Night of the Churches

If you are looking to explore some of Hamburg’s beautiful churches and cathedrals this autumn, then why not combine your tour with the city’s very own Night of the Churches (Nacht der Kirchen)?

Live music in Hamburg's churches

More than 100 churches in and around the city open their doors to the public at night during this event, sharing unique insights into Hamburg’s different Christian communities and groups. The acoustics of churches make for spine-tingling sounds, and, of course Night of the Churches wouldn't be complete without music. Concerts of various kinds will enchant visitors all over the city. Stroll from church to church and take it all in!

See Hamburg’s churches by night

Key landmarks like the St. Nikolai memorial and St. Michael’s Church, together with churches St. Catherine’s, St. Peter’s and St. James’s, are listed among Hamburg’s most popular and well-known tourist attractions. But these sacred buildings are but a handful of the city’s prominent houses of worship.

The annual Night of the Churches was originally devised to offer locals and visitors alike a broad overview of the numerous different spiritual associations within the Christian branch in Hamburg. Similar in nature to the Long Night of Religions in Berlin, the event helps the public gain a better grasp of the religious and spiritual landscape in Hamburg. With around 80.000 visitors each year, it is one of the largest cultural events in the city. 

One of the biggest cultural events in Hamburg: Night of the Churches

Attendees will still be offered special insights into the theological world-views of different branches of Christianity, ranging from the predominant Lutheran Church to the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, Reformist and Free Church.

Check out the Night of the Churches YouTube channel and take a look at some of Hamburg's most spectacular churches, taking viewers from the roof of the Ecumenical Forum to the tower of the Nikolai ruins, with plenty of interviews and fascinating stories along the way. 

Attending Hamburg’s Night of the Churches

For more details on venues and timetables, please visit the official Night of the Churches website.

All photos credit: © NdKH