Green Oases in Greifswald

Built in the 13th century to defend the town, the park-like ramparts are now a popular spot for walking and jogging. Lined with chestnut, lime and plane trees, the nearly two-kilometre-long green promenade encircles almost the entire old town. 

It passes many important locations along the way: the Historic Campus with its Auditorium Maximum, the modern Loefflerstraße Campus, Greifswald's train station and the Credner-Anlagen – where you can enjoy a round of kubb or a game of badminton in the summer – all the way up to the town's summer hotspot: the Museum Harbour.

The Greifswald Museum Harbour – the largest of its kind in Germany – is more than just a mooring place for over 45 historic ships, which are restored and maintained here. It is a favourite spot for many of Greifswald’s residents. 

Especially in the warmer months, the small lawn or the stone steps beside the harbour are the ultimate meeting place – for anyone who wants to bring the evening to a close in a lively atmosphere with a view of the water and a cold drink. This vibrant atmosphere is the perfect place to relax with friends or colleagues.

In the past, heavy barges headed inland were ‘hauled’ upstream here – in other words, drawn by muscle power. Today, things are much more relaxed: the old towpath along the Ryck is now used for walking, jogging or cycling. 

As you walk along the river, past apple trees and people enjoying their fishing, you’ll eventually spot the first ship masts. After following the path for about five kilometres from the Museum Harbour, it’s time to decide: would you rather visit the fishing village of Wieck or the beach at Eldena today?  Or perhaps both?

Elisenhain is part of the University's Eldena nature reserve and is the ideal place if you fancy a trip to the forest. Whether in spring, when the first wood anemones venture out of the ground, in summer, to cool off beneath the canopy of leaves, or in autumn, to admire the colourful foliage – a walk or a cycle ride is definitely worthwhile.

Banana plants, palm trees and giant bamboo in Greifswald? Of course! The Botanical Garden has been a firm part of the University of Greifswald since the 18th century. A visit to the beautiful gardens and the recently renovated historical tropical and palm greenhouses feels like a short holiday. 

The Arboretum, situated near University Medicine and right next to the Central University Library, focuses on trees and bushes from Asia, Europe and America. Whether you're interested in botany or simply want to relax after a long study session: with its 3.5-kilometres of interlinked paths and its pretty water lily pond, the Arboretum is the perfect place to unwind close to campus.

If your head is spinning after a lecture or a study session in the Departmental Library, all you really need to do is step outside the Loefflerstraße Campus: before you know it, you’ll be out on a stroll among the vast salt marshes, enjoying the stunning views. Perfect for clearing your head or recharging your batteries.