Greifswald - Town of Festivals in the Northeast

Cultural life in Greifswald is also characterised by festivals that are organised or co-organised by University members. The oldest cultural event is the Greifswald Bach Week. It was initiated in September 1946. The Bach Week is considered the most important festival of religious music in the north. The University of Greifswald is one of the sponsors of the Bach Week.

More recent festivals include Nordischer Klang and polenmARkT. Nordischer Klang is now likely the largest Nordic cultural festival outside of Scandinavia. PolenmARkT offers insights into the cultural life of our direct neighbours.

Opening of Nordischer Klang 2013 Photo: Anja Ullmann

Nordischer Klang

Nordischer Klang, the largest festival of Nordic culture in Germany, has taken place at the beginning of May since 1991. A colourful programme of North European music, literature, art and way of life awaits visitors. In recent years, the programme has included up to 50 different events. The festival has also been included in teaching at the University.
Opening of polenmARkT 2015 Photo: Kilian Dorner

polenmARkT

One of the largest festivals of Polish culture outside of Poland takes place in Greifswald. Since 1997, the festival polenmARkT offers insights into the art, culture and science of our eastern neighbour. The festival always takes place in mid-November. In 2011, the festival team was presented with the Pomerania Nostra award.
Bach Week concert in the cathedral Photo: Rainer Neumann

Greifswald Bach Week

Greifswald’s Bach Week has taken place in the university and Hanseatic town every year since 1946. In June, the focus is not only on concerts from the famous baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach, but there are also exhibitions, workshops and lectures. The University is one of the Bach Week sponsors.