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. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald Town Hall

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

    Village Church Groß Kiesow

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  3. © Gudrun Koch

    Wiecker wooden bascule bridge

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  4. © Gudrun Koch

    Arboretum of the University of Greifswald

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  5. © Wally Pruß

    Greifswald Information

    Read more: "Greifswald Information"
  6. © Wally Pruss

    Sociocultural center St. Spiritus

    Read more: "Sociocultural center St. Spiritus"
  7. Parkgelände // © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Landscape park

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  8. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald museum shipyard

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

    Parish Church Greifswald-Wiek

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  10. © Gudrun Koch

    St. Mary's Church Greifswald

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  11. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald Observatory

    Read more: "Greifswald Observatory"
  12. © Martin Weidemeier

    Eldena windmill

    Read more: "Eldena windmill"
  13. Caspar-David-Friedrich-Zentrum // © Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., ©2021 Gudrun Koch

    Caspar David Friedrich Center

    Read more: "Caspar David Friedrich Center"
  14. © Gudrun Koch

    St. Nikolai Cathedral Greifswald

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  15. © Gudrun Koch

    Greifswald barrage

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  16. © Gudrun Koch

    Caspar-David-Friedrich-Bildweg

    Read more: "Caspar-David-Friedrich-Bildweg"
  17. Das Rubenowdenkmal steht auf dem Rubenowplatz vor dem Hauptgebäude der Universität Greifswald. // © Gudrun Koch

    Rubenow Monument

    Read more: "Rubenow Monument"
  18. © Gudrun Koch

    Marketplace of the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald

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  19. © Gudrun Koch

    Eldena monastery ruins

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  20. Die Universität Greifswald mit dem Rubenowdenkmal. // © Gudrun Koch

    University of Greifswald

    Read more: "University of Greifswald"
  21. Erdgeschichte: Vom Saurier bis zur letzten Eiszeit // © Gudrun Koch

    Pomeranian State Museum

    Read more: "Pomeranian State Museum"
  22. Kirche mit Eingangsportal // © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Village church Kemnitz

    Read more: "Village church Kemnitz"
  23. Außenansicht der Kirche // © Tourismusverband Vorpommern e.V.

    Behrenhoff village church

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

    Church St. Jacobi Greifswald

    Read more: "Church St. Jacobi Greifswald"
  25. Theater Greifswald // © Peter van Heesen

    Theater and Stadthalle Greifswald

    Read more: "Theater and Stadthalle Greifswald"
  26. Gebäude des Forstamts in Greifswald-Eldena // © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Forestry office Jägerhof

    Read more: "Forestry office Jägerhof"
  27. Kastanienallee zum Barockschloss Griebenow mit Portal und Ehrenhof // © Barockschloß zu Griebenow e.V.

    Baroque castle Griebenow

    Read more: "Baroque castle Griebenow"
  28. Waschbären im Tierpark Greifswald // © Dr. Andreas Kerath

    Greifswald Zoo

    Read more: "Greifswald Zoo"
  29. Ludwigsburg Palace

    Read more: "Ludwigsburg Palace"
  30. © Gudrun Koch

    Catch tower Greifswald

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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"
  • 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"
  • 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. © Universität Bayreuth

      Microplastics in the Environment

      Read more: "Microplastics in the Environment"
    2. Weihnachtsmann in Greifswald // © Theres Behnke

      Santa Claus Tour

      Read more: "Santa Claus Tour"
    3. © Schnuppe Figurentheater

      Auguste the Christmas Goose

      Read more: "Auguste the Christmas Goose"
    4. © (c) Der Erzählverlag

      The Twins and Other Family Mishaps

      Read more: "The Twins and Other Family Mishaps"
    5. © Jenny Thalheim

      Watercolor Class

      Read more: "Watercolor Class"
    6. © Enthusiastenorchester Stralsund

      Symphony Concert

      Read more: "Symphony Concert"
    7. © (c) Kita Weidenbaum

      Baby Disco "Babyphon" - U3 Meetup at the Koeppenhaus

      Read more: "Baby Disco "Babyphon" - U3 Meetup at the Koeppenhaus"
    8. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Sophie Müller 2024

      Soap workshop

      Read more: "Soap workshop"
    9. 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"
    10. Greifswalder Weihnachtsmarkt auf dem Historischen Marktplatz. // © Wally Pruß

      Greifswald Christmas Market

      Read more: "Greifswald Christmas Market"
    11. Krachtagung MV'26 // © @MichalZak

      MV'26 Conference on Noise

      Read more: "MV'26 Conference on Noise"
    12. Hajin Jeong: Soft Hours

      Read more: "Hajin Jeong: Soft Hours"
    13. Have a great vacation

      Read more: "Have a great vacation"
    14. kulinarische Führung durch Greifswald // © Wally Pruß

      A Culinary Tour of Greifswald’s Historic Old Town

      Read more: "A Culinary Tour of Greifswald’s Historic Old Town"
    15. 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"
    16. NECESSARY, USEFUL, NEW – Long-Term Research in Hamburg

      Read more: "NECESSARY, USEFUL, NEW – Long-Term Research in Hamburg"
    17. Gallery of Romanticism

      Read more: "Gallery of Romanticism"
    18. © Greifswalder Bachwoche

      Composers' Night

      Read more: "Composers' Night"
    19. © (c) Ahne | Voland & Quist Verlag

      "Stable on the Bus" Ahne reads, sings, and drinks

      Read more: ""Stable on the Bus" Ahne reads, sings, and drinks"
    20. © privat

      Gender Dialogues 2026: Un/Empathetic? Medical Gaslighting and Comics

      Read more: "Gender Dialogues 2026: Un/Empathetic? Medical Gaslighting and Comics"
    21. © (c) Rowohlt Verlag

      Book Presentation with Matthias Nawrat: “Das glückliche Schicksal” (Rowohlt, 2026)

      Read more: "Book Presentation with Matthias Nawrat: “Das glückliche Schicksal” (Rowohlt, 2026)"
    22. © Fat Angels

      polenmARkT 2026 Closing Night with Fat Angels (Szczecin)

      Read more: "polenmARkT 2026 Closing Night with Fat Angels (Szczecin)"
    23. © (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"
    24. © Gleichstellungsbeauftragte

      Online Introductory Course: "Pilates for Men"

      Read more: "Online Introductory Course: "Pilates for Men""
    25. © (c) Mindjazz Pictures

      “I AM THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS ME” by Petr Lom

      Read more: "“I AM THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS ME” by Petr Lom"
    26. © Gleichstellungsbeauftragte

      Online Lecture & Workshop on "Mental Health"

      Read more: "Online Lecture & Workshop on "Mental Health""
    27. © Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg

      Scholarship Day 2026

      Read more: "Scholarship Day 2026"
    28. 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"
    29. © (c)Simon Tomsett

      "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"
    30. Romantic spirituality as a commonality between the paintings of C.D. Friedrich and the prose of Stefan Chwin"

      Read more: "Romantic spirituality as a commonality between the paintings of C.D. Friedrich and the prose of Stefan Chwin""
    31. 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"
    32. © Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg

      Magic Words: Conceptualizations of Premodern Language Magic from Transcultural Perspectives

      Read more: "Magic Words: Conceptualizations of Premodern Language Magic from Transcultural Perspectives"
    33. © Niklas Nebrich

      LUNA SOUL (Retro Pop)

      Read more: "LUNA SOUL (Retro Pop)"
    34. Solist Andreas Markowski // © Markowski

      Symphony Concert

      Read more: "Symphony Concert"
    35. © artcube

      Greifswald Art Auction

      Read more: "Greifswald Art Auction"
    36. © Alex Cio

      Current Perspectives on German-Polish Relations. 14th German-Polish Lecture with Artur Becker

      Read more: "Current Perspectives on German-Polish Relations. 14th German-Polish Lecture with Artur Becker"
    37. © privat

      The Rough-and-Tumble Pomeranian: From Anecdote to Stereotype

      Read more: "The Rough-and-Tumble Pomeranian: From Anecdote to Stereotype"
    38. Art Talk with Hajin Jeong About Her Current Exhibition “Soft Hours”

      Read more: "Art Talk with Hajin Jeong About Her Current Exhibition “Soft Hours”"
    39. Nachtwächterführung durch Greifswald // © Wally Pruß

      Night Watchman Tour in Greifswald

      Read more: "Night Watchman Tour in Greifswald"
    40. Devotion, Mission, and Magic: Metal Manifestations of Early Modern Religious Practice

      Read more: "Devotion, Mission, and Magic: Metal Manifestations of Early Modern Religious Practice"
    41. Event Flyer // © Eric Recknagel

      PHOEBE

      Read more: "PHOEBE"
    42. © Bartosz Wójcik

      Grand opening of polenmARkT 2026 featuring Prof. Dr. Bartosz Wójcik, the presentation of the 27th Sparkasse Vorpommern Sponsorship Award, and music by Ola Jas

      Read more: "Grand opening of polenmARkT 2026 featuring Prof. Dr. Bartosz Wójcik, the presentation of the 27th Sparkasse Vorpommern Sponsorship Award, and music by Ola Jas"
    43. © Ola Jas

      Live concert with Ola Jas. Contemporary folk · Folk jazz

      Read more: "Live concert with Ola Jas. Contemporary folk · Folk jazz"
    44. © 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"
    45. © St. Spiritus

      Advent Screen Printing

      Read more: "Advent Screen Printing"
    46. Buchcover // © Rowohlt Verlag

      Matthias Nawrat: “The Happy Fate”

      Read more: "Matthias Nawrat: “The Happy Fate”"
    47. © 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"
    48. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Karl Mühlbach 2022

      CDFZ_kontemporär: Guided tour through the current exhibition

      Read more: "CDFZ_kontemporär: Guided tour through the current exhibition"
    49. Irish bar theater with live music, accompanied by whiskey and Guinness // © Theaterwerft

      Morrison's Van

      Read more: "Morrison's Van"
    50. © artcube

      Opening Reception for the "Greifswald Art Auction" Exhibition

      Read more: "Opening Reception for the "Greifswald Art Auction" Exhibition"
    51. © (c) Katja Klemt

      "All That Is Beautiful" with Katja Klemt

      Read more: ""All That Is Beautiful" with Katja Klemt"
    52. A Christmas Nativity Play for the Whole Family // © Theaterwerft

      Ox and donkey

      Read more: "Ox and donkey"
    53. © Pixabay

      Musical Gathering

      Read more: "Musical Gathering"
    54. © Emmanuel Dabo, Afrique One

      Operationalizing Multi-Sectoral One Health Governance as the Strategic Backbone of Health Systems in Africa

      Read more: "Operationalizing Multi-Sectoral One Health Governance as the Strategic Backbone of Health Systems in Africa"
    55. © Fat Angels

      Fat Angels (Szczecin)

      Read more: "Fat Angels (Szczecin)"
    56. The Party Is Always Right

      Read more: "The Party Is Always Right"
    57. Eine kabarettistische Abrechnung // © Theaterwerft

      The Harbor of Marriage

      Read more: "The Harbor of Marriage"
    58. Last Roller Skating Party in March 2026 // © Maja-Sophie Krause

      Greifswald Roller Skating Party

      Read more: "Greifswald Roller Skating Party"
    59. © (c) Silke Peters

      "Das Lichthotel" — Enough Is Enough. Women Write Against Violence. Book Presentation

      Read more: ""Das Lichthotel" — Enough Is Enough. Women Write Against Violence. Book Presentation"
    60. © ©Caspar-David-Friedrich-Gesellschaft e. V., Foto: Karl Mühlbach 2022

      Candle workshop

      Read more: "Candle workshop"
    61. Ein Weihnachtsabend // © Theaterwerft

      Oh, Christmas tree thief!

      Read more: "Oh, Christmas tree thief!"
    62. © C. D. Friedrich: Mondaufgang über dem Meer (Ausschnitt), 1821, Öl auf Leinwand, St. Petersburg, Eremitage

      PD Dr. Holger Birkholz and Dr. Michael C. Schirren: Caspar David Friedrich and the Gützkow Megalithic Tomb

      Read more: "PD Dr. Holger Birkholz and Dr. Michael C. Schirren: Caspar David Friedrich and the Gützkow Megalithic Tomb"
    63. © Karolina Bąk

      SICHTBARE: Reading and Discussion

      Read more: "SICHTBARE: Reading and Discussion"
    64. 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"
    65. © Daniel Źródlewski

      Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – Stories, Pictures, and Anecdotes

      Read more: "Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – Stories, Pictures, and Anecdotes"
    66. Theatertanz & Gesangsgold - 20er-Jahre-Revue // © Theaterwerft

      Trude Breaks the Mold: SPECIAL

      Read more: "Trude Breaks the Mold: SPECIAL"
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    Accommodation in Greifswald

    8 results

    • © VCH Hotel

      VCH Hotel

      • Wilhelm-Holtz-Straße, 17489 Greifswald

      VCH Hotel in Greifswald with 78 rooms including breakfast

      Read more: "VCH Hotel"
    • © Hotel Kronprinz

      Hotel Kronprinz

      • Lange Straße, 17489 Greifswald

      Hotel Kronprinz in Greifswald offers 31 rooms in a central location

      Read more: "Hotel Kronprinz"
    • © Mercure Hotel

      Mercure Hotel Greifswald

      • Am Gorzberg, 17489 Greifswald

      Look forward to relaxing days at the beautiful Baltic Sea!

      Read more: "Mercure Hotel Greifswald"
    • "Alter Heuboden" Jager Guesthouse

      • Jager, 18519 Sundhagen

      Sleeping alcoves under the roof, old fruit trees, a colorful chicken coop—and right on the E9 long-distance hiking trail: The Alter Heuboden Inn in Jager is a place where hikers, pilgrims, and those seeking peace and quiet can take a deep breath.

      Read more: ""Alter Heuboden" Jager Guesthouse"
    • 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"
    • © 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"
    • © 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"
    • 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"

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