Alter Schwede, Gothic town house in Wismar, Germany.
The Alter Schwede is a medieval brick building with several floors and characteristic features of northern German merchant houses. The facade shows the typical structure of that era with windows and decorative details that reflect the trading culture of the port city.
The house was built in 1380 when Wismar was one of the most important port cities of the Hanseatic League and thrived on maritime trade. Since then it has survived nearly 650 years and maintained its original form largely intact.
The building shows how prosperous merchants lived and worked in those times, with living quarters above a business area. The rooms tell of a life closely tied to commerce and the sea.
The building is located near the central market square and easy to reach on foot. Today it operates as a guesthouse where visitors can stay and experience medieval architecture directly in its original setting.
The name literally means Old Swede and may refer to earlier Swedish owners or inhabitants, reflecting the city's historical ties to the Baltic region. This detail shows how closely Wismar was connected to other port regions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
