Hanseatic City of Greifswald

Motif and Inspiration for Caspar David Friedrich

Inspired by the beauty of the city's silhouette, the romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, the most famous son of the university and Hanseatic city, often chose the brick buildings as motifs for his paintings.

The silhouette of Greifswald from the air and view of the church towers and old town by day.

Salty Breeze Paired with University Air

The university and Hanseatic city of Greifswald is always worth a visit. When strolling through the historic old town, the brick town houses, the oxblood-red town hall, parts of the medieval defense system and the brick churches are particularly striking. It is easy to see why the towers of the three distinctive churches are called Long Nicholas, Fat Marie and Little Jacob by the locals.

The cityscape is particularly characterized by the buildings of the University of Greifswald. One of the most magnificent and powerful buildings is the baroque main building of the university, which was built in 1750 by the Swedes who ruled here for almost 200 years. Founded as early as 1456 and thus the second oldest high teaching institution in northern Europe, it continues to provide a young, open intellectual climate in the city today.

Picturesque Greifswald

Maritime flair is spread by the many ships on display in Germany's largest museum harbor. Let yourself be inspired by more than 50 ships with detailed descriptions. A worthwhile museum for art lovers is the Pommersche Landesmuseum Greifswald. Here you will find, among other things, original works by the Greifswald-born artist Caspar David Friedrichs. In his honor, there are also exhibitions in his residence, today's Caspar David Friedrich Center. One of his popular Greifswald motifs is the romantic ruins of Eldena Monastery, which still magically attracts many people today.

A City with Sound

Greifswald offers a wide variety of musical events - whether young and dynamic or classical and elegant. Music festivals, such as the Eldena Jazz Evenings, Greifswalder Bachwoche, the fishing festival Gaffelrigg or the Nordic Sound already have a long tradition.

The Vacation Experts for the Hanseatic City of Greifswald

Hanseatic City of Greifswald in Moving Pictures

Impressions from Greifswald

Excursion Destinations

Sights and Leisure Tips

  1. Kirche mit Eingangsportal // © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Village church Kemnitz

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  2. Eldena windmill

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  3. Außenansicht der Kirche // © Tourismusverband Vorpommern e.V.

    Behrenhoff village church

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  4. © Gudrun Koch

    Marketplace of the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald

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  5. © Gudrun Koch

    St. Nikolai Cathedral Greifswald

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  6. © Gudrun Koch

    Eldena monastery ruins

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  7. Caspar-David-Friedrich-Zentrum // © Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., ©2021 Gudrun Koch

    Caspar David Friedrich Center

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  8. Außenansicht der Kirche // © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Parish Church Greifswald-Wiek

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  9. Das Rubenowdenkmal steht auf dem Rubenowplatz vor dem Hauptgebäude der Universität Greifswald. // © Gudrun Koch

    Rubenow Monument

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  10. Erdgeschichte: Vom Saurier bis zur letzten Eiszeit // © Gudrun Koch

    Pomeranian State Museum

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  11. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald museum shipyard

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  12. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald barrage

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  13. Kastanienallee zum Barockschloss Griebenow mit Portal und Ehrenhof // © Barockschloß zu Griebenow e.V.

    Baroque castle Griebenow

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  14. Greifswald Information

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  15. Parkgelände // © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Landscape park

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  16. © Gudrun Koch

    Catch tower Greifswald

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  17. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald Observatory

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  18. The University of Greifswald with the Rubenow Monument. // © Gudrun Koch

    University of Greifswald

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  19. Theater Greifswald // © Peter van Heesen

    Theater and Stadthalle Greifswald

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  20. Außenansicht Schloss Ludwigsburg // © MV-T/Tiemann

    Ludwigsburg Palace

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  21. © Wally Pruss

    Sociocultural center St. Spiritus

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  22. Gebäude des Forstamts in Greifswald-Eldena // © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Forestry office Jägerhof

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  23. © Gudrun Koch

    St. Mary's Church Greifswald

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  24. Greifswald Zoo

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  25. © Gudrun Koch

    Caspar-David-Friedrich-Bildweg

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  26. © Gudrun Koch

    Arboretum of the University of Greifswald

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  27. Seitenansicht der Kirche und Friedhof // © MV-T/Gohlke

    Village Church Groß Kiesow

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  28. © Gudrun Koch

    Wiecker wooden bascule bridge

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  29. St. Jacobi ist die kleinste der 3 gotischen Hauptkirchen in Greifswald // © Sven Fischer

    Church St. Jacobi Greifswald

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  30. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald Town Hall

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Tour Tips for Exploring

On foot or by bike

  • Vom Gehlsdorfer Ufer aus, den Blick auf den Rostocker Stadthafen genießen // © MV-T/Tiemann

    Eastern Brick Circuit

    • Length: 303 km
    • Etappen: 5

    The brick churches in Rostock, Stralsund and Greifswald are considered the crowning glory of medieval architecture. In smaller harbor towns and in the hinterland, too, the red stones pile up to form imposing contemporary witnesses. In addition to a lot of history, cyclists enjoy unspoiled nature and swimming fun.

    Read more: "Eastern Brick Circuit"
  • Radwandern auf Fischland-Darß-Zingst // © MV-T/Gänsicke

    Baltic Sea Cycle Route

    • Length: 690 km
    • Etappen: 15

    The part of the Baltic Sea Cycle Route which leads through Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a beautiful trail in Northern Germany, which winds through idyllic scenery, Hanseatic towns, three islands and classic villages.

    Read more: "Baltic Sea Cycle Route"
  • Urlaub mal anders - Pilgerwanderung im Lassaner Winkel // © MV-T/Foto@Andreas-Duerst.de

    Via Baltica

    • Length: 360 km
    • Etappen: 16

    In our hectic times, more and more people are looking for heavenly peace and divine inspiration. They find it in the liberating expanse of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Via Baltica"
  • Der markante Darßer Leuchtturm ragt aus der Dünenlandschaft bei Prerow empor. Goldenes Dünengras wiegt sich im Wind, während der rote Turm den Blick über die weite Küstenlandschaft der Ostsee lenkt – ein Wahrzeichen zum Entdecken auf dem Darß. // © Francesco Carovillano

    Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail E9

    • Length: 384 km
    • Etappen: 14

    Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic Sea – the Hiking Trail E9 connects the coasts of Europe. On the stretch between Travemünde and Ahlbeck, hikers can enjoy the diversity of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's coastal landscape.

    Read more: "Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail E9"
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    Event Tips

    Events, Exhibitions and Concerts

    1. Das Lach-Event mit 5 Comedians an einem Abend // © Lange Nacht der Comedy

      Long Night of Comedy Greifswald

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    2. Sperrwerk Wieck // © Wally Pruß

      Public Guided Tour of Wieck and the Ryck from Below

      Read more: "Public Guided Tour of Wieck and the Ryck from Below"
    3. © (c)  Herder Verlag

      "The Struggle for Freedom": Gesine Dornblüth & Thomas Franke on Anna Politkovskaya, Georgia, and the Kremlin's Long Arm.

      Read more: ""The Struggle for Freedom": Gesine Dornblüth & Thomas Franke on Anna Politkovskaya, Georgia, and the Kremlin's Long Arm."
    4. © Buchcover

      The Spring of Hope and the Winter of Our Discouragement

      Read more: "The Spring of Hope and the Winter of Our Discouragement"
    5. © Vladyslav Savenok

      “PAPIR” – A Poetic Story About Creation, Change, and Hope

      Read more: "“PAPIR” – A Poetic Story About Creation, Change, and Hope"
    6. © Sigrid Henschel, Ferien auf der Insel, Mischtechnik. (c) Sigrid Henschel

      Have a great vacation

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    7. Event poster "I'm Coming Home" // © Max Schrut

      I'm coming home

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    8. © (c) mikrotext Verlag

      Dora Kaprálová and Michal Hvorecký in conversation with Tamina Kutscher

      Read more: "Dora Kaprálová and Michal Hvorecký in conversation with Tamina Kutscher"
    9. © Andreas Dziuk

      SINGASONG! Sold Out!

      Read more: "SINGASONG! Sold Out!"
    10. © (c) Brigitte Friedrich, Süddeutsche Zeitung

      "I have never forgotten my mother's fairy tale word ..." Wolfgang Koeppen's stories

      Read more: ""I have never forgotten my mother's fairy tale word ..." Wolfgang Koeppen's stories"
    11. Zeichenkabinett im Caspar-David-Friedrich-Zentrum mit Staffelei und Objekten zum Zeichnen // © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Karl Mühlbach 2023

      Drink & Draw

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    12. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Sophie Müller 2024

      Vacation workshops at the CDF Center

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    13. Weihnachtliches Stalltheater für die ganze Familie // © Theaterwerft

      Ox and donkey

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    14. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Hajin Jeong: Ich mache es mir gemütlich, 2026, Öl auf Leinwand, 162 x 140 cm

      Hajin Jeong: Soft Hours

      Read more: "Hajin Jeong: Soft Hours"
    15. Plakat_10.10.2026_um 19:00_Uhr_Konzert_der_Big_Band_Groovties_im_St._Spiritus // © Big Band Groovties

      20 Years of the "Groovties" Big Band

      Read more: "20 Years of the "Groovties" Big Band"
    16. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Sophie Müller 2024

      Soap workshop

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    17. Ginkgo-Blätter // © Angela Pfennig

      Fruits and Leaf Colors

      Read more: "Fruits and Leaf Colors"
    18. © C. D. Friedrich: Mondaufgang über dem Meer (Ausschnitt), 1821, Öl auf Leinwand, St. Petersburg, Eremitage

      Dr. Birgit Verwiebe: Wanderlust: The Theme of Hiking in 19th- and Early 20th-Century Art

      Read more: "Dr. Birgit Verwiebe: Wanderlust: The Theme of Hiking in 19th- and Early 20th-Century Art"
    19. © j. steinfurth

      Now, finally, BRECHT!

      Read more: "Now, finally, BRECHT!"
    20. © Sigrid Henschel, Ferien auf der Insel, Mischtechnik. (c) Sigrid Henschel

      Have a great vacation

      Read more: "Have a great vacation"
    21. Ein Heimatkrimi // © Theaterwerft

      Shepherd's Hour

      Read more: "Shepherd's Hour"
    22. Nachtwächterführung durch Greifswald // © Wally Pruß

      Night Watchman Tour in Greifswald

      Read more: "Night Watchman Tour in Greifswald"
    23. © IKOVERA UG

      12th Long Night of Comedy in Greifswald

      Read more: "12th Long Night of Comedy in Greifswald"
    24. Galerie der Romantik, ART+COM Studios // © ART+COM Studios

      Gallery of Romanticism

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    25. © Anke Götting

      Fall Concert by the Choirs of St. Spiritus

      Read more: "Fall Concert by the Choirs of St. Spiritus"
    26. Tresentheater bie Whiskey, Guinness und Live-Musik // © Theaterwerft

      Irish Coffee

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    27. bj // © Beauty Jungle – Mädelsflohmarkt

      Beauty Jungle - Girls' & Fashion Flea Market in Greifswald

      Read more: "Beauty Jungle - Girls' & Fashion Flea Market in Greifswald"
    28. DI.day in Greifswald // © di.day

      Third DI.Day

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    29. © Theaterwerft

      Do you love me, AI?

      Read more: "Do you love me, AI?"
    30. © (c) Simin Tomsett

      "View from the Outside" — Understanding East and West, Left and Right — Opening Reception

      Read more: ""View from the Outside" — Understanding East and West, Left and Right — Opening Reception"
    31. © Jenny Thalheim

      Watercolor Class

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    32. Santa Claus in Greifswald // © Theres Behnke

      Santa Claus Tour

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    33. Irisches Tresentheater mit Live-Musik bei Whiskey und Guinness // © Theaterwerft

      Morrison's Van

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    34. Greifswald Kite Festival // © Hive Blog

      Greifswald Kite Festival

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    35. Culinary Tour of Greifswald // © Wally Pruß

      A Culinary Tour of Greifswald’s Historic Old Town

      Read more: "A Culinary Tour of Greifswald’s Historic Old Town"
    36. © (c) Bernadette Vivuya

      Book Presentation with Judith Raupp, “Tomorrow I’ll Go Shopping, If the Market’s Still Standing” -

      Read more: "Book Presentation with Judith Raupp, “Tomorrow I’ll Go Shopping, If the Market’s Still Standing” -"
    37. "A View from the Outside" - Understanding East and West, Left and Right

      Read more: ""A View from the Outside" - Understanding East and West, Left and Right"
    38. In addition, there is a jazz concert every second Wednesday of the month and a blues/rock concert every first Thursday of the month. // © Mario Bollinger

      The Baltic Blues Band & Friend Live at the Schalander

      Read more: "The Baltic Blues Band & Friend Live at the Schalander"
    39. A satirical takedown // © Theaterwerft

      The Harbor of Marriage

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    40. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Karl Mühlbach 2023

      Children's tour through the Caspar David Friedrich Center

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    41. Altstadtrundgang // © Wally Pruss

      Walking Tour of Greifswald's Historic Old Town

      Read more: "Walking Tour of Greifswald's Historic Old Town"
    42. Killing Ladybugs | Little Misfortune

      Read more: "Killing Ladybugs | Little Misfortune"
    43. © (c) Karen Kunkel, Anke vom Sund, Christine Lengtat

      "Sea Slices": The Baltic Sea Habitat—Fascinating and Threatened.

      Read more: ""Sea Slices": The Baltic Sea Habitat—Fascinating and Threatened."
    44. © (c) Uta Wagner

      Stephan Grigat—The Ayatollahs’ Anti-Semitism: The Structure of the Iranian Regime, Hatred of Israel, and German Policy Toward Iran

      Read more: "Stephan Grigat—The Ayatollahs’ Anti-Semitism: The Structure of the Iranian Regime, Hatred of Israel, and German Policy Toward Iran"
    45. © Band

      "Groovties" Anniversary Concert

      Read more: ""Groovties" Anniversary Concert"
    46. Unser Maskottchen Gustje, ein bunter Oktopus, lädt zum GUStAV-Stammtisch ins STRAZEcafé ein. // © GUStAV / Lark M. Toda

      GUStAV Get-Together

      Read more: "GUStAV Get-Together"
    47. Theatertanz & Gesangsgold - 20er-Jahre-Revue // © Theaterwerft

      Trude Breaks the Mold: SPECIAL

      Read more: "Trude Breaks the Mold: SPECIAL"
    48. © Sandra International

      State Pop Festival 2026

      Read more: "State Pop Festival 2026"
    49. Flyer zur Veranstaltung // © Eric Recknagel

      PHOEBE

      Read more: "PHOEBE"
    50. Black-and-white photograph: a man wearing a white shirt stands in front of a wall, looking serious // © Stefan Hanke

      Concentration Camp Survivors: Portraits by Stefan Hanke

      Read more: "Concentration Camp Survivors: Portraits by Stefan Hanke"
    51. Theatertanz & Gesangsgold - 20er-Jahre-Revue // © Theaterwerft

      Stundl by the Sea - The Freest Fishing Carpet Saga Part I

      Read more: "Stundl by the Sea - The Freest Fishing Carpet Saga Part I"
    52. Christmas Eve // © Theaterwerft

      Oh, Christmas tree thief!

      Read more: "Oh, Christmas tree thief!"
    53. © (c) Kita Weidenbaum

      Baby Disco "Babyphon" - U3 Meetup at the Koeppenhaus

      Read more: "Baby Disco "Babyphon" - U3 Meetup at the Koeppenhaus"
    54. © Pixabay

      Musical Get-Together

      Read more: "Musical Get-Together"
    55. © (c) parasitenpresse Köln 2026

      Reading with Petr Šesták: "Burned Out"

      Read more: "Reading with Petr Šesták: "Burned Out""
    56. © Greifswalder Bachwoche

      Composers' Night

      Read more: "Composers' Night"
    57. © Karl Mühlbach, 2022 für Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V.

      Guided tour of the Caspar David Friedrich Center

      Read more: "Guided tour of the Caspar David Friedrich Center"
    58. © Theaterwerft

      Family theater SNUUT presents: Eisbjörn and the lighthouse keeper after Max Kaplan

      Read more: "Family theater SNUUT presents: Eisbjörn and the lighthouse keeper after Max Kaplan"
    59. © (c) Pauline Kail und Phuong Linh Pham

      Killing Ladybugs | Little Misfortune

      Read more: "Killing Ladybugs | Little Misfortune"
    60. Last Roller Skating Party in March 2026 // © Maja-Sophie Krause

      Greifswald Roller Skating Party

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    61. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Karl Mühlbach 2022

      Candle workshop

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    62. © Schnuppe Figurentheater

      Children's Play "The Mole and His Friends"

      Read more: "Children's Play "The Mole and His Friends""
    63. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Karl Mühlbach 2022

      Guided tour along the Caspar David Friedrich picture trail

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    64. Ein Theaterabend mit Inga Bruderek // © Inga Bruderek

      SOLO without Sunny

      Read more: "SOLO without Sunny"
    65. © Hajin Jeong: Bahnhof, 2026, Öl auf Leinwand, 155 x 190 cm, Ausschnitt

      Award Ceremony & Opening Reception: Hajin Jeong, “Soft Hours”

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    Accommodation in Greifswald

    9 results

    • © slube

      slube at the marina Greifswald

      • Salinenstraße, 17489 Greifswald

      Coastal feeling meets cool student city: With slubes you stay right in the heart of Greifswald at the marina overlooking the Ryck River. Directly between Rügen and Usedom, it is not far to the Baltic Sea beach and great windsurfing and sailing locations.

      Read more: "slube at the marina Greifswald"
    • Besuchen Sie den Stettiner Hof direkt am Ostseeküsten Radweg in Neuenkirchen bei Greifswald // © Stettiner Hof

      Stettiner Hof

      • Theodor-Körner-Straße, 17498 Greifswald-Neuenkirchen

      Welcome to the Stettiner Hof! Enjoy your stay away from stress and city noises, directly at the gates of Greifswald. The charming atmosphere and regional cuisine will win you over. The hotel offers up to 21 comfortable rooms and 3 spacious suits. WIFI is free all around the house. We wish you nice days.

      Read more: "Stettiner Hof"
    • © Hotel Kronprinz

      Hotel Kronprinz

      • Lange Straße, 17489 Greifswald

      Hotel Kronprinz in Greifswald offers 31 rooms in a central location

      Read more: "Hotel Kronprinz"
    • Herberge "Alter Heuboden" // © Sabine Petters

      Hostel "Alter Heuboden" Jager

      • Jager, 18519 Sundhagen

      Lovingly designed hostel on the European long-distance hiking trail E9 and the Via Baltica, not far from the Baltic Sea coastal cycle path.

      Read more: "Hostel "Alter Heuboden" Jager"
    • © Jack & Richie‘s

      Jack & Richie's

      • An der Mühle, 17493 Greifswald

      Welcome to Greifswald's Jack & Richie's, located directly at the listed Wiecker wooden bascule bridge and the nearby marina.

      Read more: "Jack & Richie's"
    • © VCH Hotel

      VCH Hotel

      • Wilhelm-Holtz-Straße, 17489 Greifswald

      VCH Hotel in Greifswald with 78 rooms including breakfast

      Read more: "VCH Hotel"
    • Doppelzimmer // © Hotel Ostseeländer

      Ostseeländer Hotel

      • Gustav-Jahn-Str. 6, 17495 Züssow

      Hotel Ostseeländer is located in a beautiful park and has individually furnished rooms. Despite its quiet location, the ideal starting point for (almost) all activities. The cuisine is characterized by regionality and products from our own organic cultivation.

      Read more: "Ostseeländer Hotel"
    • © DJH MV / Danny Gohlke

      DJH Youth Hostel Greifswald

      • Pestalozzistraße, 17489 Greifswald

      Welcome to our city hostel between the Islands of Usedom and Rügen. Here you can have it all: Culture, nature, history and sports - it's all on your doorstep.

      Read more: "DJH Youth Hostel Greifswald"
    • © Mercure Hotel

      Mercure Hotel Greifswald

      • Am Gorzberg, 17489 Greifswald

      Look forward to relaxing days at the beautiful Baltic Sea!

      Read more: "Mercure Hotel Greifswald"

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