Ohlerich Harbour Apartment
WHAT?
Kerstin read about Wismar in the newspaper one day, and she and Andreas opted to take a trip to the city shortly after. They fell in love with it, returning to the old town and harbour time and time again to take in the immense history, culture and architecture. Back then, the red-brick warehouse buildings in the once very-busy port stood empty, and Kerstin (a computer scientist and fashion blogger) and Andreas (a design professor) used to dream about the potential of the buildings. When they saw an advert for apartments in the former grain factory, they jumped at the opportunity, converting one perfectly positioned apartment into an open-plan space from which you can take in the peaceful ambience of the harbour.
You can tell that this apartment is a space made with love: interiors are a delicate balance of bright modern features, Bauhaus-style decor, and details - such as sliding silo doors - that hint at the apartment’s former life. The space is open, bright and restful, presenting the problem that it’s hard to leave, especially as there’s a hammock in which to laze. But we’d recommend you get out and about, because Wismar’s beauty is on your doorstep, and slightly further afield are some of the Ostsee’s most spectacular white-sand beaches.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- The apartment’s quiet location in the historic Hanseatic harbour is simply stunning
- Every last detail was designed and planned by owners Andreas and Kerstin, the mix of prints, dark colours and open spaces is incredibly relaxing - think Bauhaus-meets-historic traditional
You must...
- Sit with a glass of wine on the terrace and watch the sunset over the beautiful red-brick buildings in the old harbour
- Take a trip to one of the nearby white-sand beaches: Wohlenberger Wiek, Timmendorf Strand and Brooker Strand (Klützer Winkel) are all highly recommended
You might dislike...
- You’ll have to walk 15-minutes to reach a supermarket, and the better restaurants are also found in the old town
- The flat has been created in a studio style, meaning it’s completely open plan, which isn't to everyone's taste
WHO?
Introducing Andreas and Kerstin!
“We fell in love with Wismar after a trip here in 2014. We used to walk around the warehouse district a lot, so when an apartment became available, we knew we had to get it! We designed the flat for ourselves and hope to appeal to people who appreciate and maintain a similar lifestyle as ourselves.”
They love…
“Waking up, making a coffee and watching the water from the balcony: there’s hardly anyone around in the morning and it’s so peaceful.”
Andreas and Kerstin’s insider tips
- Make the time to chill in the harbour and to explore the old town: it’s such a beautiful place to switch off and wander from cafes to bars (we love the Italian restaurant on the ground floor for dinner, and Alte Löwenapotheke for Kaffee und Kuchen).
- The city has a lot of really interesting museums and churches. Our favourite are Welterbehaus Wismar, Schabbellhaus, St. Nikolai and Heiligen-Geist-Kirche.
- You have to take a trip to the ghost forest (Gespensterwald). There’s a sandy beach, steep coast, and trees shaped spookily by wind and weather (located near the Baltic resort of Nienhagen).
- Check the calendar for festivals, as there is a lot that happens in Wismar and its surroundings. We love Schwedenfest, which usually happens in August. One of the locations in the Old Harbour!
Ohlerich Harbour Apartment
“Gorgeous apartment in a historic granary, directly on the harbour with a balcony and great interior design.”
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Sleeping arrangements: There’s a large double bed.
- Bathroom set up: The bathroom is separate from the rest of the open-plan space, and is shower only (rainfall shower). Remember to bring toiletries.
- Food: The apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen, and basic ingredients such as salt, pepper and oil are provided. There’s a supermarket a 15-minute walk away, and a highly recommended Italian restaurant is located in the same building as the apartment.
- For families: The apartment isn’t recommended for families, as it’s more designed for couples.
- On-site equipment: There’s a collection of books and novels about Wismar and the harbour, and a smart TV and Teufel Bluetooth Box.
- Help: The apartment is inside a building with a reception, so there’s always someone on hand should you need assistance.
- Remember to pack: Slippers or warm socks if you come in the winter: the floors are concrete, as per the traditional loft style.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed, and it costs 15€ per night.
- Sustainability: During the renovation process, a lot of recovered materials were used, and work was carried out by local craftspeople.
WHERE?
Ohlerich Harbour Apartment is located at the water’s edge in the old harbour in Wismar, a short stroll from the historic old town.
You can easily drive, though there is no parking directly at the house (but within direct walking distance). You can park outside the apartment to unload/reload the car, however.
Wismar Bahnhof is a 10-minute walk away, and is served by direct connections from Berlin.
