The Hanseatic League

The Stralsund skyline with its brick church towers rises impressively above Strela Sound. While today this view can mainly be seen by those who approach Stralsund via the Rügen Bridge, the city has appeared in this way to arriving seafarers since the Middle Ages. As one of the Hanseatic cities lined up like pearls on southern Baltic Sea beaches, Stralsund had achieved a degree of economic prosperity as a member of the Hanseatic League since the 13th century. Closely networked with other Hanseatic cities such as Lübeck, Wismar and Rostock and governed by councillors and mayors from the upper class of merchants, the Hanseatic League not only guaranteed economic security but also facilitated cultural exchange. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the alliance gradually disintegrated due to growing European competition. However, Stralsund remained a city of trade and Baltic exchange.

The Stralsund skyline with its brick church towers rises impressively above Strela Sound. While today this view can mainly be seen by those who approach Stralsund via the Rügen Bridge, the city has appeared in this way to arriving seafarers since the Middle Ages. As one of the Hanseatic cities lined up like pearls on southern Baltic Sea beaches, Stralsund had achieved a degree of economic prosperity as a member of the Hanseatic League since the 13th century. Closely networked with other Hanseatic cities such as Lübeck, Wismar and Rostock and governed by councillors and mayors from the upper class of merchants, the Hanseatic League not only guaranteed economic security but also facilitated cultural exchange.