The programme included a guided tour of the University Main Building and the Auditorium Maximum by Greifswald Professor of Scandinavian Studies, Clemens Räthel. The university’s Swedish past was the focal point of the visit. The visitors were introduced e.g. to the professor of mathematics, Andreas Mayer, who was appointed in 1741. As a former pupil of the polymath Christian Wolff, he had close connections to the Swedish government. After Mayer was elected Rector in 1747, he strongly advocated the construction of a new university main building. He sought support for his project from various persons, including the General Governor in Stralsund, the most senior representative of the Swedish Crown in Swedish Pomerania.
The guests were particularly interested in the presentation of historical cadastral maps dating back to the Swedish Land Survey of Pomerania. Ivo Asmus from the University Library Greifswald explained how the maps were produced and underlined their significance in providing insights into the historical development of Pomerania and its cultural landscape.
The Royal Gustavus Adolphus Academy was founded in Uppsala in 1932 and is one of Sweden’s most important academic institutions in the field of folk culture studies. It promotes research through publications, conferences, excursions, and scholarships. The academy is named after King Gustavus Adolphus, who marched into Greifswald with his troops in 1631 and issued the university with a letter of protection, exempting it from the burdens of war.
The close historical ties between Sweden and Vorpommern make Greifswald a significant location for the cultural exchange between the two countries, even today. The visit to the University of Greifswald marked the start of the one-week excursion. Further stops include the University and Hanseatic town of Greifswald, the State Museum of Pomerania, Stralsund, Rügen, Griebenow, and Gützkow.
Contact at the University of Greifswald
Prof. Dr. Clemens Räthel
Modern Scandinavian Literatures
Ernst-Lohmeyer-Platz 3, 17489 Greifswald
Tel: +49 3834 420 3610
clemens.raetheluni-greifswaldde