logo
ic_menu

Wismar town

1 Am Markt, Wismar, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Description

Wismar is located along the Baltic sea, in the north-eastern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It was founded in the 13th century and became part of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval confederation of merchant guilds and market towns spreading from the Netherlands all the way to the Baltic states. The link is clearly scene in its official name: the Hanseatic City of Wismar and the presence of the trademark "Brick Gothic" buildings, the reason for its insertion in the UNESCO WHS list alongside Stralsund. The town highlights include the main marketplace with brick buildings from the 13-15th centuries and the Wasserkunst fountain, St. George's Church, the Town Hall, the Wassertor, and St. Mary's Church.

Access & Transport

The town is located 65km east of Lübeck, 32km north of Schwerin and 64km west of Rostock; it also has direct train links to the latter. Hamburg is 120km away on the A1 (towards Lubeck) then A20.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit there with the Castle and town of Schwerin

Meta review

This is one of the best-known towns in this part of the country and on the itinerary of many tour operators (or cruise liners stopping in Rostock). The old town and market square are the main attractions, alongside St Nicholas' Church which most reviewers qualify of impressive for its imposing aspect, spacious interior and its two pipe organs. The old but rejuvenated port area also gets excellent feedback for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, mix of new and old buildings, and array of shops and restaurants.

Environmental & Social

The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint and the setting is quite green. Tourism helps preserve some of the city's architectural and cultural heritages

Conclusion

In our opinion, Wismar is one of those definitive "Hanseatic" towns with their sobre yet elegant and, in the 21st century, somehow charming Brick Gothic architecture. Besides the natural environment and coastline, this is one of the regions' main draws, so we would strongly recommend a visit there.

Key positive

Quaint and well-preserved old town

Interesting background history

Key negative

Not much public transport connectivity

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.