Wismar Swedish Festival

Wismar and Sweden

The Wismar Swedish Festival celebrates a special chapter in the city's history: After the Peace of Westphalia, the Hanseatic city of Wismar – today in the Nordwestmecklenburg district in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – belonged to the Swedish crown from 1648 to 1803. The festival, which has been celebrated since 2000 and is now considered the largest Swedish festival outside of Sweden, commemorates these approximately 155 years of Swedish rule.

A Festival Mile through the World Heritage Old Town

For four days, a festival mile stretches through the entire old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, down to the Old Harbour. Swedish artists, bands, and songwriters perform on several stages, while the harbour buzzes with a folk festival atmosphere with a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a children's carousel. Numerous traders offer Nordic products and specialities along the festival mile.

Caroleans, Swedish Way, and Fireworks Display

A familiar sight in the market square is the Carolean Camp: This military history group revives the history of Swedish regiments from the 17th century, showcasing camp life in period clothing and staging mock battles. The historical Swedish Way, a procession through the old town, and the spectacular fireworks display over the market square on Friday evening are among the festival's highlights.

Participate and Celebrate

The Swedish Festival is also a festival for participation: The audience can get actively involved at the Children's Swedish Festival in the Fürstenhof, the traditional Kubb tournament, the Swedish Head Regatta in Wismar Bay, and the Swedish Run over three distances. The focus here is not on historical conflict, but on cultural exchange and friendship with Sweden.