Baumhaus Förderverein Poeler Kogge e.V.

On the shores of the picturesque harbor in the city of Wismar lies a unique location that blends history with modern seafaring — the Poeler Kogge Association. It is based in the historic Baumhaus building, which is an architectural gem of Germany in its own right. On the ground floor, you'll find the interactive Maritime Tradition Center, where the legends of the Baltic come to life.

Poeler Kogge Association (Baumhaus). Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The organization's pride and joy is the “Wissemara”, a meticulously recreated replica of a medieval Hanseatic trading ship (cog). The center invites visitors to dive into the world of underwater archaeology, discover the secrets of ancient shipbuilding, and trace Wismar's journey from a small settlement to a major port. It’s not just a museum, but a living space where volunteers preserve maritime heritage for future generations.

Visitors can engage with multimedia displays in several languages, watch videos about ship restoration, and even book sailing trips. The combination of the Old Port's authentic atmosphere and modern technology makes this a must-visit for all lovers of maritime romance.

For more details or to book a sailing trip on the cog, you can use the following contact information:

At the Baumhaus, there’s something for everyone: history buffs can spend hours exploring the interactive exhibition. Using touchscreens, it’s easy to learn about Hanseatic trade, see underwater archaeological finds, and understand the intricacies of a medieval cog's sails. Information is available in German and English, making the visit comfortable for international guests.

The most exciting experience is the chance to step aboard the “Wissemara” cog. The association organizes special training and tourist voyages where you can feel like a real sailor from the past. For youth groups, it’s a fantastic way to build team spirit by participating in sail handling under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Don't forget to stop by the information desk, where you can buy themed souvenirs and books on maritime history. Even if you don't plan on heading out to sea, simply watching the volunteers maintain historic vessels like the schooner “Atalanta” or the trawler “Marlen” will leave you with pleasant memories and great photo opportunities.

Finding this attraction is easy: it is located in the heart of the Old Port at Alter Hafen 12. If you are already walking through the center, it's just a 10–15 minute stroll from the famous Market Square through picturesque streets.

For those coming from other cities, the most convenient way is to take a train to Wismar station. From the station, you can reach the port on foot in 20 minutes or take bus No. 20 or 21 (get off at the “Alter Hafen” or “Hafen Wismar” stop), which takes no more than 5–10 minutes. Taxis are also always available at the station to whisk you to the waterfront.

If you are traveling by car, you can leave your vehicle at one of the P+R car parks or in the paid parking lots near the port area. In the warmer months, cycling along the well-maintained promenade is a great option, offering beautiful views of the bay.

The history of this place began on February 14, 2000, when the Poeler Kogge association was founded in the city of Wismar. At that time, the project existed only on paper, but enthusiasts set out to recreate an exact replica of a medieval cog — the backbone of the Hanseatic fleet.

The Baumhaus building itself, which houses the organization today, is a historical monument. In the old days, it was home to the "Baumschlöser" — the person responsible for closing the harbor at night with a heavy log (the "Baum") to protect the city from uninvited guests. Since 2019, it has hosted the modern Maritime Tradition Center.

The “Wissemara” cog, the association's crowning achievement, was built using ancient techniques. Around 50 dedicated volunteers participated in the construction, turning a dream into a real seaworthy vessel. Today, this ship is considered a cultural ambassador for the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region and regularly takes part in major Baltic sailing regattas.

A quick tour of the Baumhaus exhibition and its multimedia displays will take about 1–2 hours. This is enough time to explore the history of shipbuilding and watch short videos about port life.

However, if your goal is a true maritime adventure and you plan on sailing on the “Wissemara” cog, you should set aside half a day or even a full day. It’s best to check the schedule for these trips in advance, as they depend on the season and weather conditions.

When planning your visit, please note that the Maritime Tradition Center at the Baumhaus is primarily open on weekends:

• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Monday – Friday: Closed

It is recommended to check the current schedule before your trip, as opening hours may change during maritime festivals or public holidays.

A stroll around the harbor will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of an old Hanseatic city. Nearby, you'll find architectural masterpieces and cozy streets that have preserved their medieval spirit.