Across the water lies Riems. But we stand in Riemserort. This mainland village is inextricably linked to its island neighbour. Riemserort isn’t just a village. It’s a vital link a historical counterpoint to the scientific hub across the bay.
Riemserort’s story is intertwined with Riems. For centuries Riems was a pasture. Greifswald leased it for grazing. After 1820 a homestead was built. This was later sold back to its tenant. The connection between the two was initially limited. Goods were transported by a cable car. This ran until the 1970s when a causeway connected Riems to the mainland. The remains of the cable car pylons are still visible. This physical link however cemented Riemserort’s role. It became the access point. The gateway to the island’s groundbreaking work.
The story of Riemserort truly took flight with the establishment of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute on Riems. Professor Loeffler a pioneer in virology chose Riems. He needed isolation. He’d inadvertently infected a region with foot-and-mouth disease. The island offered the necessary protection. This institute became a global center. It researches animal diseases. It develops vaccines. The Third Reich even utilized it for bioweapons research a dark chapter in its history.
Riemserort thrived. It served as housing for researchers. It supported the institute’s growth. The causeway brought further development to Riemserort. It transformed it into more than a simple village. It’s now home to the privatized Riemser Arzneimittel AG. This is a testament to the legacy of the island’s scientific achievements.
Even today the institute’s impact is profound. The island’s access remains tightly controlled. Security is paramount. Employees and visitors undergo rigorous procedures. This reflects the serious nature of the research. It also shows the continued importance of Riems and its connection to Riemserort.
So as we stand here in Riemserort remember this. It’s not just a village. It is a silent witness. It is a vital link. It is a piece of history. Riemserort mirrors the successes. It shares the secrets. It carries the legacy of the island across the water. Riemserort. A story told not just on an island but on the mainland too.