SOKO Wismar: Tourists flock to crime cases in a picturesque backdrop

SOKO Wismar: Tourists flock to crime cases in a picturesque backdrop

20 years ago, on October 6, 2004, the first episode of "Soko Wismar" was broadcast on ZDF. This crime series is the fourth offshoot of the successful "SOKO" series, which had its origin in Munich in the 1970s. Since then, Wismar has established itself as a surprising but popular location. With the publication of the 474th episode, not only the 21st season began, but the production team continues to work on a variety of new episodes in this charming city.

"SOKO Wismar" not only offers the spectators exciting criminal cases, but also beautiful scenes and a captivating narrative style. The series has faced the challenge of captivating spectators by ensuring that the murder cases are solved within 45 minutes. This reliable structure is very well received; At peak times, up to 4.5 million viewers follow the show weekly, which more than every fifth viewer corresponds to on Wednesday evening.

tourism and city tours promote interest

The connection between fiction and reality is also evident in Wismar tourism. Every year, the city attracts thousands of "Soko Wismar" fans who visit the locations of the series in special city tours. Since the introduction of these tours by the Wismar tourism center in 2015, the number of tours has increased significantly. While there were only 40 guided tours a year, there are now around 120, which attract around 3,000 visitors annually. In these city tours, guests have the opportunity to see the places that became the backdrop of the popular crime series and sometimes also to meet the actors.

In addition, fans can acquire a variety of souvenirs that range from magnets to a comprehensive travel guide. This travel guide is not only a souvenir, but also motivates many to visit the city and plan their own “Soko Wismar” vacation. According to Sibylle Donath, who is responsible for tourism in Wismar, around 15 percent of the tourists stated that they came into the city because of “Soko Wismar”. This shows the massive influence of the series on local tourism and the associated economic advantages.

filming and their effects

The filming has become an integral part of urban life in Wismar. Almost every day of the year is filmed in various places in the city or in the area. While most residents have got used to the sometimes disturbing filming, there are complaints about the parking lot situation when large vehicle columns are required for production. These vehicles often prove parking spaces, which leads to displeasure with the locals. However, the production company tries to prevent such inconvenience by announcing parking space closures well in advance.

Although the series focuses on dramatic crimes, Wismar benefits from the media shine that such stories bring. Every time it is shot in the city, this attracts not only tourists, but also a team of up to 40 people who need accommodations for production itself. This leads to further income for local hotels and restaurants.

The occupation of "Soko Wismar" has also changed over the years, with many well -known actors performing in different roles. Udo Kroschwald is the first chief criminal commissioner to play a central role since the first episode. Dominic Boeer, who was seen in various roles for 17 years, reflects on the time and development of the characters in the series. "It is astonishing how many children who were not even born at the time are old enough to get their driver's license," he said. This slow but constant development shows how deeply rooted the series has become in the life of people.

The relationship between the characters also brings a dramatic and emotional component to the plot that captivates the audience beyond the cases. The human stories and the dynamics between the protagonists give the series an additional format that goes far beyond the typical crime series.

at 20 years of "Soko Wismar" the series is not only a milestone in television culture, but also a significant part of Wismar's city identity. The success story continues to be continued, while the team is working tirelessly on new episodes that are supposed to captivate both old and new spectators. The chosen direction promises exciting stories and an attractive tourist future for both the series and the city.

For more information about the trade relationship between Wismar and the series, see the current reporting on www.ndr.de .