Cruise port Wismar
Info for port Wismar on 11 Aug 2027
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.
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.
The cruise terminal in the Old Port of Wismar boasts an excellent location and, thanks to the short distances, allows for a convenient exploration of the historic Hanseatic city immediately after docking.
On Foot
The UNESCO World Heritage City of Wismar can be perfectly discovered on foot. You can reach the impressive market square and the most important sights in about 5 to 10 minutes through the picturesque alleys of the Old Town.
Taxi
Official taxis are available directly at the terminal or at the edge of the Old Port. They offer a comfortable way for individual excursions into the surrounding area and also take you quickly to destinations outside the city center.
Bus and Train
The regional NAHBUS buses connect the port area with the rest of the city and the surrounding region. At the same time, the Wismar train station is reachable in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot and offers convenient train connections for excursions to Schwerin or Rostock.
To make the most of your stay in Wismar, we recommend a combination of a relaxed stroll through the UNESCO-protected old town and a short trip to the picturesque Baltic Sea coast.
Historic Old Town & Market Square
The historic old town enchants with its medieval layout and monumental Brick Gothic architecture, providing a magnificent backdrop for cultural discoveries around the impressive market square with its ornate Wasserkunst.
Old Harbor
The Alter Hafen exudes a genuine maritime flair and, thanks to its combination of historic warehouses, traditional fishing boats, and modern dining options, is the ideal place for an authentic walk along the water.
Island of Poel
The idyllic island just outside the city gates is within easy reach and invites you to a relaxing break in untouched nature with the fine sandy beach of Timmendorf and a wonderful sea breeze.
UNESCO Old Town and Old Harbor
The historic Old Town of Wismar and the directly adjacent Alter Hafen are reachable within less than ten minutes on foot from the cruise terminal and offer an impressive ensemble of Hanseatic architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the district fascinates with its monumental brick churches and the expansive Marktplatz, where the magnificent "Wasserkunst" reigns as an architectural jewel. The maritime atmosphere at the harbor is perfect for a relaxed break, as numerous cafes and traditional fishing cutters offer fresh specialties in an idyllic setting. Ideally, start your tour in the morning to visit the impressive interiors of St. Georgen and St. Nikolai in peace and use the afternoon for a leisurely stroll through the Krämerstraße. Thanks to the immediate proximity to the ship, the stay can be fully enjoyed until shortly before casting off, with a return about sixty minutes before departure guaranteeing a relaxed process.
The way back to the cruise terminal in Wismar is extremely relaxed and safe thanks to the harbor's central location. You can reach your ship within a very short time and enjoy the maritime atmosphere of the Hanseatic city until the very end.
On Foot
Since the Alter Hafen directly borders the historical city center, you can easily walk back to the quay from the Marktplatz in about ten minutes. The paths are pleasantly level and easy to find thanks to the clear signage towards the harbor and the ship masts visible from afar.
Taxi
Central taxi stands are located at prominent points such as the historical Marktplatz directly in front of the Rathaus and at the main train station. Additionally, you can easily have a vehicle called at nearby hotels like the Park Inn at the Alter Hafen and thus reach the ship directly and safely within a few minutes.
Public Transport
The bus lines of the local transport company connect important points of the city with the harbor area and offer a comfortable alternative for the return journey. Thanks to the stops at the Lindengarten or near the Zeughaus, you can reach the harbor grounds directly and remain flexible with your schedule thanks to the short distances.
In port on 11 Aug 2027
