WISMAR & STRALSUND
Wismar and Stralsund, twin UNESCO World Heritage sites on the Baltic coast, are living showcases of the powerful Hanseatic League. Their stunning Brick Gothic architecture tells a centuries-old story of maritime trade and prosperity.
This combined region perfectly blends historic medieval townscapes with the vibrant life of a working port. It is a cultural hub offering both architectural splendor and unique access to the beautiful Baltic Sea and its islands.
Most Popular Attractions
Wismar & Stralsund City Cores & Brick Gothic Wonders:
Wismar Market Square (Marktplatz): One of Northern Germany’s largest market squares, surrounded by historic gabled houses and the iconic Wasserkunst.
Wasserkunst: A richly decorated, Dutch Renaissance fountain house on Wismar’s Market Square, once the city’s main water supply.
Stralsund Old Market (Alter Markt): The historic heart of Stralsund, dominated by the Town Hall and St. Nicholas’ Church.
Stralsund Town Hall (Rathaus): An outstanding example of secular Brick Gothic architecture with a highly decorative arcaded façade.
St. Nicholas’ Church (St.-Nikolai-Kirche) Wismar: A massive Brick Gothic church and a key example of the style in Northern Germany, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors.
St. Nicholas’ Church (St.-Nikolai-Kirche) Stralsund: Stralsund’s oldest parish church, adjacent to the Town Hall, featuring a significant astronomical clock.
St. Mary’s Church (St.-Marien-Kirche) Stralsund: The largest church in Stralsund; its tower offers panoramic views of the city and nearby islands.
St. George’s Church (St.-Georgen-Kirche) Wismar: A monumental Brick Gothic church, partially ruined and now used for events and exhibitions, with a viewing platform.
St. Mary’s Church Steeple (St.-Marien-Kirchturm) Wismar: The surviving 80-meter-high tower of the former church, which provides excellent city views.
Heiligen-Geist-Kloster (Monastery of the Holy Spirit) Stralsund: A well-preserved Gothic monastery complex that once served as a hospital.
Old Town Walls & Gates (Stralsund): Includes the preserved medieval city gates, Kniepertor and Kütertor, remnants of the city’s former fortifications.
Wismar’s “Alter Schwede”: The oldest bourgeois gable house in Wismar, dating from 1380, now a restaurant.
Wulflamhaus (Stralsund): A striking 14th-century patrician house on the Old Market, a prime example of Brick Gothic residential architecture.
Maritime History & Modern Attractions:
Wismar Old Harbour (Alter Hafen): Wismar’s preserved medieval harbor basin, still a working port with historic buildings like the Baumhaus (Customs House).
Wassertor (Wismar): A preserved Gothic brickwork gate that once provided access to the city from the harbor.
Ozeaneum Stralsund: A large, modern public aquarium on the harbor with exhibits focused on the northern seas, including the Baltic.
German Oceanographic Museum (Meeresmuseum) Stralsund: Located in a former convent, focusing on marine biology and oceanography, featuring giant whale skeletons.
Gorch Fock I: A historic sailing training ship, permanently docked at Stralsund harbor, open for tours.
Stralsund Harborfront (Hafeninsel): A lively area with ferries, restaurants, and views of the old town’s skyline.
Nautineum Stralsund: A smaller maritime museum located on the island of Dänholm, focusing on fishing and marine research.
Surrounding Region & Cultural Sites:
Rügen Island Day Trip: Germany’s largest island, easily accessible from Stralsund via bridge or ferry, known for its chalk cliffs (Königsstuhl) and beaches.
Tierpark Wismar: A small, family-friendly zoo with a focus on native and domestic animals.
Wismar World Heritage House (Welt-Erbe-Haus): An exhibition center detailing the history and significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
World Heritage Exhibition Stralsund: Located in Olthof’s Palace, providing interactive insight into the city’s World Heritage status.
Schabbellhaus (Wismar): A historic patrician house, home to the City History Museum, with Renaissance architecture.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Historic Old Towns (UNESCO World Heritage): Wander through the well-preserved medieval centers of both Wismar and Stralsund. Marvel at the brick Gothic architecture, especially the historic Wassertor (Water Gate) in Wismar and the Rathaus (Town Hall) in Stralsund.
Visit the Ozeaneum in Stralsund: Immerse yourself in the marine life of the northern seas at this spectacular, award-winning oceanographic museum. It’s an interactive experience perfect for all ages.
Take a Boat Trip to Rügen: Embark on a ferry or catamaran from Stralsund to the island of Rügen, Germany’s largest island, to explore its iconic chalk cliffs and seaside resorts.
Climb St. Mary’s Church Tower in Wismar: Ascend the preserved tower of the former Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) for a stunning panoramic view over the city, the harbor, and the Wismar Bay.
Cycle the Baltic Coast Cycle Route: Rent a bike and ride a scenic section of the Ostseeküsten-Radweg (Baltic Coast Cycle Route) connecting the two cities or exploring the coastline nearby.
Discover the “Swedish Heads” in Wismar: Walk the old harbor promenade and see the “Schwedenköpfe,” wooden sculptures that once marked the entrance to the port during the Swedish era.
Hike to the Königsstuhl Chalk Cliffs: Take a day trip to the Jasmund National Park on Rügen and hike to the famous Königsstuhl (King’s Chair) viewing point to see the dramatic white cliffs plunging into the Baltic Sea.
Tour the Gorch Fock I Sailing Ship: Board and explore the historic three-masted tall ship, the Gorch Fock I, moored permanently as a museum ship in Stralsund’s harbor.
Enjoy a “Fischbrötchen” at the Harbor: Indulge in the local specialty—a fresh fish sandwich—from a small stall or boat at the harbors of both Wismar and Stralsund.
Take a Sea-Sailing Törn: Join a sailing tour (“Törn”) on a traditional cutter or yacht from the harbor for a unique perspective of the coast and the cities.
Visit the Phantechnikum in Wismar: Explore this interactive science and technology museum focused on the history of technology in the region, including shipbuilding and flight.
Local Tips & Transport
Walkability: Both the historic centers of Wismar and Stralsund are very walkable. The main sights, like the market squares, town halls, and harbor areas, are compact and best explored on foot.
Car: A car is highly recommended if you plan on exploring the wider region, especially the beautiful coastlines, the island of Rügen, or the many charming smaller villages between and beyond the two cities. Parking can be found at the edges of the old towns.
Public Transport (Regional):
Regional Trains (Deutsche Bahn): Efficiently connect Wismar and Stralsund, as well as providing links to major cities like Rostock and Hamburg. Stralsund also serves as a main hub for trains onto the island of Rügen (e.g., to Binz or Sassnitz).
Buses (Vorpommern-Rügen Bus / Nahbus): An extensive local and regional bus network services the smaller towns and villages not covered by the main train lines. Use the local transport authority websites for schedules.
From the Airport: The nearest major airport is Rostock-Laage (RLG). From there, you will need to take a shuttle bus to Rostock main station and then a regional train to either Wismar or Stralsund. Taxis are also available.
Ferries and Boats:
Coastal Ferries: Numerous ferry services operate from Stralsund, including connections to the nearby islands of Hiddensee and Rügen.
Harbor Cruises: Local boat tours are a great way to see the cities from the water and are easily booked at the harbors.
The Brick Gothic (Backsteingotik): Both cities are architectural masterpieces of the European Route of Brick Gothic. Look up at the gables and towers of the churches and town hall; the unique, fired-brick style is the signature of the medieval Hanseatic League and a point of great local pride.
The Hanseatic League: The shared history as powerful trading cities in the Hanseatic League is central to their identity. The term “Hansestadt” is still officially used (e.g., Hansestadt Wismar). You will see this heritage reflected in the harbor, the architecture, and the museums.
Regional Cuisine: The local food is heavily influenced by the sea and the region’s agricultural heritage.
Fischbrötchen: The quintessential Baltic snack: a roll filled with various kinds of pickled, smoked, or fried fish (like herring, mackerel, or salmon).
Seafood: Freshly caught Baltic fish is a staple. Look for dishes with Rostock Mackerel or locally sourced perch.
Sanddorn (Sea Buckthorn): A thorny shrub that produces small, tangy orange berries. It’s incredibly popular here, used in everything from tea and juice to jams, liqueurs, and candies. It’s often called the “Lemon of the North.”
The Swedish Influence: The region, particularly Wismar, was under Swedish rule for a long period (1648-1803). You can still see this influence in some architecture and street names.
The Wind and Weather: Be prepared for changeable weather. The Baltic Sea climate means you should pack layers, even in summer. The coast is often windy—perfect for sailing, but make sure your jacket is ready!
Hidden Gems:
The Old Port of Wismar (Alter Hafen): Far less polished than Stralsund’s, this working port area is charmingly authentic, great for a sunset stroll and sampling the freshest fish.
The Stralsund Museum: Located in the former Dominican monastery, it houses a fascinating collection on the city’s history, including an impressive model of the medieval town.
Stralsund’s Wallnische-Häuser: Look for the houses with unique wall niches that often house statues or small religious scenes, remnants of medieval devotion, particularly around the Old Market.
St. George’s Church (Georgskirche) in Wismar: The largest of the three main churches, the interior is a stunning example of restored Brick Gothic architecture. Its sheer scale is awe-inspiring.
Top Restaurants
Brauhaus am Lohberg [$20-$35] – Wismar’s only brew house, housed in a historic building from 1452, famous for its house-made beer and hearty, traditional German/Mecklenburg cuisine in a rustic atmosphere.
Zur Kogge [$20-$35] – A classic, unpretentious maritime pub in Stralsund near the harbor, popular with locals for fresh, simple fish dishes and a strong local feel.
Wismarer Reuterhaus [$25-$40] – Located in a beautifully preserved historic building in Wismar’s Old Town, serving traditional Mecklenburg dishes with a focus on regional ingredients and game.
Fischrestaurant Tische & Stühle [$20-$35] – A favorite in Stralsund for authentic, high-quality, and freshly prepared fish dishes, often praised for being less touristy than harbor spots.
Kartoffelhaus Wismar [$15-$30] – A quirky, local spot in Wismar dedicated to creative and traditional dishes built around the humble potato, popular for its hearty portions.
Gasthaus Zum Kutter [$20-$35] – A simple, authentic fishermen’s tavern in Stralsund, offering fresh catches and regional specialties, known for a down-to-earth atmosphere.
Altstadtbrauhaus Stralsund [$20-$35] – Located in Stralsund’s historic center, this restaurant and microbrewery offers home-brewed beer and a substantial menu of regional German classics.
Wirtshaus Wildfang [$25-$40] – A Wismar eatery focusing on regional game specialties and hearty, robust German cooking, tucked away from the main tourist crowds.
Restaurant Zum Alten Fritz [$20-$35] – A cozy, unpretentious restaurant in Stralsund offering traditional Pomeranian and North German cuisine.
Ristorante Pizzeria Rialto [$15-$30] – While Italian, this Wismar harbor spot is considered a local favorite for its quality and stunning views, offering reliable, non-fussy Italian fare.
Zum Fischer-Hannes [$25-$40] – A respected fish restaurant on the outskirts of Stralsund, favored by locals for its fresh, regional fish prepared traditionally.
Café & Restaurant Kaffeebrenner [$20-$35] – A popular meeting spot in Wismar’s Old Town, known for its regional dishes and excellent cakes and coffee in a relaxed setting.
Vineta Restaurant [$35-$60] – A modern Stralsund restaurant focusing on regional and seasonal gourmet cuisine, often showcasing creative twists on Baltic classics and high-quality fish.
Restaurant & Café Schwedenkeller [$30-$50] – Hidden beneath the famous Alter Schwede in Wismar, this spot offers a more modern and refined take on traditional dishes in a historic vaulted cellar.
Zur Fähre [$25-$45] – While historic (Europe’s oldest harbor pub), its modern revival in Stralsund offers contemporary presentations of regional fare and seafood in a unique setting.
OZEANEUM Restaurant [$30-$50] – A surprisingly modern and creative restaurant in Stralsund (part of the Ozeaneum museum), offering an inventive menu with a focus on sustainable seafood and local products.
Fischkombüse Wismar [$25-$45] – A newer, creative fish-focused spot in Wismar that offers modern, gourmet fish sandwiches and dishes, moving beyond the classic “Fischbrötchen.”
Kontor Stralsund [$35-$55] – A contemporary restaurant with a clean, modern aesthetic in Stralsund, focusing on refined German-European cuisine and seasonal ingredients.
Seeperle Restaurant & Bar [$30-$50] – Located near the harbor in Wismar, this restaurant is known for its stylish interior and a modern menu featuring regional ingredients and inventive plates.
Hafencafé & Restaurant Arthus [$25-$45] – A popular Stralsund harbor spot that offers a mix of traditional seafood and more contemporary, light European dishes with excellent water views.
Weinwirtschaft Stralsund [$35-$60] – More than a wine bar, this Stralsund spot offers a changing menu of high-quality, modern, and often international-inspired dishes that pair well with their extensive wine list.
Gourmetrestaurant Seeperle Oberdeck [$60-$90] – A high-end experience in Wismar with panoramic views of the Old Town, offering a refined, multi-course menu focused on local fish specialties and modern German cuisine.
Scheelehof Restaurant (Stralsund) [$70-$110] – A fine dining option within the historic Hotel Scheelehof in Stralsund, known for its elegant ambiance and sophisticated modern German-European cuisine, often with tasting menus.
Alte Schwede Restaurant [$50-$80] – While on the main square of Wismar (making it known), its historic setting (the oldest mercantile house from 1380) and sophisticated menu of regional specialties make it a worthwhile high-end choice.
Hafenvilla Stralsund [$60-$90] – An elegant restaurant in a historic villa in Stralsund, offering a refined menu with a strong focus on seasonal, local ingredients and excellent service.
Restaurant Hansekeller [$50-$75] – Located in a historic building in Wismar, offering a more upscale dining experience with refined versions of regional and international dishes.
Restaurant Klabautermann (Wismar) [$40-$60] – An upscale, maritime-themed restaurant in Wismar known for its creative presentations of fish and seafood and a well-curated wine list.
Fischbrötchen from a Cutter [$5-$15] – (Wismar Harbor) Not a restaurant, but an essential, local-favorite experience: buying a fresh fish sandwich (Fischbrötchen) from one of the fishing boats or small stalls right at the Wismar Old Harbor.
Markthalle Stralsund [$15-$30] – Similar to the Mercado in Seville, this market hall in Stralsund features various food stalls and small eateries, perfect for a diverse, casual lunch or snack of local and international flavors.
Zum Petrikeller [$20-$35] – A unique, cozy cellar pub/restaurant in Stralsund, offering hearty traditional German dishes and a wide selection of regional beers in a historic, atmospheric setting.
Wismarer Hafenmeister [$15-$30] – A simple, unpretentious café/bistro right on the harbor in Wismar, popular for its relaxed maritime vibe, large portions, and local fish soups.
Oma’s Küche (Grandma’s Kitchen) [$20-$35] – A Wismar spot that deliberately evokes the feeling of simple, home-style German cooking, often featuring regional stews and comfort food in a cozy setting.
Fischhandel Frank (Stralsund) [$10-$25] – Primarily a fish shop in Stralsund, but a local secret for incredibly fresh, simple take-away fish dishes and local delicacies.
Suppenküche Wismar [$10-$20] – A simple, non-touristic local favorite in Wismar specializing in a daily rotating menu of homemade German soups and stews.
Kaffeehaus Stralsund [$15-$30] – While primarily a café, this spot is highly regarded by locals in Stralsund for its lunch menu featuring light, fresh meals, excellent cakes, and a lovely atmosphere.
Backfisch-Uwe [$10-$20] – A simple, high-quality Imbiss (snack bar) in Stralsund known for perfectly fried fish (Backfisch) and traditional accompaniments—a local fast-food favorite.
Bäckerei Jung (Stralsund & Wismar) [$5-$15] – A chain of local bakeries, but essential for trying regional baked goods like the Franzbrötchen (a sweet, cinnamon-filled pastry) and various regional breads.
Gutshaus Stolpe [$70-$120] – Located near Stralsund (on the Peene river), this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a superb fine-dining experience with hyper-local, sophisticated cuisine in a beautiful manor house setting. (Worthy splurge)
Gasthof zum Walfisch (Insel Poel) [$25-$45] – Located on the nearby island of Poel (easily reachable from Wismar), this favorite is known for its excellent fresh Baltic fish and traditional island cooking in a classic inn setting.
Zum Goldenen Anker (Sassnitz/Rügen) [$30-$50] – A slightly further drive from Stralsund (on Rügen), but highly-regarded for its regional cuisine and a focus on game and fish, with strong local reviews.
Hofküche (Farm Kitchen) auf dem Darß [$25-$40] – Located on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, this restaurant focuses on organic farm-to-table cooking using their own livestock and regional products, providing an authentic taste of the land near Stralsund.
Restaurant Zum Leuchtturm (Kühlungsborn) [$35-$60] – Located in the Baltic resort town of Kühlungsborn (near Wismar), this restaurant is a more upscale option favored by locals for its sophisticated seafood and German cuisine.
Jagdschloss Fasanerie (Eixen) [$30-$50] – A restaurant in a historic hunting lodge near Stralsund, specializing in game dishes and traditional regional cooking in a unique, atmospheric setting.
Landgasthof Neu-Lübtheen [$20-$35] – A traditional country inn near Wismar offering hearty, no-frills German food and a true taste of rural Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Fischhaus Ahrenshoop [$25-$45] – Located in the artistic village of Ahrenshoop (near Stralsund), offering fresh fish dishes right on the Bodden (lagoon), popular for its authentic atmosphere and view.
Hotel Mecklenburger Hof Restaurant (Güstrow) [$30-$50] – A respected restaurant in the nearby town of Güstrow, known for its classic German cooking and use of regional ingredients in a historic hotel setting.
Restaurant Strandperle (Zingst) [$30-$50] – A popular beach-side spot near Stralsund, offering fresh seafood and contemporary German dishes with stunning views of the Baltic Sea.
Fischkiste Stralsund [$15-$25] – A simple, unassuming fish stall/takeaway near the harbor that is a true local haunt for a quick, fresh, and inexpensive fish lunch or dinner.
Alter Hafen Stralsund Restaurant [$25-$40] – A restaurant with a long history at the Stralsund Old Harbor, offering a reliable menu of regional and German cuisine, frequented by locals for its location and consistent quality.
Weingalerie Wismar [$30-$50] – While a wine shop, it offers small, creative plates and gourmet appetizers that go beyond typical tapas, focusing on high-quality European and local charcuterie and cheeses in Wismar.
Zum alten Lotsenhaus (Wismar) [$20-$35] – A classic “old pilot house” eatery in Wismar, known for its maritime decor and traditional, filling German and fish dishes.
Die Hansekogge (Wismar) [$25-$40] – A restaurant in Wismar that focuses on dishes from the Hanseatic period, using regional recipes and ingredients in a themed, but locally popular, setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Wasserstoff Bar (Stralsund): Hidden in the harbor district, this “cocktail power plant” has an urban, workshop-like aesthetic combined with fine cocktail artistry, winning awards for its unique concept and creative drinks.
Mascha’s – Shisha- Cocktail- & Partylounge (Stralsund): Located on Alter Markt, this spot offers a cozy and oriental ambiance, specializing in shishas and a variety of delicious cocktails.
T1 Bar & Lounge (Stralsund): Found in the Altstadt, this popular spot offers an exciting and lively atmosphere, often open until the early morning hours, providing a mix of bar and dance lounge experiences.
Kaffee Bar Stralsund (Stralsund): Situated near the Alter Markt, this establishment acts as a cozy coffee bar during the day and transforms into a relaxed spot in the evening, serving wine, beer, and sparkling long drinks in a Hanseatic atmosphere.
ALEX (Stralsund): Located centrally, this venue functions as a café, bistro, restaurant, and bar, making it a great all-in-one spot for a variety of drinks, including refreshing summer cocktails.
Rauschen Bar (Wismar): Located near the Westhafen (West Harbor) in Wismar, this spot is a combination bar and café known for its welcoming atmosphere and views of the harbor, ideal for drinks and a night out.
Peter Pane (Wismar/Stralsund): This burger restaurant chain, with locations in both cities, features a dedicated cocktail bar area, serving a selection of classic cocktails and highballs, alongside a variety of non-alcoholic options.
Bar zur Kogge (Stralsund): Located within the restaurant Zur Kogge in the Altstadt, this is a traditional ‘Nixen Bar’ (mermaid bar) offering a maritime-themed atmosphere perfect for an after-dinner drink.
Ozeaneum Panorama Bar (Stralsund): Located within the Ozeaneum aquarium complex near the harbor, this bar, while often focusing on daytime service, offers stunning panoramic views that make for a unique evening cocktail experience on the Baltic Sea coast.
Brauhaus am Lohberg Bar (Wismar): Located within Wismar’s historic brew-house, this bar provides a rustic-traditional atmosphere, perfect for enjoying regional beers alongside classic spirits and simple mixed drinks.
Alter Schwede Restaurant & Bar (Wismar): Found on the historic Marktplatz, this establishment, housed in Wismar’s oldest Bürgerhaus, includes a bar area where you can enjoy a drink in a beautiful, historic Hanseatic setting.
Bierhaus (Stralsund): A classic tavern-style bar located centrally in Stralsund, known for its wide selection of beers but also a reliable spot for simple mixed drinks and a traditional German bar atmosphere.
Barock Bar (Wismar): Located centrally, this bar offers a cozy, smaller setting, often with a focus on a personalized and relaxed drink experience away from the main party crowds.
Heimathafen (Stralsund): Close to the harbor, this bar and restaurant provides a maritime-themed environment where you can enjoy a cocktail or spirit after a day exploring the Ozeaneum or the old town.
Zum Weinberg (Wismar): A bar/pub in Wismar’s city center that is popular with locals, offering a straightforward selection of drinks in a friendly, no-frills setting.
Princess Bar (Wismar): Located in Wismar, this is a dedicated nightclub known for its unique atmosphere and exclusive drinks, promising unforgettable nights and a must-visit for tourists looking for a late-night party.
Knuts Bar – DerStudentenKeller (Stralsund): Located centrally, this spot is known as “The Student Cellar” and is popular with a younger crowd, hosting various events like pub quizzes, themed parties (e.g., 80s & 90s), and live concerts in a casual, vibrant atmosphere. It’s often referred to as a “club” by students.
T1 Tanzbar (Stralsund): Part of the T1 venue in the Altstadt, this “Tanzbar” (dance bar) operates as a club-like setting late into the night, focusing on dancing, a lively atmosphere, and diverse music from DJs.
scheels (Stralsund): A rustic cellar bar in Stralsund that regularly hosts themed parties, pub quizzes, and events, turning into a lively dance spot that functions as a club for those looking for late-night music and dancing.
MS KOI (Wismar/Stralsund – Event Ship): While not a fixed club, this event ship frequently hosts large-scale parties, techno events, and dance nights when it docks in the harbors of Wismar and Stralsund, providing a unique clubbing experience on the water.
Campus Spectacle / Mensa Party (Stralsund): Hosted by Knuts Bar and the student community, these are recurring, large-scale student parties that function as temporary but highly popular clubs, drawing a crowd for dancing and cheap drinks.