If you rent a car in Stralsund, you have the option to conveniently travel to the popular island of Rugen with its sandy beaches and seaside resorts. As there are bridges connecting the island to mainland Germany, Rugen is easily accessible by car. In the city, there are a number of architecturally stunning buildings that are worth visiting including the Nikolaikirche, the Rathaus and Wulflamhaus. Visitors who wish to learn more about the culture and history of the region can enter the Kulturhistorisches Museum. Once an important member of the Hanseatic League, Stralsund has a lot of interesting history. There is a vast number of ornate portals, Gothic turrets, square gables and vaulted archways that make the city one of the finest examples of Gothic gabled architecture. While driving through the city at leisure, you will see many examples of this classic style of architecture. Neuer Markt is dominated by the 14th century Marienkirche building, an iconic red-brick building. Ascend the wooden steps of the wooden bell tower for a panoramic city views.