20 years of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

At first glance, the old towns of Stralsund and Wismar are architectural treasure troves. This was recognized not least by the inclusion of both cities on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002 - a valuable and rare distinction that will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2022.

But museum architecture alone does not create quality of life. It is the people behind the scenes who create an authentic feel-good atmosphere. Incidentally, the locals benefit from this just as much as the many tourists who often visit Wismar and Stralsund because of the magnificent brick Gothic churches and are then delighted to discover how cozy the two cities feel.

At second, third and fourth glance.

The guys from „Treibholz Boards“ probably know this too. In their store, which seems to be more of a communication center than a salesroom, the entire longboard scene of Western Pomerania meets today.

The boards are made from local wood from sustainable forestry and, as the name suggests, are designed to look like driftwood. There is no obligation to buy here – even if you just want to exchange a few sporting tips, you are always welcome in the venerable premises where this modern and stylish store has found its home.

Just a few steps further on, flaneurs can not only buy fine wines and get advice at the exquisite wine counter in the Kindler wine store, but the best coffee in town is also brewed here. Matthias Kindler, who was born in Greifswald, returned to his home town after nine years in Berlin and brought the knowledge of the possibilities of an urban wine shop with benefits back to his old home in Stralsund, where he quickly gained numerous regular customers. This also enriches the sense of togetherness among the people of Stralsund, who always know where they can meet like-minded connoisseurs.

All four businesses, from fishmonger Rasmus to wine store Kindler, are also partners. „We help each other wherever we can“, says Mathias Kindler. „It's much more personal with us than in faceless shops in any pedestrian zone.“

The artist couple Johanna Kanka-Maué and Lars Maué in Wismar are also making a special contribution to the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Stralsund and Wismar - she is a dressmaker, he is a mask maker. Under the umbrella of the Kulturmühle Wismar they are preparing their concept for a very special cultural city tour called „Vampire 21“, which will be accompanied by a life-size Nosferatu figure created by both artists. Why Nosferatu? Director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau shot the film in the old town of Wismar in 1922, so „Nosferatu“ is also celebrating its birthday – the masterpiece is 100 years old.

The city tour for the film anniversary will take in many of the original filming locations and thus elegantly build a bridge to the UNESCO anniversary. It is all the better that the tour also passes other places in Wismar not shown in the film! Because then those who may have only come to Wismar for the famous brick Gothic churches will experience how modern and exciting the city is beyond its architectural monuments.