Wismar essentials

Wismar is a UNESCO World Heritage site defined by its Hanseatic history and monumental Brick Gothic architecture. This list covers the city's core heritage, from the sprawling Market Square featuring the Renaissance-style Wasserkunst fountain and Neoclassical Town Hall to the towering medieval churches of St. Nicholas and St. George. Visitors can explore the last remaining city gate at the harbor, the ornate Fürstenhof palace, and the maritime legacy preserved in the reconstruction of the medieval Poeler Kogge.

Wismar Essentials — Map

Niteshift / CC BY 3.0

A

Wismar

Wismar, officially the Hanseatic City of Wismar is, with around 43,000 inhabitants, the sixth-largest city of the northeastern German state…

Bayeramniederrhein / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Wasserkunst

An elaborate Renaissance-style wrought-iron fountain and pavilion built between 1579 and 1602. Located on the central market square, it served as the city's main water supply until 1897.

Sten Porse / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Wassertor

Built in 1450, this is the last of Wismar's five original city gates. The late Gothic brick structure served as the primary entrance from the harbor into the fortified city.

Siegfried von Brilon / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Saint Nicolai

The Church St. Nicholas of Wismar was built from 1381 until 1487 as a church for sailors and fishermen. St.

Northside / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Ruine der Marienkirche

The 80-meter-high tower is all that remains of this 14th-century Brick Gothic church, which was heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently demolished in 1960.

Niteshift / CC BY 3.0

F

St.-Georgen-Kirche

A massive 13th-century Brick Gothic church that was severely damaged in WWII and meticulously restored. It now serves as a cultural venue and exhibition space.

Hermann Luyken / CC0

G

Rathaus

A Neoclassical town hall built between 1817 and 1819 following the collapse of the previous Gothic building. It features a grand white facade overlooking the market square.

Rabanus Flavus / Public domain

H

Fürstenhof

A 16th-century Renaissance palace that served as the residence of the Mecklenburg dukes. It is noted for its ornate terracotta reliefs and Italian-inspired architectural details.

Norbert Kaiser / CC BY-SA 2.5

I

Schabbellhaus

A Renaissance-style brewery and residence built for Mayor Hinrich Schabbell in the 1570s. It currently houses the Wismar City History Museum.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

J

Aussichtsplattform St.-Georgen-Kirche

An observation platform located 35 meters up the tower of St. George's Church, accessible by elevator, offering panoramic views of the Old Town and the Baltic harbor.

K

S.S. "Wissemara"

A faithful reconstruction of a 14th-century Hanseatic cog based on a shipwreck discovered near Poel Island. The vessel is docked in the harbor and offers traditional sailing excursions.

Other Lists

Wismar Heritage Sites Churches of Wismar Stumbling Stones of Wismar