Stralsund, in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, lies on the Strelasund-an inlet of the Baltic Sea opposite the island of Rügen. Originally a merchant community on the Strelasund, the city acquired a charter in 1234. Later it joined the Hanseatic League, a federation of German cities and merchants united to protect and enhance their mutual commercial interests. Many countries ruled Stralsund between the 17th and 19th centuries, including Sweden, France, and Denmark, before Prussia finally annexed it in 1815.

The town suffered severe damage in World War II, and until German unification in 1990, Stralsund belonged to the Rostock District of East Germany. The townscape includes some outstanding brick Gothic architecture, such as the Church of St Mary and the Town Hall, as well as many merchants' houses.

Today Stralsund is both a seaport and major rail junction, and it contains food-processing plants, metalworks, and shipyards.