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Hanseatic City of Wismar
Wismar, located directly on the Bay of Mecklenburg, is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic cities in the Baltic region. Its old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002, authentically preserving the architectural ideals of a 14th-century Hanseatic trading city. The central marketplace, spanning 10,000 square meters, is one of the largest in Northern Germany and is lined with magnificent townhouses and the 'Wasserkunst', an ornate fountain structure in the Dutch Renaissance style. Three massive Brick Gothic churches, St. Mary's, St. George's, and St. Nicholas's, dominate the skyline, testifying to the former wealth of the city's merchants. A unique aspect of Wismar's history is its Swedish past; following the Thirty Years' War, the city was under the Swedish Crown for over 150 years. This heritage is still celebrated annually at the Swedish Festival and is prominently represented by the 'Alter Schwede' townhouse.
- Location: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
- Top sights: Welterbehaus · Tourist Information · Heiligen-Geist-Kirche
- Nearby: Hohenkirchen (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 60 | 48 | 45 | 36 | 51 | 63 | 77 | 69 | 54 | 57 | 55 | 62 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
middle-ages
1229–1648
Geography
Facts
- Wismar was a founding member of the Hanseatic League and a major trading port.
- The 'Alter Schwede' townhouse, built in 1380, is the oldest in the city.
- St. Nicholas's Church has the fourth tallest nave in Germany at 37 meters.
- From 1648 to 1803, Wismar was officially part of the Kingdom of Sweden.
- The Old Harbor is now a popular spot for fresh fish and tourist boat trips.
- In 1921, the first 'Nosferatu' film was partially shot in Wismar.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hanseatic City of Wismar (10)
Drehort SOKO Wismar
Filming location of the TV series SOKO Wismar, various sites in the city.
Schabbellhaus🏛 museum
Town museum of Wismar, showcasing the history and culture of the Hanseatic city.
Ruine der Marienkirche
Ruins of the Gothic St. Mary's Church, destroyed in World War II.
Historische Altstadt von Wismar
Old town with Brick Gothic architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
St.-Marien-Kirchturm
Tower of the former St. Mary's Church in Wismar, accessible as a viewpoint.
Saint Nicolai
Church in Wismar, a Gothic hall church on the market square.
Gewölbe-Haus
Historic building in Wismar, viewpoint overlooking the old town.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is part of the UNESCO World Heritage in Wismar?
Where is the best place to eat fish in Wismar?
What is special about Wismar's marketplace?
Are there parking spaces near the old town?
How much time should I plan for sightseeing?
Hanseatic City of Wismar: where is it located?
Hanseatic City of Wismar: what is there to see?
Hanseatic City of Wismar: when is the best time to visit?
Hanseatic City of Wismar: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
