When the sun bathes the Baltic Sea in golden light and the scent of coastal flowers and salt water fills the air, the most delightful time of the year begins. Blending Hanseatic tradition with modern coastal cuisine, there are treasures to discover here that go far beyond the classic fish sandwich.
The Legacy of the Hanseatic League: Fish Straight from the Boat
🐟 In Wismar, the locals love their harbor. If you come here, don’t leave the Old Harbor without trying a fish sandwich from one of the firmly moored fishing boats. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the “Räucherkutter Minna” with its white-and-blue awnings. Here, the fish often comes straight out of the smoker while still warm. Be sure to try the Mecklenburg smoked matjes—milder and more tender than its northern counterpart. Sit down with your sandwich on the edge of the pier, dangle your legs, and watch the sailors come in. But watch out for the seagulls—they’re real gourmets here!
The Bay’s “Sweet Heart”: Ice Cream and Cake
🍦In Boltenhagen, “Eiscafé Pinguin” is an ice cream parlor with cult status. Locals patiently wait in line here for flavors that taste like childhood. An ice cream sundae on the pier in the sunshine is a must.
🍰 Coffee and Cake at the Castle: The café at Bothmer Castle offers the most charming atmosphere in the Klützer Winkel region. In the historic cavalier houses, you can enjoy homemade cakes.
At ÖXL Café Wismar, not only is there a well-known musician behind the counter, but healthy eating is also a top priority. Experienced nutritionists are part of the team. Here, you can enjoy a meal that not only delights the palate but also promotes your well-being. Try delicious smoothies and more!
In Wismar, you can also find handmade treats in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere at Café Glücklich (Schweinbrücke 7). They also serve gluten-free and vegan desserts and cakes. It’s the perfect spot for a quick break from sightseeing in the historic old town.
😋 You’ll also find a touch of Scandinavia at Café Lindquist in Boltenhagen (Strandpromenade 36a). Homemade sweet and savory treats right on the beach promenade make your vacation even sweeter. Enjoy the ocean view while sampling the Finnish chocolate cake—a fantastic combination! Café Einraum (Mittelpromenade 12b) is also a popular spot when you’re out and about in Boltenhagen. Coffee lovers and fans of homemade baked goods can indulge in a lovely atmosphere. Try the American cheesecake, for which the café is famous, and then enjoy a stroll toward the pier!
🐝 Here in the Baltic Sea region, bees enjoy an ideal climate thanks to the influence of the Baltic Sea and the protective setting of the bay. Be sure to stop by the Bienen Fischer farm stand! (Ostseestraße 7, Hohenkirchen). For interested children and families, there are guided tours and insights into the world of bees. Sweet tooths will be spoiled for choice: In addition to classic varieties like early harvest, rapeseed, and summer honey, special varieties such as linden blossom, black locust, heather, and phacelia are also available. The selection is rounded out by beeswax candles, honey mustard, various vinegars, nuts in honey, small gift baskets, and seasonal specialties. Everything is produced directly at the apiary or handcrafted on-site.
🥂Germany’s northernmost sparkling wine winery is located in Wismar. The Hanse Sektkellerei Wismar carries on a Hanseatic winemaking tradition dating back over 350 years. It produces its sparkling wines using the traditional bottle-fermentation method and ages them in historic vaulted cellars. Perfect for gloomy weather: a guided tour of the “Alte Gewölbe” (Old Vault) in a historic setting, including sparkling wine tastings. It’s also the perfect souvenir for those back home!
Dining with a View: From Rustic to Upscale
😋 A Wismar classic: The “Alte Schwede,” located right on the market square, not only serves Mecklenburg cuisine (such as the classic Sauerfleisch), but also transports you back to Wismar’s Swedish era in one of the city’s oldest townhouses. Right inside the Old Customs House at the Old Harbor, you’ll find a little piece of Italy—at least when it comes to food. Whether you’re enjoying fish, meat, or pasta, you can take in the view of the Old Harbor and the fishing boats at Il Casale (Wasserstr. 1A). A culinary journey featuring European-Mediterranean cuisine with lively fusion creations awaits visitors at the Kaminstube (Bademutterstr. 19).
🌊 The best view: When you stay in Bades Huk, you have this gem right on your doorstep. Both the Bades Huk Marina Café by the Sea & Bistro and the “Little Italy” restaurant feature fantastic terraces where you can let your gaze wander over the sailboats all the way to the island of Poel.
🐟 A local favorite: On the island of Poel, many are drawn to the “Hafenpavillon” in Kirchdorf. Here you’ll find authentic, freshly caught plaice “Finkenwerder style” with bacon bits—exactly the way people on the coast have loved it for generations.
Was man probiert haben muss: Regionale Originale
🍺 Have you heard of Wismarer Mumme? It’s a dark, full-bodied beer that has been brewed since the Middle Ages. It’s perfect with a hearty dinner.
🧀 Klützer Cheese: There are small farm cheese makers in the region that produce flavorful cheeses from the milk of the “Happy Coast” in the Klützer Winkel—often found at the regional weekly markets in Wismar (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).
🐟 June's Highlight: June is matjes season! In this region, these young, mild herring are celebrated with apples, onions, and sour cream—a light, summery meal that pairs perfectly with a chilled white wine.
😋 Look for sea buckthorn specialties. The “lemon of the North” grows everywhere along the coastal paths and is used here to make fruity meringue cakes or tangy liqueurs.
Special Markets
Wismarer Abendmarkt:
During the summer months (June through September), an evening market is often held once a month at the Old Harbor or Market Square, where you can enjoy a feast and stroll around well into the evening.
You can find weekly markets featuring fresh and local produce in
Wismar (Historischer Marktplatz):
Here you'll find fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, and fish from local vendors.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Boltenhagen (parking lot at Weidenkultur):
Regional farmers' market featuring specialties from the Klützer Winkel region.
During peak season, usually on Tuesdays
There are also culinary delights to enjoy during the major seasonal highlights
Wismarer Hafenfest:
A huge event featuring a market street, amusement rides, and a maritime atmosphere at the Old Harbor.
11. bis 14. Juni 2026.
Wismar Sweden Festival: Sweden's second-largest city festival outside of Sweden, featuring a bustling market, historical performances, and culinary delights
20. bis 23. August 2026
