Harbor festival in Wismar: carousels, fireworks and maritime treasures!

Harbor festival in Wismar: carousels, fireworks and maritime treasures!

In Wismar, the charming UNESCO World Heritage city, the harbor festival opened its doors on Friday. The festival kicked off with a ceremonial tapping of a beer keg, carried out by master brewer Holger Köpcke, mayor Sylvia Bartsch and district administrator Tino Schomann. Whether straight from the beer keg or with cheerful music, the mood was immediately at its peak. The traditional barrel parade through Wismar's picturesque old town sets the first colorful accents in the event, which extends until Sunday evening and promises numerous highlights.

Diverse entertainment program

In the days from June 12th to 15th, 2025, the old harbor in Wismar will be transformed into a true feast for the senses. Stalls and carousels have been in operation since Thursday and promise fun for young and old. Guests can look forward to a varied program presented on three stages. Not only bands and shanty choirs provide entertainment there, but the city and district youth groups have also prepared a stage that is aimed at a younger audience. So there is something for everyone and the visit becomes an experience for the whole family.

A special highlight of the harbor festival will be the impressive fireworks display on Saturday evening at 10:45 p.m. If you want to spend the evening not only with colorful lights, but also with maritime sounds, you shouldn't miss the varied music on the large Sparkasse stage with a view of the Baltic Sea.

Things worth seeing and participation welcome

The harbor festival also showcases the region's maritime tradition. Guests can view traditional ships such as the three-masted topsail schooner “Albatros” or the Poeler cog “Wissemara” and even take a ride on the lightship “Elbe 1”. There are also exciting water sports competitions, such as dragon boat racing and the exciting barrel regatta, which take place on Saturday. Finally, on Sunday there will be a competition for little sailors, which will encourage the young generation to achieve top sporting achievements.

Wismar's maritime history is also unmistakable and is continued not only in the traditions but also in the culinary offerings. Delicious herring dishes can be tasted in the city for two weeks, while catch quotas play a central role. A circumstance that breathes additional, tasty life into the festival and strengthens the local gastronomy.

A look into the future

The harbor festival is not only a colorful spectacle, but also an important event for the region as a whole, which proves to be a platform for the promotion and support of the traditionally used ships, such as the Poeler Kogge, “Atalanta” and “Marlen”. They rely on financial support for operations and events such as the harbor festival help keep these important maritime symbols alive.

The harbor festival in Wismar not only offers an entertaining break, but also an important piece of cultural history. Anyone who has the opportunity should not miss this maritime joy. Further information and the complete program can be found on the official website of Hafentage Wismar.

Be there when Wismar once again shows its maritime side and enjoy the variety of attractions that delight both hearts and palates!