Dreaming of a place where history whispers from ancient grounds? Welcome to Weitenhagen. This municipality in Vorpommern-Greifswald holds stories dating back centuries.
Weitenhagen’s history stretches back to 1280. It was then known as Woytenhagen. This name appeared in a property deed belonging to the Eldena Monastery. Over time, the name evolved. Weithenhaghen, Weythenhaghen, and Weittenhagen were all used before Weitenhagen became the standard in 1696. The name possibly comes from the family name Weithe or Woite.
In 1281, Duke Bogislaw IV confirmed Weitenhagen’s belonging to the Eldena Monastery. The Counts of Gützkow reaffirmed this in 1288. After the monastery’s secularization in 1626, Weitenhagen was transferred to the University of Greifswald.
The village’s layout and development are documented in maps by Hess. These maps chart its change through the ages.
Today, modern buildings have blended Weitenhagen with Potthagen. This is especially true after 1990.
The municipality of Weitenhagen now includes several parts. There is Diedrichshagen, Grubenhagen, Guest, Helmshagen I and II, Klein Schönwalde, and Potthagen.
Diedrichshagen joined Weitenhagen in 2019. This added 559 residents and 17.3 square kilometers to Weitenhagen. Weitenhagen now has about 2,012 residents.
Grubenhagen has a Slavic castle rampart and settlement. These show early habitation in the area. Grubenhagen was first documented in 1278. The meaning of its early German name is unclear. It might mean “Rodung des Grube” or “Grube = Loch.” The Eldena Monastery settled Grubenhagen. Johann Raven received 12 hides in the village from the monastery in 1278. Duke Bogislaw IV confirmed the monastery’s ownership in 1287. Duke Wartislaw IV allowed the monastery to expand the Grubenhagen farm into a village in 1326 as compensation. The University of Greifswald gained ownership of the village in 1626.
Helmshagen was first called Helmerichshagen in 1274. Klein Schönwalde was first named in 1782. It was a farm made of two free Schulzenhufen. It also included another Schulzenhof and a farm from Weitenhagen.
North of Potthagen, over 150 urns were unearthed in 1727. These urns dated back to the pre-Roman Iron Age. Swords, lance points, shield bosses, and bronze vessels were among the items discovered. Potthagen was first mentioned in 1736. It was also known as “Pottkrug”. This was due to the inn located there.
In the forest south of Weitenhagen, burial mounds from the Bronze Age exist. North of Weitenhagen, a big urnfield from the pre-Roman Iron Age was discovered.
Weitenhagen is conveniently located near Greifswald. It is about seven kilometers south of the city. The B96 federal highway provides direct access. The municipality has worked hard to improve its facilities.
The town celebrated its 725th anniversary in 2005. It marked the first documented mention when it belonged to the Eldena Cistercian Monastery.
Come and explore Weitenhagen. Discover its past. Enjoy its present. And become part of its ongoing story.