St. Nikolai Church, Flensburg

Brick Gothic grandeur, Baroque artistry and one of northern Europe’s most remarkable organs make St. Nikolai the spiritual and architectural heartbeat of Flensburg.

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St. Nikolai Kirche zu Flensburg der Ev.-Luth. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde Flensburg

Rising above Flensburg’s Südermarkt, St. Nikolai is a striking brick Gothic hall church and one of the city’s defining landmarks. Built between the late 14th and 15th centuries, it offers a lofty nave supported by massive round pillars, a richly carved Baroque altar and a renowned Renaissance-Baroque organ unique in northern Europe. Open daily as an “open church for the city”, it is both a place of quiet reflection and a focal point for sacred music, set amidst the narrow streets and cafés of the historic centre.

A brief summary to St. Nikolai Kirche zu Flensburg der Ev.-Luth. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde Flensburg

Nikolaikirchhof 8, Flensburg, 24937, DE
+494618400400
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

Visit during daytime opening hours to enjoy the church as a quiet retreat between exploring Südermarkt and the nearby harbour.
Check ahead for organ recitals or choral services; hearing the historic organ in action adds a powerful extra dimension to your visit.
Bring a light jacket even in summer—the thick brick walls keep the interior noticeably cooler than the streets outside.
Allow time to walk around the exterior; from the market side you get the best view of the tall neo-Gothic tower and carillon.

Getting There

City bus from Flensburg ZOB

From Flensburg’s central bus station (ZOB), take any city bus line that stops at or near Südermarkt in the old town; services typically run every 10–20 minutes during the day and are covered by the standard Flensburg urban tariff, usually around €2–3 for a single adult ticket. The ride into the centre takes about 5–10 minutes depending on the line. From the Südermarkt stop it is a short, gently sloping walk over cobbled streets to St. Nikolai, suitable for most visitors but less comfortable for narrow-wheeled buggies.
On foot from Flensburg main railway station

From Flensburg Hauptbahnhof, allow roughly 15–20 minutes to walk to St. Nikolai through the city centre. The route climbs gradually at first and then descends towards the historic market squares, mostly along paved sidewalks and pedestrian streets. The walk is straightforward but involves some inclines and cobblestones, so comfortable shoes are recommended; it is manageable for most people using wheelchairs or strollers with robust wheels.
Taxi within Flensburg urban area

Taxis in Flensburg provide a convenient option from the main station, harbourfront hotels or residential districts to the church, with typical journey times of 5–15 minutes depending on traffic. Within the urban area, fares generally range from about €10–20, with surcharges in late evening and on weekends. Vehicles can usually drop passengers close to Nikolaikirchhof; advise the driver that you are heading to the church by Südermarkt if you need a set-down point with minimal walking.

St. Nikolai Kirche zu Flensburg der Ev.-Luth. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde Flensburg location weather suitability

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Discover more about St. Nikolai Kirche zu Flensburg der Ev.-Luth. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde Flensburg

A brick Gothic landmark at the heart of Flensburg

St. Nikolai Church stands on Nikolaikirchhof, edging the lively Südermarkt, and has anchored Flensburg’s skyline for more than six centuries. The present three-aisled, seven-bay stepped hall church was raised in two main construction phases between around 1390 and 1480, using the warm red brick typical of Baltic Gothic architecture. Its tall volume, supported by hefty round pillars, creates a surprisingly spacious interior that contrasts with the compact streets and gabled houses outside. Dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors and merchants, the church was funded by the city’s trading elite at what was then Flensburg’s second market square. In the early 16th century a free-standing wooden belfry was replaced by a substantial tower, later crowned with a neo-Gothic spire that pushes the total height close to 90 metres. Several times a day, the carillon high in the tower rings out across the old town, marking time for the markets, shops and harbour below.

Reformation heritage and stories in stone

St. Nikolai is also an important site in the history of the Reformation in northern Germany. In December 1526, pastor Gerhard Slewardt preached here in the Lutheran tradition for the first time in Flensburg, earning him the local reputation as a reformer and making the church one of the early Lutheran strongholds in the region. From this pulpit, new ideas about faith, scripture and worship spread through the trading city and along its maritime routes. Over the centuries the church has survived fires, storms and changing tastes. A devastating lightning strike in 1877 set the tower ablaze, destroying its interior and the then organ. The rebuilding that followed reshaped the spire in neo-Gothic fashion while carefully respecting the medieval brick base. Inside, layers of history coexist: late medieval structural forms, post-Reformation furnishings and later nineteenth-century additions sit side by side, turning the building into a readable chronicle of the city’s past.

Baroque altar, carved details and sacred art

Stepping into the nave, your eye is immediately drawn down the long central aisle to the richly carved altar from the mid-18th century. Donated in 1749 by Margarethe Cäcilie Valentiner, it is a tall wooden Rococo structure with twisted columns, putti and trumpeting angels surrounding paintings of the Resurrection and the Last Supper. Allegorical statues personifying virtues such as Faith and Hope frame the scene, making the altar both a devotional focal point and a showpiece of northern Baroque craftsmanship. Elsewhere in the choir and along the arcades, you will find finely worked woodcarving on pulpit, pews and memorial tablets. A carved baptismal cover from 1722, suspended above the font, shows how local artisans blended religious symbolism with maritime and floral motifs. Light filtering through tall Gothic windows picks out these details, while the heavy brick piers and ribbed vaults maintain an atmosphere of solidity and calm.

A unique organ and a living music tradition

At the opposite end of the church, the celebrated organ rises above the west gallery. Its historic façade by Hinrich Ringeringk fronts an instrument considered one of the most important Renaissance organs in northern Germany, later rebuilt in the Baroque period. Hidden behind the elaborate prospect are effectively two organs in one case, an arrangement that is rarely found elsewhere and prized by organists for its tonal possibilities. Music plays a central role in the church’s identity today. Regular services are shaped by choir singing and organ repertoire that make full use of the instrument’s layered sound. Concerts and special musical vespers draw listeners from well beyond Flensburg, turning the nave into a resonant hall where centuries of sacred music, from early chorales to modern compositions, find a fitting stage beneath the vaulted ceiling.

Open church and quiet refuge in the old town

St. Nikolai describes itself as an open church for the city, and its doors are typically open daily from morning until early evening. Visitors of any faith, or none, are welcome to slip inside for a moment of silence, to light a candle or simply to sit and absorb the interplay of brick, wood and light. Occasional volunteers act as church stewards, ready to answer questions about art, history and theology, while discreet information material helps you interpret what you see. Outside, the small Nikolaikirchhof and neighbouring Südermarkt form an inviting urban ensemble of cobbles, façades and market stalls. Between errands or sightseeing in the surrounding streets and harbourfront, the church offers a nearby refuge from wind, rain or summer bustle. Whether you come for its architecture, its music or its contemplative atmosphere, St. Nikolai remains one of Flensburg’s most characterful spaces.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Foundation country Schäferhaus

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Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II

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Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup

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Tysk skanse X

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Stille jordvolde på Dybbøl Banke, hvor en tysk skanse fortæller om tiden efter 1864 og fæstningsringen, der engang omklamrede Sønderborg.

King's Redoubt

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Mindesten for Røde Kors

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Windmill

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Iskonditoriet

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Memory stone

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Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer

26.7 km

Discreet harborfront memorial in Sønderborg honoring eleven young German sailors executed for mutiny in 1945, inviting quiet reflection on conscience and war.

Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer

Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral

27.0 km

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Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen

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Kriegerdenkmal

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Schleswig Holstein Denkmal

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Explore the historical significance and serene atmosphere of the Schleswig Holstein Denkmal, a must-visit heritage site in Schleswig.

Unmissable attractions to see

Historische Hinterhöfe

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Uncover the charm of Flensburg's Historische Hinterhöfe, a captivating attraction with historic courtyards, local shops, and rich cultural experiences.

Museumsberg Flensburg

0.4 km

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Istedløven

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Explore Istedløven, Flensburg’s iconic lion monument, a symbol of valor and history amidst scenic surroundings.

Flensburger Schifffahrtsmuseum

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Explore Flensburg's rich maritime history at the Flensburger Schifffahrtsmuseum, where captivating exhibits and interactive displays await.

Museumswerft Flensburg gemeinnützige GmbH

1.2 km

Explore the maritime past at Museumswerft Flensburg, where shipbuilding history and cultural heritage meet in a stunning waterfront setting.

Museumswerft Flensburg gemeinnützige GmbH

PHÄNOMENTA

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Experience the magic of science at PHÄNOMENTA, Flensburg's interactive museum where learning meets fun for all ages.

Nordertor

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Discover the charm of Nordertor, Flensburg's historic landmark, a gateway to the city's medieval past and vibrant culture.

Flensburg kinetic sculpture

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Experience the enchanting Flensburg kinetic sculpture—where art meets engineering in a stunning display of movement and creativity in the heart of the city.

Arnkielpark

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Langbett Munkwolstrup. Burial Chamber.

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Unravel the ancient mysteries at Langbett Munkwolstrup, a captivating burial chamber in Oeversee, Germany, steeped in history and natural beauty.

Glücksburg Castle

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Fröruper Berge

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Discover the scenic beauty and tranquility of Fröruper Berge, a premier hiking destination in Oeversee, Germany, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Halbinsel Holnis

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Experience the serene landscapes and rich wildlife of Halbinsel Holnis, a tranquil nature preserve on the beautiful Baltic Sea coast of Germany.

Forfyr Rinkenæs

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Step into Denmark’s history at Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke, where reconstructed fortifications and interactive exhibits bring the dramatic events of 1864 vividly to life.

Bismarckturm Scheersberg

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Restaurant Colosseum

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Gerrit's

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Den Lille Vinbar

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Nightclubs & after hour spots

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Kaizen ApS

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TANZ-FABRIK / Tanzlokal

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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Schleswig at TANZ-FABRIK, where music and dance create unforgettable memories every Saturday night.

Discothek Vineta

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Al Capone

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P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder

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Cheyenne-Club

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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St. Nikolai Church, Flensburg

A brief summary to St. Nikolai Kirche zu Flensburg der Ev.-Luth. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde Flensburg

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

City bus from Flensburg ZOB

On foot from Flensburg main railway station

Taxi within Flensburg urban area

St. Nikolai Kirche zu Flensburg der Ev.-Luth. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde Flensburg location weather suitability

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Discover more about St. Nikolai Kirche zu Flensburg der Ev.-Luth. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde Flensburg

A brick Gothic landmark at the heart of Flensburg

Reformation heritage and stories in stone

Baroque altar, carved details and sacred art

A unique organ and a living music tradition

Open church and quiet refuge in the old town

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Foundation country Schäferhaus

Genforeningsmærke på Dybbøl Skanse II

Befrielsessten i Vester Sottrup

Tysk skanse X

King's Redoubt

Mindesten for Røde Kors

Windmill

Iskonditoriet

Papirgalleriet v/Gitte Kristjansen

Memory stone

Gedenkstein für hingerichtete Widerstandskämpfer

Sønderborg Kommunale Kommandocentral

Mindesten for korporal Hammerström og konstabel Frederiksen

Kriegerdenkmal

Schleswig Holstein Denkmal

Unmissable attractions to see

Historische Hinterhöfe

Museumsberg Flensburg

Istedløven

Flensburger Schifffahrtsmuseum

Museumswerft Flensburg gemeinnützige GmbH

PHÄNOMENTA

Nordertor

Flensburg kinetic sculpture

Arnkielpark

Langbett Munkwolstrup. Burial Chamber.

Glücksburg Castle

Fröruper Berge

Halbinsel Holnis

Forfyr Rinkenæs

Bismarckturm Scheersberg

Essential places to dine

Das Grace

Restaurant Quellental

Restaurant Bind

Den Gamle Skomager

Den Gamle Kro

Byens Pizza & Grill Dybbøl - Sønderborg

Restaurant Sundhalle V/Eva Iversen

Grey Ghost ApS

Karikatur Restaurant og Bar i Sønderborg

Biehl

Café Marina

Restaurant Da Nico

Bistro Grand Mère

Fox And Hounds

Restaurant Colosseum

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Förde Park

Scandinavian Park

Mr Klausen Herre-og Drengetøj

Twizt Fashion

Jim P.

Viller

Normal

JACK & JONES

Zizzi - Sønderborg

Borgen

Tøjeksperten

NEYE Borgen