Before the name "Fischland" was introduced in the 17th century, the area was called "Swante Wustrow" (“holy island”). According to legend, the grey horse of the Slavic deity Swantevit kicked up the earth mound upon which Wustrow's church still stands today. The first written mention of Wustrow is attributed to Pope Gregory IX in 1235.
Seafaring was long the primary source of income and renown for men from Fischland. Many famous shipowners, captains and helmsmen called Wustrow home. Around 1800, Fischland had 70 sailing ships. By 1843, the number had increased to 168 and three years later a nautical school was founded in Wustrow. However, the seafaring boom was brought to a halt by the invention of the steam engine. In 1884, only 84 sailing ships remained in Fischland and by 1900 that number had declined to zero.
