Greifswald University Information

Greifswald is located about 130 miles north of Berlin, in the federal state of Mecklenburg West-Pomerania, close to the Baltic sea islands of Rugen and Usedom. Most of Greifswald's residential area spreads along the river Ryck that flows into the Greifswald Bay of the Baltic Sea. The landscape's contours have been uniquely sculpted by the river, and the Bay ensures a maritime flair, with its fishing, sailing, rowing and canoeing. Greifswald originated as the monastery of Eldena in the 13th century. Eldena is a frequently chosen motif in the romantic paintings of Caspar David Friedrich (1774 - 1840), one of the most famous sons of Greifswald. Since the end of the thirteenth century, Greifswald has been a flourishing member of the Hanseatic League, a trade alliance of Northern Europe coastal cities. Many restored historical buildings around the market place denote the city's historic legacy as a Hanseatic town, including the original brick university buildings and the three prominent churches of St. Mary's, St. Jacob's, and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicolai. The very heart of Greifswald is the university. In existence for more than 550 years, Greifswald has the oldest university in Prussia, older than all universities of its neighbour to the north, Sweden, and one of the earliest universities of Germany. Today, the University of Greifswald, with its 20,000 students and academic staff, is the city's largest employer. Perhaps largely due to the university's continued existence, Greifswald provides a stimulating intellectual and cultural atmosphere, supported by many downtown cultural events and activities.