City of Wolgast
A historic little town on the Peene River
Do you love strolling through winding alleys and feeling centuries of history at every turn? Then be sure to stop by the historic old town of Wolgast. This small town on the Peenestrom will get you in the mood for the island with its maritime charm.
From a Ducal Residence to a Shipyard Site
Strategically located on the Peenestrom, Wolgast has always been an important trading center. In the Middle Ages, Wolgast rose to become the seat of the Dukes of Pomerania. Visit the former court church of St. Petri and marvel at the ornate coffins of the ducal family in the vault. The medieval cycle of paintings depicting the Dance of Death will give you pause for thought.
An Eventful History at the Coffee Mill
The 600-year-old dodecagonal Gertrud Chapel is also an architectural gem. Visit the “Kaffeemühle” City Museum to learn how this Pomeranian royal seat evolved into a modern shipbuilding center.
The Peene Bridge, also known as the "Blue Wonder"
Rungehaus
Do you know Wolgast’s most famous son? Alongside Caspar David Friedrich, Philipp Otto Runge is the most significant painter of North German Romanticism. Get to know him and his work in his birthplace, which has been preserved almost exactly as it was originally. His influence ranges from painting and graphic art to passing down the Low German fairy tale "Vom Fischer un sin Fru" to the Brothers Grimm. Did you know that this versatile artist conducted research on color theory, invented the double-figure skat card, and wrote down fairy tales?
250th Birthday of Philipp Otto Runge
Wolgast is already preparing for a special event. In 2027, the city will celebrate the 250th birthday of its famous son. Visitors can look forward to a colorful summer of festivities. Museums, theaters, and many partners throughout the city are planning exhibitions, guided tours, and cultural events. The Vorpommersche Landesbühne will bring open-air theater with a Runge theme to the harbor. A grand birthday celebration will be the highlight, showcasing just how vibrant Romanticism can be today.
Typical Wolgast
- Former seat of the Dukes of Pomerania
- St. Peter’s Church – Court Church of the Dukes of Pomerania
- Kaffeemühle Museum of Local History
- Runge House – Birthplace of the painter Philipp Otto Runge
- St. Gertrud Chapel – the only surviving St. Gertrud Chapel in Germany
- Modern shipbuilding site with the Peene Shipyard
- Oldest surviving steam-powered railway ferry
The "Blue Wonder"
The residents of Wolgast are quite proud to call the bascule bridge over the Peenestrom the “Blue Wonder.” Since 1996, the 250-meter-long bridge has connected Wolgast with the island of Usedom. Marvel as this engineering masterpiece opens to let ships pass through.
Wolgast Is So Beautiful
St. Peter's Church
Excursions and Activities in Wolgast
We highly recommend the view from the top of St. Petri Church’s tower. A spiral staircase takes you up to lofty heights. Let your gaze wander over the Old Town and Wolgast’s beautiful surroundings. Have you had your fill of sightseeing? Then head to the city harbor and board one of the passenger boats. A sailing trip on the schooner “Weisse Düne” is an unforgettable experience. Families with children will have a great time at the Wolgast Zoo.
Bicycle Tours in Wolgast
Explore the area around Wolgast on beautiful bike paths. On a bike tour just under 30 kilometers long, you’ll circle the Peenestrom. Start by cycling northward on the mainland. You’ll love the town of Kröslin with its modern marina and the fishing village of Freest. From there, take the small passenger ferry across to Peenemünde. Ride along the dike, always following the Peenestrom, all the way back to Wolgast.
Exciting Events in Wolgast
In the “secret cultural capital” of Western Pomerania, cultural events add a special touch. Attend the “Sommermusiken” concerts in the venerable St. Petri Church. Be there when the city of Wolgast celebrates its historic old town with the “Night of Culture” and brings its eventful history to life. Smile at the ironic GDR nostalgia presented in the open-air opera theater at the Schlossinselfestspiele.
Dining in Wolgast
Do you love fish? Then Wolgast is the perfect place for you. Wolgast’s restaurants serve freshly caught fish from the Baltic Sea, meat dishes, and regional delicacies. Stop by one of the cozy cafés in the afternoon and enjoy a slice of cake.
The food tastes especially good here
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