Townhouse Wismar

Water Art

At the southeast end of the square is the spectacular fountain, or water art as it is called. The fountain, in the Dutch Renaissance style, was built from 1579-1602 to plans by Phillipp Brandin of Utrecht.

The 12 limestone columns support a beautiful copper roof, topped by a hexagonal lantern. Until 1897, the well supplied drinking and service water to around 220 households through wooden water pipes.

Wismar

Wismar is one of the old Hanseatic towns, and here you will find, in addition to the historic town centre, the old medieval harbour, which is largely intact. The town is characterised by many impressive merchants' houses, many of which have characteristic jagged gables facing the street.

See the old harbour, St. George and St. Mary's church. In 2002, the historic parts of Wismar were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. In the centre of Wismar is the beautiful market square, which at 10,000 m2 is one of the largest in northern Germany. Adjacent to the square are a number of state buildings, including the town hall. The large and beautifully restored town hall cellar houses the exhibition "Bilder einer Stadt", which describes the development of the town over time.

Christmas market in Wismar

Open 24th November - 22nd December - You can visit the Christmas market's own website with current information

The Christmas market in Wismar is opened by Santa Claus every year. Santa comes sailing into Wismar harbour, and from there drives in a horse-drawn carriage into the historic market square, where all the Christmas stalls with all kinds of Christmas treats are ready to welcome the many visitors. From late November to Christmas, Wismar's Christmas market is the town centre, surrounded by the town hall, hotels, museums and shops.

At the Christmas market there are many small stalls, with the opportunity to cast candles, fish in the fish pond and not least enjoy all the smells from the food and drink stalls.

The Christmas market is thus a perfect opportunity for the whole family, where parents can enjoy the magnificent city and architecture while shopping in the small stalls with the youngest members of the family. And when the kids get too impatient, they can be placed in the funfair, where time quickly disappears in the fun rides.

Wismar was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2002. This is due to the town's stunning Altstadt with its Gothic buildings, which originated in the Hanseatic period. The Altstadt is thus yet another reason to visit Wismar, and not least the town's cosy Christmas market.

In 1648 Wismar became part of Sweden, after the end of the Thirty Years' War, and was Swedish until 1903, when the town became German again. However, the town still bears the mark of its Swedish history, and traces of this can still be found in many places. This is among others on the city's landmark, Schwedenköpfe at the Alter Hafen.

Wonnemar Vandland

At Wonnemar Water Park there's lots of fun and excitement. The more than 15,000 square metres are packed with entertainment for both adults and children. There's a giant rollercoaster and the little ones can let off steam in Wonniland, where there are water cannons and a pirate ship.

Adults can enjoy a variety of spa and wellness treatments and several thermal baths with both saunas and water massage options. Pure pleasure for the body for all ages and sizes. Food and drinks are also served and there is free parking for all water park guests.

Poel Island

The beautiful North German island of Poel is located in the Baltic Sea, north of the Hanseatic city of Wismar, and belongs to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Scattered throughout the island you'll find several small attractions, the main landmark being the Leuchtturm Timmendorfer Strand, which stands on the island's west coast. You can also visit the quirky Shell Museum, which houses an exhibition of more than 3,000 remains of sea creatures from the Baltic and North Seas as well as foreign seas.

Lighthouse Timmendorfer Strand

The Lighthouse at Timmendorfer Strand, located on Germany's Baltic coast, is a notable landmark known for its historical significance and striking design. It provides panoramic views of the sea and coast, attracting visitors interested in maritime history and scenic landscapes. Ideal for those who enjoy coastal photography or exploring historical sites, the lighthouse is a testament to the region's nautical past and offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the Baltic Sea coast.

Bothmer Castle

This impressive Baroque castle dates from the first half of the 18th century and is located just east of Leonorenwald in north-western Mecklenburg. The castle was built for Count Hans Caspar von Bothmer and is the largest Baroque castle in the whole of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. After an extensive renovation, between 2009 and 2015, the castle is today open to the public and houses a museum centred on the count's exciting life.

Calcareous fen near Degtow

Germany is the perfect place for a family holiday on a self-drive trip south. At your own pace and with the kids, it's a wonderful experience. Kalkflachmoor bei Degtow is located just southeast of Grevesmühlen, near the town of Degtow, and is a 61-hectare protected nature area. The limestone quarry lies at an altitude of between 21 and 43 metres above sea level and offers beautiful scenery as far as the eye can see. There are ideal opportunities to encounter interesting bird and butterfly species as you walk around the area. Bring your binoculars and head out into this stunning natural area. Find a cheap hotel stay at Risskov and enjoy the view on a lovely holiday by car, down south.

Boltenhagen

Take the family on a beach holiday to the beautiful coastal commune of Boltenhagen, which is known for its superb sandy beaches. Find a cheap self-drive holiday with Risskov and discover Boltenhagen, located right on the Baltic Sea in north-western Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and considered part of the "German Riviera". In addition to the fantastic bathing conditions, the protected nature area Tarnewitz Huk is also located at the very northeastern tip of Boltenhagen. The area is a 69-hectare peninsula with an extremely rich plant and animal life.