Wismar
Wismar Hafen · Wismar Bight · Hansestadt Wismar
53°54.0'N 11°27.7'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for the outer Wismar Bight in 3–8m of mud and clay. Excellent holding — the clay bottom grips anchors very well. Reduce to 55m if anchoring in the inner harbour area. The W/NW exposure is the main concern — in strong westerlies, use the inner harbour berths.
About This Anchorage
Wismar is a UNESCO World Heritage City — twin-listed with Stralsund as an outstanding example of Hanseatic Gothic brick architecture. The city was the most important Hanseatic port in the western Baltic during the 14th–15th centuries, handling grain, timber, and beer. The three great Gothic churches (Marienkirche — only the tower survives after WWII bombing; Georgenkirche — rebuilt 2010; Nikolaikirche — intact 15th century, 37m vaulted nave) are among the finest brick Gothic interiors in Germany. Wismar was occupied by Sweden from 1648–1903 — the longest foreign occupation of any German city — and Swedish architectural influence is visible throughout. The Alter Hafen (old harbour) in the city centre, lined with restored merchant houses, is one of the most photogenic harbours in Germany. The film 'Nosferatu' (1922, Murnau) was shot in Wismar's streets.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (outer bight); marina/harbour fee approx €15–20/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Commercial shipping in Wismar Fahrwasser — large vessels using the port; follow buoyed channel; VHF 12 when approaching inner harbour; Poel island Nationalpark protection (nature zones).
Hazards
- !Commercial shipping uses the Wismar Fahrwasser — follow the buoyed channel and keep clear of large vessels
- !Open to W and NW in the outer bight — in strong westerlies, use inner harbour berths (Alter Hafen)
- !Poel island approach (shallow western channel) — do not attempt without current chart
- !Baltic water level: strong W winds lower the bight level; sustained NE/E raises it — check before committing to inner harbour with any draught
Skipper's Tips
- →The Wismar Alter Hafen (old harbour) walking tour takes 2–3 hours: Schweinsbrücke, Wassertor gate, Grube canal (the city's 14th-century water supply), and the merchant house facades — one of the finest Hanseatic walking experiences
- →Wismar Brot: the city's bakery tradition dates from Hanseatic times — the Wismarsche Knüppel (poppy seed bread roll) is unique to the city; buy from the Marktplatz bakeries
- →The Georgenkirche (St George's Church) was Germany's most ambitious post-WWII church reconstruction (1990–2010) — the restored Gothic interior is extraordinary; free entry
- →The 'Nosferatu' city: the 1922 silent horror film was shot throughout Wismar's streets; a self-guided tour map (from tourist office) identifies the filming locations
- →From Wismar, the passage to Poel island (5nm, shallow western approach) gives access to the finest beach on the Mecklenburg coast — Poel has 17km of beach and a quiet character
Facilities
Full UNESCO city: restaurants in the Alter Hafen, Marktplatz cafes, supermarkets. Excellent fish market (fresh Baltic herring, smoked eel). Chandlery at the Alter Hafen.
Nearest provisions: Wismar Alter Hafen / Marktplatz (immediate) (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Wismar is a year-round city but sailing conditions are best May–September. The autumn light on the Hanseatic brick buildings (September–October) is exceptional.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the Mecklenburg Bight, Baltic swell and open coast exposure make overnight anchor monitoring important. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS