Wismar: Old Town, Baltic Sea, Swedish Flair - What Makes the Hanseatic City So Special

A piece of Sweden right in the middle of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a fresh sea breeze, a fine sandy beach, and an idyllic old town: Wismar offers all of this.

Moreover, Wismar boasts a unique atmosphere due to its rich history, which still leaves its marks today. In 1632, Swedish troops occupied Wismar, and it was officially ceded to Sweden. It wasn't until 1903 that Wismar permanently became part of Mecklenburg.

Strolling through the city, you can still see the influence of the 'Swedish Era.' The so-called Swedish Heads welcome you at the old harbor, and on the market square, you'll find the brick house 'Alter Schwede' and the former Swedish commandant's house.

But it's not just the Swedish charm that makes Wismar special. Discover more about what awaits you in this Hanseatic city here:

The absolute highlight of Wismar is the old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Almost all of the city's important sights are within walking distance here.

Around the large market square, colorful gabled houses line up, with the impressive well in the center, which served as a drinking water source for the locals for centuries. The 'Alter Schwede' is also here, one of the oldest burgher houses in the city. Now, a restaurant that serves delicious fish dishes is housed in the building.

From the market square, small, cobblestone streets lead past boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. The Grube, a water inlet once used for the population's water supply, flows through the middle of the old town. At the end of the Grube stands the red Gewölbehaus, a listed half-timbered building.

Many churches also define the cityscape, particularly the Marienkirche or St. Nikolai's Church in the center of the old town. Next to St. Nikolai's, the historic Schweinsbrücke crosses the Grube, with bronze-colored pigs atop its posts. Don't forget to rub the pigs as you pass by-a myth claims it brings good luck.

The harbor is as defining for Wismar as the old town. Here, you can experience the city's long maritime tradition up close. Alongside passenger ships, a historical Hanseatic cog is docked at the harbor, local fish is sold, and seagulls circle overhead.

At the entrance to the old harbor is the so-called Baumhaus, not a treehouse in the traditional sense but an old brick building. Its name derives from the 'Bohmschlütern,' employees of the harbor administration who once lived there and closed the harbor at night and in times of danger.

In front of the Baumhaus stand the 'Wismar Swedish Heads,' the city's landmark. These are two brightly painted heads on busts, reminding of the time when Wismar was occupied by the Swedes.

Wismar is located directly on the Baltic Sea-don't miss out on the fresh sea air! Beautiful beaches are close to the city, with the nearest being Wendorf Beach in the Wendorf district of Wismar. Here, a gently sloping sandy beach and a pier stretch into the sea. At 330 meters, it is the longest pier on the Mecklenburg Baltic coast.

About 25 kilometers from Wismar lies Boltenhagen, where a five-kilometer sandy beach with beach chairs awaits you. A two-kilometer wooden dune promenade runs parallel to the coast.

For more nature and Baltic Sea feeling, take a trip to the Island of Poel. The island is about 20 minutes by car from Wismar and is still a hidden gem on the Baltic Sea, allowing you to walk the beach and enjoy nature without the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Besides the Baltic Sea and the beautiful old town, Wismar also offers some fascinating museums to explore. To learn more about the city's history, visit the City History Museum in the Schabbellhaus, impressive from the outside with its red brick and sandstone elements.

Another piece of city history can be found at the entrance to the Old Harbor-the Water Gate, the last of Wismar's original five city gates. Built around 1450, it was the only gate leading from the harbor into the city. Also located on Krämerstrasse is a historic building-the four-story Karstadt headquarters, where Rudolph Karstadt opened his first store in 1881.

Also worth a visit is phanTechnikum, the Technical Museum of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With 3,500 square meters of exhibition space, there's a wealth of knowledge about natural laws and the history of technology to be had here.

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