Fettenvorstadt

Hidden in plain sight, the Fettenvorstadt whispers tales of Greifswald’s vibrant past. The Fettenvorstadt isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of academia, industry, and everyday life. This area pulsates with a unique energy, a blend of historic charm and modern dynamism. The Fettenvorstadt stretches from the vestiges of the old Fettentor, a western gateway to the city, outwards. This area expands beyond the historic core, painting a picture of Greifswald’s growth and evolution. The name “Fettenvorstadt,” sometimes spelled “Vettenstadt,” echoes the legacy of the Vette family. Their presence once resonated through these streets, shaping the identity of this district. Today, the Fettenvorstadt encompasses a significant area. It stretches between the Ryck river and Heinrich-von-Kleist-Straße, reaching towards the city’s edge. Within its boundaries lie bustling streets like Wilhelm-Busch-Straße and Theodor-Fontane-Straße, alongside industrial areas and the tranquil Fleischerwiesen. A century ago, these meadows, then known as the Schlächterwiesen, provided pasture for livestock. It was here that Professor Friedrich Loeffler conducted groundbreaking research on foot-and-mouth disease. The Fettenvorstadt remains a sought-after locale, appreciated for its green spaces and proximity to the city center. Students are drawn to its attractive housing options, while long-time residents remember the area’s brewery and dairy. The Fettenvorstadt is also home to important institutions like the Botanical Garden, the Children’s Clinic, the University’s Chemical Institute, and a hospice. The Fettenvorstadt stands as a testament to Greifswald’s evolving identity, a place where history intertwines with the present, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. In 2009, nearly 4,300 residents called Fettenvorstadt home, a significant increase from 1996. The area houses numerous university buildings, including those for botany, chemistry, and the old children’s clinic. Many of these structures now stand unused, no longer meeting modern requirements. The university’s 2013 building concept envisions consolidating landscape ecology, botany, and some medical departments at the Soldmann/Ellernholzstraße intersection. This would make the Fettenvorstadt, alongside Beitzplatz and the city center, one of Greifswald’s main university locations. The future development of Fettenvorstadt remains a topic of discussion, with models focusing on ecological development, increased density, or minimal disruption to the existing environment.