What if these fields and meadows surrounding us could whisper tales of centuries past? This is Hinrichshagen. It is more than just a quiet municipality in Vorpommern-Greifswald. It is a place shaped by forests, swamps and the persistent hand of time.
Hinrichshagen’s story began in the 13th century. Back then, this area was a wild expanse. Extensive forests and swampy lands stretched north and south of the Ryck River. The monks of Eldena Abbey, founded in 1199, held dominion over this untamed territory.
These monks initiated a transformation. They began clearing the land. They drained the swamps. From their efforts, Hinrichshagen slowly emerged. It rose from the wilderness through their hard work.
For centuries, Hinrichshagen remained connected to the Church. However, the winds of change swept through in 1668. Hinrichshagen transitioned into the possession of the University town of Greifswald. There was one notable exception. The Freischulzenhof. This estate, originally a spiritual lease from the monastery, stayed within family hands.
From 1728, Hinrichshagen Hof, as the estate became known, changed owners several times. It became a knightly manor.
Look around and imagine the historical layout. The settlement structure you see today remains almost unchanged. This connection to the past is palpable here in Hinrichshagen.
Since 1965, the former manor house has served a new purpose. It became a home for children with mental disabilities. In 1991, the Diaconal Work of the Pomeranian Protestant Church took over the facility.
Today, Hinrichshagen has a population around 966. The municipality covers an area of approximately 9.98 square kilometers. It includes the districts Chausseesiedlung, Feldsiedlung, Heimsiedlung, Hof I, Hof II and Neu-Ungnade.
The location of Hinrichshagen southwest of Greifswald made it attractive for residential development. After 1990, the Chausseesiedlung grew significantly. A larger complex of privately owned homes gradually developed here.
Hinrichshagen is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. They transformed a challenging landscape into a thriving community. As you stand here, you are not just witnessing a place. You are experiencing a living story written across centuries.