A group who served in the GDR city of Wismar. Wismar: Wonderful unknown city. Guides in Wismar

Wismar (German Wismar) - a city in Germany, a city of land subordination, a Hanseatic city, located in Mecklenburg - Vorpommern.

The population is 45,182 (31 December 2006). It occupies an area of ​​41.36 km. The official code is 13 0 06 000.

Story

The exact date of the emergence of a settlement called Wismar and the roots of this name are unknown, although the sound of this word is consonant with the Slavic languages. The Mecklenburg hillfort near Wismar is often identified with Veligrad, the city of obodrites from medieval chronicles:

“And there was Prince Vandal, he ruled the Slavs, going everywhere to the north, east and west by sea and land, having conquered many lands on the coast of the sea and conquered the peoples for himself, he returned to the Great City (Veligrad) ...”

In the same place in Veligrad - the city of the Bodrichs, Rurik first appeared with two brothers.

Archaeologists suggest that Veligrad was founded in the 7th century. According to the Joachim Chronicle, the "Great City" was located on the seashore.

It is known that in 1293 the city of Wismar, together with Lübeck and Rostock, organized the commercial Hanseatic League. From 1257 to 1358 the city served as the residence of the princes of Mecklenburg. General meetings were held in the city 70 times, at which questions of the union were decided. However, after the discovery of America, trade routes shifted to the West, and the Hansa ceased to exist. Since that time, the city has lost its significance. The economic decline was completed by the Thirty Years' War. According to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Wismar fell under the rule of Sweden, which considered the city as its "largest fortress in Europe."

In 1803, Sweden mortgaged the city and gave sovereignty to Mecklenburg for 1,258,000 Reistalers, retaining the right to reclaim the city after 100 years. Based on the rights of Sweden, the city of Wismar was not included in Mecklenburg until 1897. In 1903, Sweden finally renounced its rights. Wismar still retained several of the old "city liberties" laws, including the right to have its own flag.

The city in which the factories of the aircraft company Dornier were located was badly damaged by the Allied bombing in the Second World War. world war. Nevertheless, the city center was included in 2002 in the UNESCO list as a world cultural heritage.

During the years of the GDR, the city was considered as the second most important sea harbor of the state, specializing in the shipment of potash fertilizers.

Attractions

Market Square

Building "Old Swede"

The photo shows the brick Old Swede, built in 1380. The Old Swede got its name only in 1878, when a hotel was opened in it.

This is the largest market square in the world with a size of 100,100 m. In 1602, according to the drawings of Philip Brandin, a 12-sided pavilion was installed on it, made in the style of the Dutch Renaissance. The pavilion, called Wasserkunst, until 1897 served as a distribution point, from which 220 residential and 16 public buildings were supplied with water. This pavilion, along with the Church of St. Mary, is one of the most important sights of the city.

Before the war, it was one of the largest brick Gothic churches in North Germany. Its architect, Johann Groth, took as a model the three-aisled basilica of the Church of Mary in Lübeck. In April 1945, the main building was badly damaged during a bombardment. The ruins were finally blown up in 1960. Only a high tower (81 m) remained from the church, on which 9 bells of the 16th-17th centuries hang. Here, in 1647, a clock with a dial of 55 m was installed, which four times a day perform one of the 20 chorales.

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Wismar is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea and belongs to the lands of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which is on the territory of modern. The city is replete with historic mansions and temples, as well as other UNESCO-protected sites of interest to travel enthusiasts.

Peculiarities

The architectural image of Wismar is largely formed by the old baked brick buildings built in the Middle Ages, although there are also modern buildings that adorn the streets and squares of the new districts. It so happened that over the long centuries of its existence, the city was attacked more than once or was in a state of war. However, given its favorable geographical location and favorable trade relations with the rest of Europe, this is not very surprising. For some time it belonged to Sweden, leaving to itself a piece of its culture, read in the traditions and appearance of Wismar. In addition to historical monuments, museums and ancient houses rising above the narrow streets and alleys of the Old Town, urban landscapes attract the eye with graceful flower beds and green spaces, which are an integral part of Wismar. There are also comfortable hotels of all price categories, and cozy restaurants, and entertainment venues.

general information

The urban area is very small and occupies only 41 square meters. km, and the local population is about 45 thousand people. Time behind Moscow is 1 hour in summer and 2 hours in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer time of the year. Telephone code (+49) 3841. Official website www.wismar.de.

A brief excursion into history

Initially, on the site of the city there was a Slavic settlement, from the name of which, apparently, its current name was formed. Wismar received city rights in the 13th century, in 1259, asking for help from Rostock and Lübeck, in order to protect against attacks by sea robbers. In the end, thus, the Hanseatic League came into being. In the Middle Ages, Wismar became famous for the herring and beer trade, as well as for the manufacture of cloth. In 1376, a plague epidemic swept through the city, wiping out a significant part of the local population. The situation was aggravated by the opening of the American continent, which contributed to the shift of trade routes closer to the Atlantic, and as a result, a decrease in interest in the Baltic coast.

The Thirty Years' War completed the economic downturn, aggravating the already difficult situation of the entire Hanseatic League to the limit. According to the Westphalian peace treaty in 1648, the city became part of Swedish Pomerania, and several centuries later, at the beginning of the 20th century, it passed to the German Empire. During the existence of the GDR, it was the second most important sea harbor in the state. During the Second World War, the city was badly damaged by allied bombardments, but nevertheless, many unique architectural structures have been preserved or restored in subsequent years, today attracting the attention of visitors and locals.

Climate

Wismar has a temperate continental climate. Winter here is not frosty, but at the same time quite cool, and in summer there is rarely oppressive heat, so a comfortable stay is possible here from May to October. Precipitation falls regularly, but does not greatly affect the pleasant climatic conditions.

How to get there

The nearest major international airports to the city are located in and. From there, the place can be reached by bus or rail commuter transport.

Transport

Buses are actively used within the city limits. In addition, the city has a seaport.

Attractions and entertainment

The centerpiece of Wismar is the Market Square, where an old house called "Old Swede", dated 1380, stands out. There is also a 12-sided pavilion Wasserkunst, built in the style of the Dutch Renaissance according to the drawings of Philip Brandin. Today, it rises in the middle of the square, and acts as a historical monument, and once served as a water distribution point, providing hundreds of residential buildings and public institutions. Among the religious buildings, the Wismar Church of the Virgin Mary stands out, which was previously considered one of the largest North German churches created in the brick Gothic style. During the Second World War, it was seriously damaged during the bombing, and in 1960, for security reasons, the city authorities decided to demolish the ruins. They did not begin to restore the temple, so today only an 81-meter tower remains from its former grandeur, with 9 bells and ancient chimes installed on it, performing one of 20 chorales four times a day.

Another prominent city temple, bearing the name of St. Nicholas, was born in 1487, in accordance with a similar building of the Church of the Virgin Mary. Built in 1819, the City Hall building is now used as an art gallery. Interestingly, most of the buildings are made in different architectural styles and in different time, but at the same time they perfectly complement each other, making up a single organic ensemble. Historically, great importance for the city has a local port, at whose shipyard, at one time, ships were first reconstructed for Nazi Germany, and then ships were built for the Soviet Union.

Kitchen

The restaurants, cafes and eateries of the city offer the most diverse cuisine that can satisfy the taste of any gourmet. Particular attention should be paid to local drinks and sweets.

shopping

No less wide is the choice of shops and trade shops, where all kinds of goods of all directions and memorable souvenirs are sold.

Wismar has long been filled with the charm of a German province and has many positive traits. Beautiful architecture and eventful history, combined with numerous sights, are an excellent reason to plunge into this atmosphere, staying here for at least a couple of days.

Wismar from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Wismar.

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Wismar stands on the shores of the Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg - Vorpommern. The city is small in size, its area is slightly more than 40 square meters. km, and a little less than 45 thousand people live in it. The exact date of formation is unknown, and the consonance of its name with Slavic languages ​​makes experts make various assumptions about when and how the city was founded. But it is reliably known that the city from 1257 to 1358 served as a residence for the princes of Mecklenburg.

How to get there

From Russia it is necessary to fly to Berlin or Hamburg. Next, take a car: the A20, A24, A19 routes pass through Wismar, through which you can get to the city from Berlin (250 km), Hamburg (150 km). A private road with a speed limit can be reached here from Rostock (60 km). Or by train: Wismar is connected by direct rail links to eleven cities in Germany, including Rostock.

Search for flights to Rostock (nearest airport to Wismar)

A bit of history

At the end of the 13th century, Wismar, together with Rostock and Lübeck, founded the Hanseatic League, which, without any doubt, speaks of high level economic development city ​​and its political power. Meetings were held here 70 times, determining in which direction the Union will develop in the future. But gradually the Hansa began to lose its former power and authority, and with the discovery of America and the subsequent shift of the main trade routes to the west, it ceased to exist. The city of Wismar fell into decay, and later, in the 17th century, after Peace of Westphalia went to Sweden. Sweden renounced its rights to this city only in 1903.

Like many cities in which there were military factories, Wismar was badly damaged during the Second World War: the Dornier airlines were located here, and they were bombed.

Despite extensive destruction during World War II, Wismar has been carefully restored, and its historic center was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002.

Wismar Hotels

Wismar hotels are focused on city guests who come here for different purposes, they offer various packages additional services. Stadthotel Stern, which is located near the train station and the historic part of the city, offers its guests a variety of spa treatments, massages, beauty salon services. The menu of the restaurant includes dishes of Hanseatic cuisine, and cozy bars beckon with the promise of a comfortable stay. The concept of Hotel Reingard allows the use of only natural materials in interior design, and the hotel restaurant prepares dishes only from fresh local seasonal products. Hotel New Orleans immerses guests in an atmosphere typical of the South American states. All hotels, regardless of the "star", are well equipped and offer a very high level of service.

Guides in Wismar

Weather in Wismar

Entertainment and attractions in Wismar

As in most old German cities, the Market Square was central here. Its current architectural ensemble is organic and rather original, thanks to which the square is very well recognizable. In the center of the square there is an unusual building - a 12-sided low tower in the style of the Dutch Renaissance. This is a pavilion for the distribution of water, it was built in 1602, and 16 public buildings and 220 residential buildings were supplied with water from here. The building is more functional than decorative, but the area, nevertheless, has decorated itself.

The baked brick building, which is known in the city as the "Old Swede", catches the eye. It was built in 1380, and received its name in 1878, when a hotel with such an unusual but expressive name was opened in it.

The Church of the Virgin Mary is no less unusual in its appearance; it once belonged to a number of the largest churches built in the brick Gothic style. During the Second World War, the church was almost completely destroyed, but the ruins were completely removed only by 1960.

They did not begin to restore, so now you can only see the 81-meter tower, on which 9 bells and ancient chimes are installed, which perform one of the twenty chorales four times a day.

Another church stands on the Market Square, the Church of St. Nicholas, which was modeled after the Church of the Virgin Mary. The layout of the interior of this temple is amazingly beautiful, which is emphasized by a high, 37 meters, vaulted ceiling. The neoclassical building of the City Hall, which was built in 1819, is now an art gallery. One can only wonder how it turns out that all these heterogeneous structures built in different centuries make up such an ensemble that is so pleasing to the eye.

Port in Wismar

Wismar is also known as a port. At the time when the city was on the territory of the German Democratic Republic, its harbor was one of the most well-equipped in the country. Potash fertilizers were transported from here to all countries of the socialist community. The history of the Wismar shipyard is interesting. It was built only after the Second World War, and the decision to build it was made because it was here that a very convenient harbor was found and there was no shortage of highly qualified specialists previously involved in the Dornier factories.

After the reunification of Germany, the shipyard had a very difficult period, but now its revival has begun. The young Russian entrepreneur Vitaly Yusufov became its owner and CEO in 2010, after which the largest slipway in Europe received orders again.

• Where to stay: In a variety of hotels, boarding houses and hostels of two cities-lands of Germany - Bremen entangled in legends and the many-sided port of Hamburg. There are a lot of historical and modern attractions, as well as remarkable museums. Lovers of the charming province will rest their souls in chamber

Not much to do (originally planned to spend the whole day there), I looked at the map and saw a fairly large city of Wismar nearby.

“Some very familiar name,” I thought. Photos began to pop up in my head, UNESCO World Heritage Lists, the history of the Hanseatic League and other nonsense that has firmly stuck in my memory. So, there must be a path!

As it turned out later, I did not lose at all: Wismar is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Germany, which, for some amazing reasons, is almost unknown to a wide range of travelers. Everyone considers it their duty to visit Lübeck, Hamburg or the same Rostock, although they cannot even closely compete with Wismar in terms of the beauty of the old city, its size and the general all-penetrating atmosphere of one of the medieval centers of the mighty Hansa!

Wismar, like many cities in this region, was founded by West Slavic tribes, who were conquered by more developed and organized Germanic peoples in the 12th and 13th centuries. Already in the 1st half, the city passed into the possession of the ancestors of modern Germans, and several decades later concluded an alliance with nearby Lübeck and Rostock, providing for joint protection from sea robbers. It was from this union that the Hansa grew.

After the Hanseatic League lost its influence, Wismar alternately came under the rule of the Swedes, the Danes and again the Swedes. It is this northern people(Swedes) in the 16th century surrounded Wismar with the most powerful defensive fortifications in all of Europe: the city was defended by about 700 cannons mounted on numerous bastions.

One moment is connected with Wismar, which, no doubt, will be of interest to the inhabitants of Germany and its frequent guests. I'm sure you all know the chain of shopping centers "Karstadt": this is one of the largest and oldest retail chains in Germany, whose stores are, perhaps, in any more or less large city in the country. But it was in Wismar in 1881 that 25-year-old Rudolf Karstadt started his successful business by opening his first store here.

Old city and medieval buildings begin just a few hundred meters from the railway station. As soon as you have time to get a camera, wonderful half-timbered buildings appear before your eyes.

There is also the church of St. Nicholas, built in the 14th century. Its central nave rises 37 meters above the ground, making this temple one of the largest in Germany. Experienced travelers claim that the interior of the Church of St. Nicholas is notable for its special beauty and non-standard opportunities for visitors (it is proposed to go up to the attic and look down at the tiny silhouettes of people from there), but, unfortunately, I did not manage to arrive before its closing. But I managed to look at him in the night illumination.

The center of Wismar is pierced by the tiny river Mühlenbach, the embankments of which look exactly like from pictures of the life of provincial European cities.

One of the bridges over Mühlenbach is decorated with extremely cute piglets. It makes me want to take one of them with me.

The heart of the old city is the Market Square (you can see it in the title image of this post). This is just a pearl of medieval architecture and a paradise for lovers of such sights! Largely thanks to architectural ensemble Wismar Market Square and was listed cultural heritage UNESCO.

The most famous building of the Market Square and all of Wismar is the "Old Swede". The red brick building, built in 1380, acquired its current name only at the end of the 19th century, when the hotel of the same name was opened in it.

To the left of the "Old Swede" is an equally interesting building, but without such a memorable name.

Another symbol of the city is the water pavilion. Built at the end of the 16th century, already at that time it provided water to 220 nearby houses and a dozen public pumps. Residents of other cities envied the Wismarans for a long time and silently drew water from wells.

An almost exhaustive panorama of the city.

The streets of old Wismar are wonderful. There is an excellent relaxing atmosphere here, there are no crowds of tourists, and you want to move around the city exclusively slowly. So as not to miss the opportunity to see every little thing, every detail. After all, every brick in the wall of a rickety house, every cobblestone of a wide pavement - everything is literally saturated with the glorious centuries-old history of these places. And you feel it. And it seems as if, together with the ringing of church bells, a rich merchant or a stern sailor will come around the corner; looking into the yard you will see how children in linen pants chase chickens, and then run away from a noisy mother. In Wismar, you understand that in order to travel into the past, scientists do not need to invent a time machine - it is enough just to take care of the cultural wealth that your people, in your city or country have. And then your children and grandchildren will be able to visit your time decades later, and future generations, passing centuries, will have the opportunity to see the world as you saw it.

Unfortunately, people do not always appreciate what is at their disposal. The clearest example of this is the Wismar Church of the Virgin Mary. For centuries, it was the largest church in the entire Baltic region and one of the brightest examples of North German brick Gothic. During its existence, it has become a full-fledged symbol of Wismar and a guide for sailors, as it towered over the entire city.

During World War II, several bombs hit the church building. The destruction was not too serious, so after the end of the war, none of the townspeople doubted that the Church of the Virgin Mary would soon be restored.

Years passed, but the temple remained in ruins - neither the city nor the state authorities undertook its restoration. And so, in 1960, an order came from Berlin from the leadership of the Socialist Party: to blow up the church, retaining only the bell tower. The official justification for these heinous actions was absolutely ridiculous: the partially destroyed walls of the temple could damage neighboring houses and harm children playing nearby. By the way, according to the calculations of the builders, the costs of a complete restoration were simply ridiculous, and this process would take only 3 years, provided that only 20 people worked there!

On the morning of August 6, 1960, the area around the Church of the Virgin Mary was cordoned off, preparations were made for demolition work. The temple had to be blown up in several stages: the “dangerous” walls turned out to be so strong.

After the work was completed, the ruins of the church were removed, and the bricks were sent for processing - after a while they were used in the production of slabs for panel high-rise buildings.

After the unification of Germany, a foundation was built here, completely repeating the shape of the once beautiful temple. In the GDR, this place was ... a car park. It looks especially blasphemous, given that the most prominent residents of the city were buried in the walls of the Church of the Virgin Mary at different times - those who gave Wismar a lot in their lives.

A few urban details.

Near some houses, scrapers are still preserved to help clean the dirt from the shoes before entering the living quarters.

Soon I will have a whole collection of highly artistic manhole covers and I will have to devote a separate post to them.

On one of the houses I noticed an old advertising plate. Of particular interest is the way of writing hours of work: from half past five to half past seven.

No matter how beautiful Wismar is, it does not leave the feeling that the eastern part of Germany is poorer than its western brother. This can also be seen in the historical center: some of the buildings are in a deplorable state.

However, all the shortcomings of Wismar can be forgiven - this is really one of the coolest cities in northern Germany!

True, there is one more nuance that I remember quite strongly: the house of sorrow. I don’t know whether I was so “lucky”, or whether all the patients were returning to the clinic at that time, but during the walk I constantly came across people with different mental disorders. And given that there were very few random passers-by in the city, this situation was a little annoying. However, towards evening they disappeared somewhere.

Finally, one instructive story.

As I said, I went to Wismar absolutely spontaneously, and during all this turmoil I completely forgot to look at the return schedule. However, I arrived at the station not so late - the clock was only half past six. It is impossible to convey here the whole cascade of emotions that I experienced when I found out that I could only arrive in Hamburg at more than two in the morning! And this despite the fact that usually the road takes less than 2 hours. The most annoying thing was that I was literally a couple of minutes late to transfer to another train, which painted the prospect of many hours of waiting in some railway village.

What to do? I handed myself into the hands of fate and went to this village. And then a miracle happened! For the first time in my life, I was grateful that public transport tends to be late. My train to Hamburg was delayed by 7 minutes, which gave me the opportunity to catch it and not meet midnight somewhere in the middle of fields and railways.

To sum up: I definitely recommend Wismar to all travelers. It gives the most complete picture of what the medieval cities around the Baltic Sea looked like, and the sights of the historical center are more than enough for a whole day of wandering through the narrow streets.

How to get there:
Most big cities with which there is a direct railway connection - Rostock and Schwerin. You will have to get from Hamburg with one change in Schwerin or the very village called Bad Kleinen.