Cruise port Wismar
Info for port Wismar on 18 Dec 2026
Port information & tips for Wismar
Wismar is a charming Hanseatic city on the Mecklenburg Baltic coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its magnificently preserved old town. Its location directly on the Bay of Wismar gives the harbor a unique maritime flair, characterized by historic Brick Gothic architecture, traditional fishing boats, and cozy cafés along the quay. Cultural highlights in the immediate vicinity include the monumental St. Georgen Church, the spacious market square with the elaborate Wasserkunst, and the historic Alter Schwede townhouse. Cruise ships dock at the Columbus Pier in the Old Harbor, from where travelers can easily reach the picturesque city center in just a few minutes on foot and immerse themselves directly in the living history of this Hanseatic gem.
Wismar welcomes cruise guests at the modernized terminal in the historic Alter Hafen, directly adjacent to the UNESCO-protected Old Town. The short distance to the city center allows for a comfortable exploration of Wismar immediately after arrival.
Car
Thanks to the direct connection to the Autobahn 20 (Baltic Sea Autobahn) and the Autobahn 14 (Wismar – Schwerin), Wismar is easily accessible. From the Wismar interchange (Exit 9) or the Wismar Mitte exit (Exit 8), you can quickly reach the harbor. Access for passenger cars is via Kopenhagener Straße 2. Located directly at the Alter Hafen, the Altstadt-Hafen parking garage (Stockholmer Straße 8) offers 211 parking spaces, including comfort width, disabled parking, and electric charging stations. Additionally, there are other paid and some free parking options near the harbor and within the Old Town ring road. For longer cruises, special Park & Cruise providers are available to store your vehicle safely.
Train
Wismar station is located right next to the Old Town and is well connected to the German rail network, with connections to cities such as Schwerin, Berlin, and Hamburg. From the station, you can reach the cruise terminal at the Wismar seaport comfortably in about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Alternatively, local bus lines (e.g., Line 15 or 18) or taxis are available for the short transfer, bringing you to the harbor in a few minutes.
Airplane
For international guests or those traveling from further away, Lübeck Blankensee Airport (LBC) at around 50 kilometers away or Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG) at approximately 53 kilometers away are good options. Hamburg Airport (HAM) is also a viable choice at about 100 kilometers distance and is served by direct flights from many German and international cities. From Rostock-Laage, you can reach the Wismar harbor comfortably by rental car or taxi/shuttle, with the journey taking about 45 to 60 minutes. From Hamburg Airport, you can reach Wismar by car in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Private transfers from Hamburg to Wismar are also bookable. An overnight stay in Wismar prior to departure, for example in one of the hotels directly at the Alter Hafen, is recommended for a relaxed start to your cruise and offers the opportunity to explore the historic Hanseatic city at your leisure.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the harbor and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 18 Dec 2026
