known to every Hamburger simply as the Michel, is the city’s symbol and one of the finest Baroque churches in northern Germany. Its copper-green tower has guided sailors on the Elbe for centuries, and the church itself has been built three times between 1647 and 1912 after being destroyed twice. Inside, the bright white-and-gold interior is filled with light, and the organs make it one of the great venues for church music in the region. The main draw for visitors is the tower: you can climb 452 steps or take a lift most of the way up to a viewing platform more than a hundred metres above the city, with a 360-degree view over the harbour cranes, the Elbphilharmonie, the Alster lakes and the rooftops of the old town. The tower clock is the largest church tower clock in Germany, and a trumpeter still plays chorales from the tower.
How to visit: tickets for the tower and the crypt are sold online and at the visitor centre, and the church is open to visitors on most days, generally from 10:00 until the early evening, with a midday break for the church itself. Visits are not possible during services, and organ recitals, lunchtime devotions and concerts happen regularly, so check the official site for the day you plan to go. The church square is currently being redesigned, so expect some building work outside.
What to expect: the lift takes you up most of the way, and the last stretch is on foot; the full climb is 452 steps for those who prefer it. The platform is open to the wind, so bring a layer. Below the church, the crypt holds an exhibition on the history of the church and the city, a short film called HiStory, and the grave of the composer Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach. The tower trumpeter plays at 10:00 and 21:00 on weekdays and at noon on Sundays.
Making the most of it: the Michel is a short walk uphill from the Landungsbrücken, so climb it before or after your harbour cruise to see the port from above. For something special, look out for the Nachtmichel evening openings of the tower, with the city lights spread out below.
What to expect
The experience
A Baroque church with a tower viewing platform reached by lift or stairs, and a crypt exhibition below.
Best time
A clear day, or an evening Nachtmichel opening for the city lights.
How long
An hour to ninety minutes for the church, tower and crypt.
Tips
Check for services and concerts before you go, and bring a warm layer for the windy platform.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want Hamburg’s classic view and its most famous landmark.
- Families
- The lift makes the tower easy for children, and the view is a hit with all ages.
- Couples
- Go up at sunset or on a Nachtmichel evening, then walk down to the river for dinner.
- Pair with
- The harbour cruise from the Landungsbrücken, the Hamburg Dungeon and the Kunsthalle.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes including the crypt.
Good questions
Is there a lift up the Michel tower?+
Yes, a lift takes visitors up most of the way, with a short stretch on foot at the end. The full climb on the stairs is 452 steps.
How high is the viewing platform?+
The platform is more than a hundred metres above the city and gives a 360-degree view. On a clear day you can see far along the Elbe.
Can I visit during a church service?+
No, visits are not possible during services, and some times are taken by concerts and devotions. Check the official site before you go.
What is in the crypt?+
The crypt has an exhibition on the history of the church and the city, and shows a short film called HiStory. The composer Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach is buried there.
When does the tower trumpeter play?+
The trumpeter plays chorales from the tower at 10:00 and 21:00 on weekdays. On Sundays the chorale is played at noon.
