Lanken

Could a griffin truly have chosen this spot? Here we stand at the edge of Lanken, a nature reserve steeped in Greifswald’s history. Lanken’s ties to the city are ancient, going back to the very founding of Greifswald. In 1199, Cistercian monks established Eldena Abbey nearby. The abbey’s influence reached the area now known as Lanken. This area held a vital salt evaporation pond and a key trade route, factors that would contribute to Greifswald’s growth. Lanken was part of the wilderness marking the border between Danish and Pomeranian territories. After the Battle of Bornhöved in 1227, the land south of the Ryck River, including Lanken, came under the rule of the Pomeranian dukes. The name “Greifswald,” meaning “Griffin’s Forest,” itself evokes a mythical connection to the land. While the griffin legend may be just that, the natural resources around Lanken fueled the early city’s development. The salt trade from Lanken helped Eldena Abbey thrive. This, in turn, led to Greifswald becoming a significant market town. Today, Lanken remains a protected area, a quiet reminder of Greifswald’s bustling beginnings. It offers a peaceful escape from the city, but its history is interwoven with Greifswald’s story. The protected area, established in 1957, safeguards a piece of the natural heritage that once shaped the city’s destiny. Lanken continues to offer visitors a glimpse into Greifswald’s rich past.