One of the largest and best-preserved medieval market squares in Northern Germany, part of Wismar's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.
Wismar's Marktplatz ranks among the largest and best-preserved medieval market squares in Northern Germany, framed by the Renaissance-style Rathaus, the ornate Wasserkunst fountain house, and rows of stepped-gable merchant houses dating to the city's Hanseatic trading peak. The square forms the centerpiece of Wismar's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, listed jointly with Stralsund since 2002 in recognition of the towns' shared Hanseatic League architecture. The Wasserkunst, a Dutch Renaissance-style fountain pavilion built in 1602, once supplied the town's drinking water and remains the square's most photographed feature. A relaxed walk around the square and its immediate lanes takes about an hour, extending to 1.5 hours if browsing the shops in the surrounding merchant houses. The Wednesday and Saturday farmers' market brings additional life and produce stalls to the square, making those mornings the liveliest time to visit.
| Admission | Free |
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Highlights
- One of Northern Germany's largest and best-preserved medieval squares
- The 1602 Wasserkunst Dutch Renaissance fountain pavilion
- Renaissance Rathaus fronting the square
- UNESCO World Heritage listing shared with Stralsund
- Wednesday and Saturday farmers' market
Tips for visiting
- Visit Wednesday or Saturday morning for the farmers' market
- Photograph the Wasserkunst fountain in morning light before crowds gather
- Allow about an hour, longer if browsing the surrounding shops
- A 15-minute walk from Wismar Hauptbahnhof reaches the square directly
- Combine with the nearby Alter Hafen old harbor, a short walk away
When to visit
Wednesday or Saturday morning for the market; weekday mornings for a quieter photo opportunity.
Accessibility
The square is level cobblestone, manageable for wheelchair users with care.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Marktplatz take?
About an hour for the square itself, up to 1.5 hours with time to browse the surrounding shops.
What is the Wasserkunst?
A 1602 Dutch Renaissance-style fountain pavilion that once supplied Wismar's drinking water.
Is there a market?
Yes, a farmers' market runs on the square every Wednesday and Saturday.