Stralsund

This world-heritage city had a long history under Swedish control. The red-brick Gothic Marienkirche was for decades the world's tallest building and is the highlight among the city's impressive late medieval churches.

The Nikolaikirche's interiors are intricate and colourfully painted and its high altar is delicately carved with more than 100 figures. It also contains an astronomical clock. The St-Jakobi-Kirche, with sections from the 14th and 15th centuries, is another imposing monument, today used for cultural events as well as sightseeing.

Several historical small churches, monasteries and a collection of preserved town houses from varying periods help make up the streetscape. The town hall, built in the 13th and 14th century, is a remarkable structure with four wings, open passageway and galleries.

Other drawcards are the large Ozeanmuseum, with an extraordinary array of sea aquariums, and the museum sailing ship Gorch Fock I.