Port Guide | Germany | Dive Deep
Wismar
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-06-04
Congratulations-you've successfully docked in Wismar, a medieval jewel of northern Germany cunningly disguised as a quiet Baltic backwater. You may be forgiven for never having heard of this place before (you're adventurous travelers, after all, not medieval urban scholars), but Wismar is one of those rare towns that sneaks up on you: quietly UNESCO-listed, shamelessly picturesque, and cheerfully indifferent to your expectations. Here, Gothic red-brick churches rub shoulders with Hanseatic warehouses-turned-breweries-and speaking of beer, the locals still honor a quirky 15th-century beer purity showdown that predated Bavaria's famous Reinheitsgebot by decades. So, shake off your sea legs, wander cobblestone alleyways, sample a pint (or two), and, for a first-day indulgence, nibble a Fischbrotchen down at the harbor-because nothing says "Ich bin ein local" quite like pickled herring in a crusty bread roll.
Germany has 6 Travel Advisories
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Notes from the Editor
Wismar is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it a great cultural stop for cruise travelers.
Where do cruise ships dock in Wismar?
Port Name Wismar
Country Germany
Region Northern Europe
Ship Terminal Wismar Port
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility Wismar Port is located approximately 1 km from the city center, easily accessible by foot or a short taxi ride.
What's the weather like in Wismar?
Best Season to Visit Summer (June to August)
Climate Temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Weather Notes Summer is the ideal time to visit, with generally mild and pleasant weather. Rain is possible.
Temperature Range 60-75F (16-24C)
High Temp 78F
Low Temp 30F
Average Temp 54F
What do I need to know about Wismar?
Language German
Currency Euro (€)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 43,000
Timezone Central European Time (CET)
How do I get around Wismar?
Public buses, taxis, and bicycle rentals are available to explore the city and surrounding areas.
What are The Best Things to do in Wismar?
Discover what you should do while you're in Wismar.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Wismar Old Harbour Fish Market
Am Alten Hafen, 23966 Wismar
Experience a traditional fish market with freshly caught Baltic sea fish.
Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles
Midsummer Festival Celebrations
N/A
Partake in traditional midsummer festivals unique to Northern European culture.
Distance from Terminal: 3 miles
Herring-throwing competition
Old Harbour, 23966 Wismar
A quirky local tradition involving throwing herrings as far as possible.
Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles
Feast on Smoked Eel Delicacy
Multiple seaside stalls
Sample eel freshly smoked using traditional Northern European techniques.
Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Explore Wismar UNESCO Old Town
Altstadt, 23966 Wismar
Stroll through a remarkably preserved Hanseatic League medieval town center.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Visit Wismar Brewing Tradition Tour
Alter Holzhafen 2, 23966 Wismar
Discover historic beer brewing techniques unique to Wismar.
Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles
Brick Gothic Architecture of St. Nicholas' Church
Lubsche Strasse, 23966 Wismar
Visit the towering, historic church showcasing regional architecture.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Sunset Baltic Sea Kayaking
Seestrasse, 23968 Zierow
Enjoy a stunning sunset paddle along Wismar Bay, unique to Northern Europe.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Traditional Viking Boat Sailing
N/A
Board a replica Viking vessel for sailing adventures specific to this region.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Hanseatic City Cycling Trails
Various routes in and around Wismar
Take on excellent cycling routes peppered with coastal sights and historical points.
Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles
Biking Lighthouse Trail
Beachfront paths, 23968 Zierow
Cycle along the rugged coastline, catching glimpses of picturesque Baltic lighthouses.
Distance from Terminal: 4 miles
Overnight Trips
Baltic Sea Beach Camping Night
Zeltplatz, Wohlenberger Wiek
Camp overnight on a quiet Baltic Sea beach mostly frequented by locals.
Distance from Terminal: 7 miles
A Visit to Poeler Island
Insel Poel, 23999
Explore this carefree island rich with secluded beaches and scenic trails.
Distance from Terminal: 9 miles
A Little Extra
Ride the Historic Molli Steam Train
Baderbahn Molli, 18209 Bad Doberan
Travel in vintage comfort through scenic landscapes aboard this steam train.
Distance from Terminal: 25 miles
Strawberry Self-Picking Farms
Dorfstrasse 6, 23972 Lubow
Enjoy the Northern European summer tradition of picking fresh berries directly from the field.
Distance from Terminal: 5 miles
Menke Planetarium and Observatory
Zum Festplatz, 23966 Wismar
Observe the famous Baltic summer skies from this small yet fascinating planetarium.
Distance from Terminal: 0.9 miles
Germany Regional Tip
Strict adherence to seatbelt rules, even in taxis Taxi passengers who neglect seatbelt rules during short urban rides can be promptly fined in unexpected police checks.