Type: Architecture, Castle, Charming Towns, Free Time, Historic Buildings, Walking Tours
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Medium
Mobility: NO wheelchairs (cobblestones and stairs in the castle)
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English

Wismar Shore Excursion - This tour visits the fairytale castle of Schwerin, one of the most remarkable sights in Northern Germany. You also enjoy a walking tour of the old town of Schwerin and the Hanseatic city of Wismar where you learn this region's history.

After meeting your guide at the pier in Wismar, you immediately drive into Wismar's city center. Upon arrival you enjoy a walking tour of the Hanseatic city. Founded in 1229, Wismar was among the first cities established in the Mecklenburg Region, a small stream to the east gave the city its name. During your tour you see powerful religious buildings, imposing Gothic brick-style buildings, old city walls, the water tower, the historic drainage system and merchant's houses from the middle ages.

Walking through the old town, your guide reveals the architecture of the three main churches, St. Mary's and St. Georges, near the market place, and St. Nicholas' near the harbor. Each of them are reaching upward with imperial disdain, as if intending to trump all the other churches in the region. These structures are excellent examples of the late Gothic period, striking and spectacular achievements.

Even at the very beginning, people from far fell under the spell of the rapidly blossoming city: Merchants, guild-members, barrel makers, picklers, sailors, fishermen, traders and builders were drawn in from many lands and soon created a friendly hustle and bustle. In consequence of the thriving trade, pirates too were present.

After your walking tour you have a short amount of free time before driving to Schwerin.

Schwerin is the former royal residence and today the state capital of the Mecklenburg Vorpommern Region. It is virtually surrounded by lakes and waterways in the middle of one of Germany's most beautiful lake districts. It is a city with a delightful combination of nature, culture and exquisite architecture.

Upon arrival you enjoy a walking tour of the old town to see the highlights such as the historical Mecklenburg State Theater (widely regarded as one of the finest in Germany) and the medieval Schwerin Cathedral, an imposing Romanesque-Gothic red-brick building.

Next you have free time to enjoy lunch (meal not included).

To end your day you visit the magnificent Schwerin Castle, which is a located on an island close to the old town of Schwerin. You will admire the castle's beautiful interior, not to mention the gardens with their majestic beauty that offer stunning views of the castle and the lake. The castle is surrounded by Schwerin Lake, the second largest lake in Germany.