Wondering what district in Greifswald houses the most residents? It is the Schönwalde I and Südstadt district. It boasts a population of 12,583. Südstadt is part of Greifswald. It has a unique story to tell. Let’s explore some facts about Greifswald. They will paint a picture of what shapes this city.
Greifswald’s history dates back to 1199. Cistercian monks founded Eldena Abbey. The city was first mentioned in 1248. It was called “oppidum Gripheswald.” In 1250, Greifswald received Lubeck city rights. Duke Wartislaw III of Pomerania granted these rights. This laid the foundation for bourgeois prosperity. It occurred during the Hanseatic period.
The historic old town of Greifswald showcases medieval brick Gothic style. You can spot the steeples of three brick churches. Locals affectionately call them long Nicholas, fat Marie, and little Jacob.
Greifswald is located in northeastern Germany. It is roughly equidistant from Germany’s two largest islands. These are Rügen and Usedom. The city sits at the southern end of the Bay of Greifswald. The historic centre is about five kilometres up the River Ryck.
Greifswald is also roughly equidistant from Berlin and Hamburg. The nearest larger cities are Stralsund and Rostock. Greifswald features an oceanic climate. It also has some humid continental influence. Summers are warm. Nights can be chilly. Winters are mild to cold.
Greifswald became one of the earliest members of the Hanseatic League. This boosted its trade and wealth. In 1456, Mayor Heinrich Rubenow founded the University of Greifswald. It is one of the oldest universities in the world.
During the Thirty Years’ War, Swedish forces occupied Greifswald in 1631. After the war, Greifswald became part of the Kingdom of Sweden. It was known as Swedish Pomerania. In 1815, it became part of the Kingdom of Prussia.
Around 1900, Greifswald expanded beyond its old town walls. A major railway connected Greifswald to other cities. Greifswald survived World War II with minimal destruction.
From 1949 to 1990, Greifswald was part of the German Democratic Republic. During this time, many historical buildings were neglected. New suburbs were built in the industrial socialist style. These still house most of the city’s population. These suburbs were placed east and southeast of central Greifswald.
Reconstruction of the old town started in the late 1980s. Almost all of it has been restored. The historic marketplace is considered one of the most beautiful in northern Germany.
Greifswald’s economy benefits from the local university. Tourism also plays a vital role. Greifswald is situated between the islands of Rügen and Usedom. Many tourists visit the German Baltic coast.
In 2009, a study showed that 44% of people in Greifswald used bicycles daily. This was the highest rate in Germany at the time. Greifswald has a port on the Baltic Sea. The Bay of Greifswald is popular for sailing and surfing.
The Südstadt benefits from being part of a city. It is a city with a rich history and vibrant present. The blend of historical significance and modern development makes Greifswald a unique place to explore. Südstadt contributes to this identity.