Few cities are surrounded by such a barren area - Stralsund city forest

The creation of a city forest on the moor pond at the end of the 19th century was intended to enrich Stralsund's landscape. Designed and laid out from the outset as a recreational area and place of excursion for the people of Stralsund, the city forest fulfilled the function of a densely planted city park in the spirit of the citizens' park movement. A waterfall on the northern bank of the moor pond, fed by the Mühlengraben, was the main attraction as an invigorating element of the landscape until the Second World War. In 1959, under the direction of Hartmut Olejnik, the zoo in the western part of the city forest, which is still highly regarded today, was established.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the view from the Mühlengraben along the Birkenweg still opened up far into the open countryside. Today, walkers are presented with a completely different landscape.

Despite the structural development of Stralsund beyond the former fortifications, the banks of the moor pond and the adjoining city forest have retained their character as the city's largest public park and have remained free of any buildings.

The landscaped natural space derives its undiminished high value primarily from its recreational function for the urban population.

The historical development of the city forest is traced during a garden history tour around the moor pond.