Market Square

The centerpiece of the city, Wismar’s market square is in fact one of the largest medieval town squares in northern Germany. Its most striking feature is the Wasserkunst: A twelve-sided fountain that was built in 1602 and doubles as the city’s most well-known landmark. Having supplied the city with drinking water until the 19th century, today the well serves as a meeting place for locals. On the northern side of the square you’ll find the town hall, which incorporates original gothic features into its façade and features a permanent historic exhibition in its cellar. A further landmark on the market square is the Alter Schwede: The city’s oldest townhouse dating back to 1380, which has been converted into a restaurant and guesthouse, and features the so-called “Swedish Heads,” which hark back to Swedish reign in Wismar.