Attractions and Places To See around Greifswald - Top 20

Greifswald's historic old town centers around the Greifswald Market Square, surrounded by gabled houses and the City Hall. Other significant historical sites include the magnificent Brick Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral, known for its impressive red brickwork and nearly 100-meter-high tower, and St. Mary's Church, locally called 'Fat Mary', both dating back to the 13th-14th centuries.

Yes, you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Museum Harbour Greifswald, which features historic ships and offers pleasant views. The Ryck River flows through the city, and you can walk along the Towpath along the Ryck. For a unique experience, visit the historic fishing village of Wieck and its Wieck Hand-operated Drawbridge, which connects the districts of Eldena and Wieck across the river.

Greifswald offers several cultural highlights. The Pomeranian State Museum showcases 14,000 years of regional history and art, including works by Caspar David Friedrich. You can also visit the Caspar-David-Friedrich-Centre, located in the painter's childhood home, dedicated to his life and legacy. The University of Greifswald, founded in 1456, is one of Germany's oldest universities and an important historical institution.

About 5 km from the city center, you'll find the impressive Eldena Abbey Ruins. These Cistercian monastery ruins, founded in the early 13th century, are famous for being a frequent motif in the paintings of Caspar David Friedrich and offer a peaceful, historic setting.

The area around Greifswald is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For example, consider the 'Wrangelsburg Castle – Pappelallee loop' for gravel biking, the 'Wieck Hand-operated Drawbridge – Ruins of Eldena Abbey loop' for road cycling, or the 'St. Nikolai Cathedral, Greifswald – Lubmin Pier loop' for mountain biking. You can find more details and routes on the Gravel biking around Greifswald, Road Cycling Routes around Greifswald, and MTB Trails around Greifswald guide pages.

Many attractions in Greifswald are suitable for families. The Greifswald Market Square and Museum Harbour Greifswald are great for strolls. The Wieck Hand-operated Drawbridge is a unique sight, and walking along the Towpath along the Ryck offers a pleasant outdoor experience for all ages.

The Greifswald Botanical Garden, established in 1763, is a university botanical garden featuring 16 greenhouses and extensive outdoor areas. It showcases approximately 8,000 different plant species, offering a diverse and educational experience for plant enthusiasts. You can find more information about the garden on visit-mv.com.

Public transport options are available to reach attractions outside the city center. For specific routes and schedules to places like Eldena Abbey or the village of Wieck, it's best to consult local public transport information or the Greifswald tourist information center for the most up-to-date details.

Visitors frequently appreciate the historical charm of Greifswald, particularly the well-preserved old town and the unique atmosphere of the Museum Harbour Greifswald. The Wieck Hand-operated Drawbridge is often highlighted as a memorable experience, and the scenic paths along the Ryck River are popular for leisurely walks and bike rides.

Yes, the Glewitz Ferry offers a unique way to cross, providing a good shortcut for those traveling from Greifswald towards Usedom or Rügen, saving time and avoiding longer routes. It's advisable to check the current operating status and schedules on the ferry operator's website before planning your trip.

The Ryck River is central to Greifswald's identity, flowing through the city and into Greifswald Bay. It historically served as a vital trading route and now offers scenic walking and cycling paths, such as the Towpath along the Ryck. The river is also home to the Museum Harbour Greifswald and is crossed by the iconic Wieck Hand-operated Drawbridge.