Wismar, Germany – A UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ve never heard of?

Wismar is one of those places that you’ve probably never heard of but that shouldn’t stop you planning a visit. It’s small, idyllic, and sits on the shores of the Baltic Sea in the north east of Germany. This Hanseatic port-town boasts a busy working harbour.

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Wismar is situated only 30 miles off the old inner-German board. It has seen bombing and ensuing occupation by the British for 2 months and the Russians for 30+ years after the Second World War.

It was originally under Swedish rule for 250 years from the end of the 30-Years-War. Wismar later became part of the German Democratic Republic once part of the Russian territory. It enjoyed a higher status for cultural, touristic and artistic activities.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

A few years after the Wall came down, Wismar was accepted into UNESCO’s prestigious league of World Heritage Sites, joining ranks with the Great Barrier Reef and others. It is recognized for its many Gothic and renaissance-style buildings in the town centre.

The scenic fisher town and its stunning beaches and forests has grown a favourite amongst students. Wismar has an excellent practice-focused technology, business & design university. nd tourists from all over the world.

The scenic fisher town and its stunning beaches and forests attract tourists from all over the world. Wismar has become a favourite amongst student for its excellent practice-focused technology, business & design university.

While you’re in Wismar you might like to;

• Walk around the old town to see the typical red brick gothic style houses that are typical of this Hanseatic town.
• Visit the churches of Marienkirche with its tall church tower, St Nicholai and St Georgen.
• Wander the huge market square and neo-classical Rathaus or town hall which houses an exhibition in the basement about the history of Wismar.
• Take a boat trip around the working harbour where you may spot everything from massive cruise ships to small sailing boats.
• In the summer take a trip to the island of Poel.
• Take a tour of the Winsmar brewery, Brauhaus am Lohberg where you can take a tour as well as tasting some of the excellent local beers.
• Tour the romantic Schwerin Castle set by the lake and surrounded by beautiful gardens, once the home of the dukes of the Mecklenburg.
• Hire a bike and cycle some of the Baltic sea cycle route from Wismar, or try the 35km cycle path from Wismar to Schwerin.

You might not have heard of Wismar with its beaches, ports, forests and islands. This German town is definitely worth a trip, don’t you think?

More things to see in Germany

A pilgrimage to see the Black Madonna at Altötting in Germany
Painted houses and wood carving at Oberammergau – in Bavaria, Germany
Our 36 hours in Berlin

Photo Credits: Harbour at Winsmar by nydiscovery7 , Street in Wismar by Paula Soler-Moya, Gothic brick houses by Paula Soler-Moya, Schwerin castle by Volker Moebius

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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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