Wismar (Germany)

Wismar is a Baltic Sea cruise port located in Germany's Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state, approx 45 km (28 ml) east of Lubeck (Travemunde). The city covers a total area of approx 41 km2 (16 ml2) and has population around 43,000.

• During the period of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (German Democratic Republic), from 1949-1990, Wismar city was developed as a shipbuilding settlement and port, becoming East Germany's 2nd-largest port, after Rostock. Nordic Yards Wismar is a famous shipbuilder located in Wismar. Shipbuilding has existed at the site since 1946.
• Wismar port has a natural harbour (protected by a promontory / raised land mass) in the Bay of Wismar. Since 2002, the town is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Site. Among its landmarks and attractions are the Old Town's Market Place, the Wasserkunst (Holland-made fountain), Town Hall (built in the 18th century), Burgerhaus (13th century home building), St George's Church (14th century), Marienkirche (13th century church), Nikolaikirche (14 century church), Furstenhof (ducal residence palace), Baumhaus (art gallery).
• The large Market Place, in the centre of the old town, is one of the biggest in northern Germany (10,000 m2), surrounded by elegant buildings in styles that range from North German Gothic to Romanesque revival to Art Nouveau. The focal point of the square is Wasserkunst, a wrought-iron fountain that was imported from Holland (1602). Square's northern side is occupied by the Town Hall. It was built in 1817–1819 in neoclassical style. Another notable building is a Brick Gothic Burgerhaus (patrician's home) named Alter Schwede (The Old Swede), created around 1380.
• The church of Saint Nicholas (Nikolaikirche), built between 1381 and 1460, with lofty vaulting, along with the Marienkirche, is regarded as a good example of the influence exercised in the northern provinces by the large church of Saint Mary in Lubeck.
• The town hall, which was rebuilt in 1829, has a collection of pictures. The Municipal Gallery "Baumhaus" is the main gallery for fine arts, located in Wismar's old harbour area.

During season 2016, the cruise port handled a total of 8 ship calls and around 4,300 passengers. Season 2018 had scheduled all 11 ship calls with expected around 10,000 passengers.

On March 7, 2018, the shipbuilder MV Werften signed a land purchase agreement with Wismar City. The site was used for building an warehouse for storing prefabricated cruise ship cabins. The new EUR 4 million facility (83x76 m) has capacity for over 300 cabin units stored on 3 levels. Warehouse's construction started in June, with scheduled completion by December 2018.