University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald

Aerial view of the Hanseatic City of Greifswald
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A Seaside City with Many Faces

Discover the many facets of Greifswald. Greifswald is at once a historic Hanseatic city, a vibrant university town, a cutting-edge center of science, and the cradle of Romanticism.

Brick Gothic and the Birthplace of Romanticism

Brick Gothic architecture defines Greifswald’s Old Town. The market square, city hall, and merchants’ houses from the Hanseatic era are sure to impress you. You can take a stroll around the city center along the historic ramparts. The three brick churches—St. Nikolai Cathedral, St. Mary’s, and St. James’—already defined Greifswald’s skyline during Caspar David Friedrich’s lifetime. You can learn about the famous Early Romantic painter at the Caspar David Friedrich Center and the Pomeranian State Museum.

Market Square of the Hanseatic City of Greifswald
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Market Square in the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald

Where Science and Research Are at Home

Science and research are a top priority in Greifswald. Founded in 1456, the university is one of the oldest in the Baltic Sea region. Student life, along with numerous pubs, cafés, and bars, make Greifswald a young and vibrant city. This wealth of knowledge isn’t limited to the university’s library and lecture halls. Greifswald is also home to research conducted at the Max Planck Institute, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, and the Leibniz Institute.

Typical Greifswald

  • Historic Old Town with brick Gothic architecture and ancient fortress walls
  • Germany’s largest museum harbor, featuring around 50 historic ships
  • A university steeped in tradition, with 10,000 students, shapes the city’s vibrant atmosphere
  • Pomeranian State Museum featuring original works by the painter Caspar David Friedrich
  • Caspar David Friedrich Center, the former home of the Friedrich family
  • The quaint fishing village of Wieck with its historic wooden drawbridge
  • The Botanical Garden and Arboretum are green oases
  • Over 100 animal species call the Greifswald Zoo home

 

Eldena Monastery Ruins

Do the ruins of Eldena Abbey look familiar to you? No wonder—it’s known worldwide as a central motif in the paintings of Caspar David Friedrich and as an icon of Romanticism. The ruins of the former Cistercian monastery provide a striking backdrop for events such as the Eldena Monastery Market and the Eldena Jazz Evenings.

Walls of the Eldena monastery ruins among densely overgrown trees
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Eldena Monastery Ruins

Excursions and Activities in Greifswald

Discover Greifswald through the eyes of Caspar David Friedrich: On the Caspar David Friedrich Art Trail, you’ll explore key milestones in his life, subjects of his paintings, and scenic viewpoints. At the Museum Harbor, climb aboard one of the sailing ships, or rent a rowboat, kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard in the fishing village of Wieck. At the Greifswald Climbing Forest, you can put your climbing skills to the test with the whole family.

A sailing ship is sailing on the Ryck
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Sailing Trip on the Ryck River

Bicycle Tours in Greifswald

On the North German Romanticism Route, you can explore the lives and works of the early Romantic painters Caspar David Friedrich, Friedrich August von Klinkowström, and Philipp Otto Runge by bike. At original locations such as Ludwigsburg Palace, the Wusterhusen parsonage, and the ports of Vierow and Wolgast, you’ll pass key milestones in their lives and artistic inspiration. Along the way, ten informational signs provide background information on their artistic and personal journeys.

Exciting Events in Greifswald

Are you interested in culture? Then you’ll love Greifswald. The time-honored Greifswald Bach Week , the Nordischer Klang, and the Eldenaer Jazz Evenings are known far beyond the city limits. At the city festival “A Day with Caspar David Friedrich ,” Greifswald shows its romantic side. You can experience Greifswald’s maritime character at folk festivals such as the Maritime Season Opener and the Gaffelrigg Fishermen’s Festival.

Dining in Greifswald

As befits a vibrant university and Hanseatic city, Greifswald offers a wide selection of diverse restaurants, cozy cafés, and trendy bars. Enjoy a fish sandwich straight from the boat, exquisite gourmet cuisine at the marina, or rustic home-style cooking at the Giebelhaus on the market square. Many restaurants focus on regional products and freshly caught fish.

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