Notice the St-Marien-Kirche Steeple, standing tall over Wismar’s Old Town, the first sight for visitors approaching from the sea. Once attached to the town’s largest church, it remains one of the best examples of Baltic brick Gothic architecture. Controversially, after suffering severe damage during World War II, the church itself was demolished by the government of the town in 1960, leaving the tower as an observation spot, a center for art and education and a defining landmark of the city.
Before entering the St-Marien-Kirche Steeple, stop to view the enormous “hamster wheel” that sits beside it. This device was once used to transport building bricks to the top of the tower. Walk slowly through the ruins of the old nave, imagining the enormous vaulted ceilings that once dominated the city’s skyline. Inside, linger at the numerous exhibits. Watch an interesting video on the history of the St-Marien-Kirche itself or walk through a display of modern art from the Mecklenburg region.
Follow your guide up the staircase that leads to the top of the tower. From here you can see all of Wismar’s Old Town. The St-Marien-Kirche Steeple, standing 262 feet (80 meters) above the city, is the perfect location from which to spy Market Square, the port and the Baltic Sea glittering in the distance. Head back down the stairs but return at noon, 3 p.m. or 7 p.m., when the reconstructed clock system plays a chorale on the church’s 13 bells, among the most extensive in northern Germany.
Walk to the St-Marien-Kirche Steeple on the western side of Old Town in 5 minutes from Market Square or 20 minutes from the cruise port. Parking is available in an on-site lot and is located a 5-minute drive from the train station. The tower is open daily for visitors during business hours in summer, with a slightly earlier closure in winter. Guides bring groups of visitors to the top of the tower every hour on the hour. Register for the climb at the tower itself. Tours are in German, but many tour guides also speak English.
