Harbor festival in Wismar starts with beer barrel tapping and fireworks!

Harbor festival in Wismar starts with beer barrel tapping and fireworks!

On June 13, 2025 the time had finally come: the harbor festival in Wismar, one of the pearls in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, was ceremoniously opened. The first big highlight of the festival was the traditional beer barrel tapping, where master brewer Holger Köpcke, mayor Sylvia Bartsch and district administrator Tino Schomann tapped the first beers. A festive barrel parade through Wismar's old town marked the start of a weekend full of entertainment and social gatherings.

The harbor festival lasts until Sunday evening and offers a variety of attractions in and around the Old Harbor. Stalls, carousels and a large Ferris wheel had already been put into operation the day before. Not only well-known bands perform in a colorful program on three stages, but shanty choirs also liven up the maritime atmosphere. One of the stages is aimed entirely at the younger generation and was organized by the city and district youth rings.

A celebration for the whole family

Wismar is proud to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage City, a title it achieved due to its old gabled houses, three monumental churches and atmospheric harbor. Many of the city's historical buildings and treasures are brought into focus during the festival, which also increases awareness of the importance of this cultural landscape. The cultural heritage includes, among other things, the old towns of Wismar and Stralsund, which were part of the Hanseatic League and are considered an important heritage of the trading region.

Of course, the traditional ships are also the focus of events. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the Poel cog “Wissemara”, the three-masted topsail schooner “Albatros” and the “Atalanta” up close. That's not all, the lightship “Elbe 1” and the police ship “Hoben” also open their doors to those interested and show what it means to be on the waves of the Baltic Sea. There are also exciting water sports competitions such as dragon boat races and a barrel regatta on Saturday, which provide additional action.

Conviviality and enjoyment

There is also a very special offer for gourmets until Sunday: herring dishes that get to the bottom of the catch quota. In the two weeks after the festival, everything revolves around the region's freshly caught delicacies. But that's not all - the highlight of the festival, an impressive fireworks display on Saturday evening at 10:45 p.m., promises an unforgettable conclusion to an already colorful event.

The preparations for the harbor festival are carried out by the Hafentage Wismar GbR, which welcomes everyone to celebrate the maritime culture and tradition in Wismar together. Further information about the festival, including all attractions and events, can be found on the official Hafentage Wismar website.

Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in Wismar's maritime atmosphere and hospitable culture, which is a real treat not only for locals but also for tourists. Celebrate with us and enjoy the diverse offerings that make this “World Heritage” place a unique experience!