Craving the sea but don’t want to deal with stressful traffic jams on the highway —and don’t have the money for a flight to Spain? Then the historic Hanseatic city of Wismar is the ideal destination for your next weekend getaway. From Berlin, you can reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site in a super relaxed and eco-friendly way by train.
The leisurely train ride via Ludwigslust or the state capital, Schwerin, usually takes you directly to the Mecklenburg Baltic Sea coast in about three hours. As soon as you arrive at the cozy train station, the fresh, salty sea air is already wafting around your nose—your relaxing mini-adventure can begin.
Brick Gothic and Historic Charm
Wismar’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved historic city centers in all of Europe. The lively heart of the city is the huge market square, one of the largest and most beautiful market squares in all of northern Germany. Here, the artfully designed “Wismarer Wasserkunst”—a delicate, copper-roofed pavilion from the Renaissance era—magically draws everyone’s gaze.
As you leisurely stroll through the cobblestone alleys, you’ll come across magnificent gabled houses and monumental brick churches like St. Georgen and St. Nikolai. A real insider tip is taking the elevator up to the observation deck at St. Georgen. From a height of just under 35 meters, you’ll enjoy a fantastic panoramic view over the red roofs of the Old Town and far out across the sparkling Wismar Bay. This picturesque backdrop is perfect for stunning vacation photos.
Maritime charm and fresh fish at the Old Harbor
Just a few minutes’ walk from the historic market square lies the charming Old Harbor. This is where the true maritime heart of Wismar beats. Along the historic quay walls, traditional wooden sailboats, modern yachts, and the typical, colorful fishing boats gently rock in the water. For that authentic Baltic Sea experience, a fresh fish sandwich eaten right out of your hand is a must—nowhere does Bismarck herring or freshly smoked halibut taste better than right by the water.
If you want to wind down your eventful day in a relaxed way, take a seat at one of the quaint harbor restaurants and enjoy the golden evening sun with a cool, regional Wismar Mumme beer. On Sunday , before your comfortable, direct train ride home to Berlin, you can enjoy a relaxing one-hour harbor cruise. This way, you’ll recharge with as much fresh energy and maritime zest for life as possible in just a single weekend.
