Hanseatic cities: Wismar – Brick Gothic and seafaring romance

​​The Hanseatic era has left its mark across the entire Baltic Sea region. We present seven towns where its splendour still shines through. Part 2: Wismar

Traces of the Hanseatic League in Wismar

Wismar is regarded as one of Germany’s best-preserved Hanseatic cities and, with its large market square and historic gabled houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its imposing brick churches are among the most significant religious buildings in the southern Baltic Sea region. Numerous buildings serve as a reminder of the Hanseatic League’s heyday. On the market square, for example, stands the town’s oldest surviving town house. The ‘Alte Schwede’, dating from 1380, now houses a restaurant. The Old Harbour combines maritime charm with its close proximity to the town centre. Also worth a visit is the Schabbellhaus, which houses exhibitions on the town’s history. (wismar.de /Tourism/SCHABBELL)

Information for visiting boat owners

Access via Wismar Bay is straightforward and well signposted. The Hanseatic city’s public, municipal harbour offers around 60 guest berths with modern facilities right in front of the old town. These are located in the Old Harbour, as well as at the waterway rest area and at Brunkowkai in the overseas harbour. Even larger yachts with a draught of more than 2.50 metres can enter without any problems. (wismar.de)

See also:

• Hanseatic cities: Lübeck – The cradle of the Hanseatic League
• ​A local feature: Wismar Bay – a hidden gem on our doorstep