Wismar

Wismar is a port in northern Germany on the Baltic Sea, in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The city has been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 2002.

The old town (Altstadt) and harbour areas are easily covered on foot (many of the streets are cobblestone) and is full of history and picturesque charm. The tourist information office (address - Am Markt 11, 23966 Wismar), runs guided city tours in small electric buses departing every hour between 10am and 5pm (April-October) and 11am to 3pm (November-March). Harbour cruises are also available through various operators (details can be found at the quayside).

Wasserkunst, Am Markt ("the water art"), is an old well structure built between 1580 and 1602 which supplied drinking water to the town until 1897.

Rathaus and market place, Am Markt is Wismar's central market square covering 10,000 sq m. It is regarded as one of the biggest in northern Germany. Good buys include handmade crystal, porcelain items, Solingen knives and silver. There is a permanent historical exhibition about Wismar on display in the Rathauskeller.

St. Nikolai, Kirchhof is a brick gothic church dating back to the 14th century.

Heiligen-Geist-Kirche, Lübsche Strasse gothic church dates back the 15th century. Inside, you can see a painted wooden ceiling from 1687 shows scenes from the Old Testament.

St. Georgen, St-Georgen Kirchhof. The origins of St. Georgen lie in the 13th century, but the current structure was not completed until 1594. The building was severely damaged by bombing during World War II, and renovations began in 1990.

Marienkirchturm, St-Marien-Kirchhof. The 80m high tower is visible for miles. Much of the church was damaged by wartime bombing and was demolished in 1960. At the base of the tower is a small exhibition and a 3D film show (in German) explaining how the original church was built and extended in the 14th century.

Wassertor, Spiegelberg/Am Hafen. The "Water Gate" is the only survivor of five medieval city gates, linked by a 4m high city wall. The current structure dates from around 1450.

Other places of interest include the Historical Museum and the Municipal Gallery "Baumhaus", located in the old harbour area.

Poel Island sits along the northern part of Wismar Bay. In this quiet place, you can see its 13th century Village Church, relax on the beach and visit the lighthouse.

Eggers Wiek is another bay located inside Wismar Bay. Just 6km northwest of Wismar, you’ll find an excellent beach area, a golf course, and a marina.

German fast food is cheap and hearty with plenty of options including 'bratwurst' (grilled sausage), 'currywurst' (spicy sausage), burgers, fries and even doner kebabs.

Fresh fish and seafood are specialities here, try a smoked fish roll in one of the many cafes.

Cruise ships dock in Wismar Harbour. The centre of town is within walking distance.

Wismar's railway station is near the old town and close to St. Nikolai church. It is about a 5-10 min walk to the market square. There are slow regional trains to Schwerin and eventually Berlin, and in the other direction, to Rostock further east. Change at Bad Kleinen on the Schwerin line for trains to Lübeck and Hamburg.

Taxis are plentiful and reliable if a little pricey.