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Pomerania
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Explore German Pomerania for Baltic islands, brick Gothic towns, lagoon landscapes, historic harbours and nature-rich coastal journeys.

German Pomerania is a historic Baltic region whose landscapes now lie chiefly in the eastern part of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, known geographically as Vorpommern. It is not a separate modern federal state, and historic Pomerania also extends eastwards into Poland, but the German section has a clear identity shaped by the Baltic Sea, broad lagoons, islands, old trading towns and a long relationship with Sweden, Prussia and the wider Baltic world. For visitors, it is a region of comparatively open horizons, maritime weather and settlements where brick Gothic architecture gives many town centres a distinctive red-brown colour.
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Stralsund is the principal historic gateway. Its old town, set beside the Strelasund opposite Rügen, preserves the wealth and ambition of the medieval Hanseatic League in churches, merchants' houses and public buildings. Greifswald, with its university, galleries and harbour, has a more scholarly and artistic character, while smaller towns such as Wolgast, Anklam, Ueckermünde and Pasewalk offer quieter glimpses of regional history. Many journeys are best understood as a progression between these urban centres, coastal villages and inland landscapes rather than as a single-city break.
The islands are central to the region's appeal. Rügen combines sandy beaches, chalk cliffs, beech forests, seaside resorts and agricultural interiors, with Jasmund National Park and the northern headland of Cape Arkona among its defining landscapes. The German part of Usedom offers sandy Baltic beaches and resort architecture, while the Peene valley and the lagoon shores around the Szczecin Lagoon provide wetlands, reed beds and habitats for migratory birds. These environments reward walking, cycling, kayaking and boat trips, although distances and limited rural public transport require sensible planning.
Pomerania's cultural character is evident in its churches, village manor houses, fishing traditions and food. Baltic fish, smoked specialities, potatoes, seasonal vegetables and cakes associated with northern German home cooking appear in restaurants, cafés and market stalls, often alongside locally brewed beer or fruit products. The region's history is not confined to its medieval towns: the former rocket research centre at Peenemünde presents a difficult twentieth-century legacy, while reconstructed and restored historic centres reveal the effects of war, border changes and post-war rebuilding. Travelling through Pomerania therefore means moving between protected nature, seaside leisure, working harbours and layers of European history.

When is the best time to visit Pomerania?

Best: June–August · 22–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January240
February335
March740
April1245
May1850
June (best)2255
July (best)2460
August (best)2360
September1855
October1450
November845
December340

Getting to and around Pomerania

How to get there

Berlin is the most useful major international gateway for much of German Pomerania, with onward rail and road connections towards Stralsund, Greifswald and the islands. Rostock–Laage Airport is another regional option, although its services are limited and change over time. Berlin Brandenburg Airport lies outside Pomerania, as does Szczecin-Goleniów Airport in Poland, which can be practical for the eastern lagoon area when an appropriate connection is available. Mainline trains reach Stralsund and Greifswald from Berlin and other German cities, while roads connect the region through the A20 and routes towards Rügen and Usedom.

Transportation

Rail is convenient between Stralsund, Greifswald, Anklam and several larger towns, with local services continuing towards Rügen and the German part of Usedom. Buses fill some gaps but are less frequent in rural districts and outside the main season. A car is useful for lagoon villages, nature reserves, manor houses and scattered coastal sights, although bridge approaches and island roads can be busy in summer. Cycling is well suited to the relatively gentle terrain, with established routes on Rügen, Usedom and along the Baltic coast. Check local ferry and bridge arrangements before island journeys.

Top city travel guides in Pomerania

The cities of Pomerania, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Pomerania

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Pomerania

German Pomerania's attractions range from Hanseatic town centres to beaches, forests and wetlands. Stralsund provides the strongest concentration of urban heritage, with museums, churches and the Deutsches Meeresmuseum forming a substantial cultural programme, while Greifswald combines university life, art collections, harbour walks and the atmospheric remains of Eldena Abbey. Rügen offers the broadest variety of outdoor experiences: Jasmund National Park protects beech woodland and the famous chalk coast, while the island's resorts, cycle routes and inland villages create a different rhythm from the busy seafronts. On Usedom, sandy beaches and resort architecture contrast with quieter lagoon shores. The Peene valley, the Darß-Zingst area outside the core historic Pomeranian focus, and the Szczecin Lagoon landscape are important for paddling, birdwatching and low-impact nature travel; the latter is a cross-border area and should not be confused with a single German destination. Peenemünde adds a serious layer of military and scientific history, and smaller towns such as Wolgast, Anklam and Ueckermünde reward visitors interested in churches, harbours and regional architecture.

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Best landmarks in Pomerania

Stralsund's historic centre is the region's most prominent architectural landmark, with the soaring brick Gothic churches of St Nicholas and St Mary, the former civic buildings around the Old Market and rows of merchants' houses expressing the city's Hanseatic wealth. Greifswald's market square and churches provide a related but more intimate urban composition, while the ruins of Eldena Abbey on the edge of the city are especially significant for both medieval history and their association with the Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. On Rügen, the white chalk cliffs and beech forests of Jasmund form a defining natural landmark, although viewpoints and cliff conditions change over time. Cape Arkona marks the island's exposed northern headland with lighthouses, military remains and dramatic coastal geography. The Granitz Hunting Lodge, set among woodland in the southeast, represents the nineteenth-century aristocratic landscape of the island. Peenemünde's former military research landscape is a landmark of a different kind: its importance lies in the evidence it preserves of wartime technology, coercion and the destructive history of rocket development.

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Explore Pomerania on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Pomerania

Dining in German Pomerania is closely connected with the Baltic coast and its inland farming traditions. Fish appears in many forms, from herring and cod to smoked fish and locally caught eel, with harbour kiosks, simple fish restaurants and more elaborate coastal dining all contributing to the regional food culture. Potatoes, cabbage, root vegetables, pork and seasonal game reflect northern German cooking, while cakes, pastries and substantial café breakfasts suit the cool maritime climate. Rügen and Usedom also have restaurants centred on resort dining, whereas villages and market towns tend to offer traditional inns, bakeries and straightforward regional menus. Look for smoked specialities, locally made preserves, sea-buckthorn products and seasonal produce, while remembering that exact availability depends on the fishing season and business. Vegetarian choices are increasingly common, especially in Stralsund and Greifswald, but rural menus can be narrower. Beer, fruit drinks and non-alcoholic options are widely available, and tap water is normally safe to drink.

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Best bars in Pomerania

Evening life in German Pomerania is shaped more by historic pubs, harbour restaurants, hotel bars and seasonal resort venues than by a large nightclub circuit. Stralsund and Greifswald have the broadest choice, with student-oriented bars, traditional beer houses, cafés that remain open into the evening and occasional live-music or cultural events. On Rügen and Usedom, seaside resorts become livelier during the summer, when promenades, beach bars and restaurant terraces extend the evening, although the atmosphere is generally more relaxed than in Germany's major cities. Smaller towns such as Wolgast and Ueckermünde tend to close earlier and rely on local pubs, inns and community events. Breweries and regional drinks can be explored without making alcohol the focus of a visit. Outside the resorts, plan evening transport carefully, as late services may be limited and taxis can be less readily available in rural areas.

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Best nightclubs in Pomerania

Evening life in German Pomerania is shaped more by historic pubs, harbour restaurants, hotel bars and seasonal resort venues than by a large nightclub circuit. Stralsund and Greifswald have the broadest choice, with student-oriented bars, traditional beer houses, cafés that remain open into the evening and occasional live-music or cultural events. On Rügen and Usedom, seaside resorts become livelier during the summer, when promenades, beach bars and restaurant terraces extend the evening, although the atmosphere is generally more relaxed than in Germany's major cities. Smaller towns such as Wolgast and Ueckermünde tend to close earlier and rely on local pubs, inns and community events. Breweries and regional drinks can be explored without making alcohol the focus of a visit. Outside the resorts, plan evening transport carefully, as late services may be limited and taxis can be less readily available in rural areas.

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Best shops in Pomerania

Shopping in German Pomerania centres on market squares, pedestrian streets, seaside promenades and regional food rather than large luxury districts. Stralsund and Greifswald offer the widest selection of independent bookshops, galleries, clothing shops, cafés and practical retailers, with historic town centres providing the most atmospheric setting. Rügen and Usedom's resorts sell maritime souvenirs, local artwork, ceramics, textiles, beach goods and products made with sea-buckthorn, as well as food from regional producers. Farmers' markets and weekly markets in larger towns are useful for bread, preserves, smoked fish, seasonal fruit and vegetables, although their days and scale vary. Look for Baltic-themed crafts and local photography, but distinguish genuinely regional products from generic seaside merchandise. Smaller inland towns are better for bakeries, everyday provisions and traditional shops than for extensive browsing. In rural areas, opening hours may be shorter, and cash remains useful at some stalls and small independent businesses.

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Pomerania essentials

Currency and Payment
German Pomerania uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Germany. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, transport hubs and larger restaurants, but smaller cafés, rural businesses, market stalls and some traditional establishments may still prefer cash. Carry euros in smaller denominations, particularly when travelling through villages or using seasonal services. Bank branches and cash machines are concentrated in larger towns, so do not rely on finding one immediately in a remote coastal or lagoon settlement.
Safety
The region is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in busy resorts, railway stations and car parks. Coastal weather can change quickly, and strong currents, cold water, unstable cliff edges and slippery surfaces require care around beaches and viewpoints. Follow marked paths in Jasmund National Park and do not approach cliff edges for photographs. Cyclists should use lights and observe road rules, while drivers need patience on narrow island roads during peak periods. In rural areas, mobile coverage and services can be less consistent than in towns.
Emergency Situations
In Germany, call 112 for fire, ambulance and urgent medical emergencies, and 110 for the police. The number 112 also provides access to emergency services in outdoor situations, after which the relevant rescue organisation can be coordinated; on the coast this may involve maritime or water rescue services. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice, Germany's nationwide 116117 service may be useful. Give a precise location, especially on beaches, cycle routes, islands or in forests, and use recognised trail names or nearby landmarks where possible.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths and observe protection rules in national parks, dunes, wetlands and bird habitats. Leave beaches, forests and historic sites clean, and avoid entering restricted military or industrial areas. In churches and memorial sites, dress and behave respectfully and ask before photographing ceremonies or people. Queueing, quiet public-transport behaviour and punctuality are valued in Germany, while restaurant tipping is customary but discretionary rather than legally fixed. Do not assume that every beach, woodland track or estate permits cycling, camping, fires or unauthorised vehicle access.
Local Tips
Use Stralsund or Greifswald as cultural bases, then devote separate days to Rügen, Usedom or the lagoon country rather than rushing between them. Early mornings and shoulder seasons are often calmer at popular island viewpoints and beaches, while spring and autumn can be rewarding for birdlife. Explore beyond the resorts to find village churches, fishing harbours and brick-built towns. If visiting Peenemünde, allow time to read the historical interpretation rather than treating the site only as a technology attraction. German public holidays can affect shop and restaurant opening arrangements.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[Hah-loh]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[Owf Veed-er-zay-en]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNein[Nyn]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bit-teh]
Thank youDanke[Dahn-keh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie geht's?[Vee gates]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[Goot. Oond deer]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[Shpreck-en Zee Eng-lish?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Ish fer-shtay-eh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte[Ish het-teh gair-neh dee Shpy-zeh-kar-teh, bit-teh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Ish ess-eh kyn Flysh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[Ish murk-teh beh-tsahl-en, bit-teh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hil-feh]
Go away!Geh weg![Gay vek]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roof-en Zee dee Poh-lee-tsai]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roof-en Zee eye-nen Artst]
I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen[Ish hah-beh mikh fer-lau-fen]
I'm illIch bin krank[Ish bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen[Ish murk-teh ... kau-fen]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Ish shau-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[Vee feel kost-et es?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Das ist tsoo toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?[Kurn-ten Zee den Pryce zen-ken]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpaet ist es?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Es ist ine Oor]
Half past (10)Halb (10)[Halb (10)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nach-mit-tag]
EveningAbend[Ah-bent]
YesterdayGestern[Ges-tern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-teh]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-gen]
1eins[Eyns]
2zwei[Ts-vye]
3drei[Dry]
4vier[Feer]
5fünf[Fünf]
6sechs[Zex]
7sieben[Zee-ben]
8acht[Acht]
9neun[Noyn]
10zehn[Tsayn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das ...?[Vo ist ine/das ...?]
What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?[Vee ist dee Ah-dress-eh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[Kurn-ten Zee meer (owf der Kar-teh) tsigh-en?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn komt der nay-sh-teh (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ...)[Ine Ti-ket (nahkh ...)]

History of Pomerania

Early Slavic Pomerania

After the migration period, West Slavic communities settled along the southern Baltic coast, river valleys and lagoon shores. Their settlements formed the basis of the duchy later known as Pomerania, a name generally connected with the coastal location of the land. Trading centres developed around waterways and sheltered inlets, linking the region to Scandinavia, the German lands and other Baltic communities. Archaeological evidence and surviving place names preserve this early layer, although much of the medieval landscape was later transformed by Christianisation, colonisation and urban development.

Christianisation and the Griffin Dukes

From the twelfth century, Christian missions and political consolidation reshaped Pomerania. The Griffin dynasty ruled the duchy for centuries, while monasteries and bishoprics helped establish new religious and administrative structures. German-speaking settlers arrived alongside existing Slavic populations, bringing new town institutions, agricultural practices and forms of law. Abbeys such as Eldena near Greifswald and churches in Stralsund, Greifswald and other towns remain visible reminders of this period. The medieval duchy was politically divided at times but retained a lasting regional identity.

The Hanseatic Baltic Towns

Stralsund and Greifswald became important members of the Hanseatic trading network, which connected northern European ports through commerce in grain, timber, fish, salt and manufactured goods. Their prosperity produced substantial brick Gothic churches, town halls, defensive works and merchants' houses. Stralsund's position on the Strelasund gave it particular strategic and commercial importance, while Greifswald benefited from its harbour and later university. The towns' surviving historic cores show how Baltic trade influenced urban form and tied Pomerania to a wider European economy.

Swedish Pomerania and the Thirty Years' War

The Thirty Years' War brought severe disruption to Pomerania, and the 1648 Peace of Westphalia divided the former duchy between Sweden and Brandenburg-Prussia. Western Pomerania, including Stralsund and the island of Rügen, became Swedish territory for almost two centuries, although control shifted during later conflicts. Swedish Pomerania was strategically important because of its ports and position on the southern Baltic. The period left political and architectural traces, while repeated wars, taxation and military occupation affected towns and rural communities profoundly.

Prussian Rule and Nineteenth-Century Change

Most of the German part of Pomerania came under Prussian administration during the eighteenth century, and the province was integrated more firmly into the Prussian state. Roads, ports, agricultural estates and later railways connected inland districts with the Baltic coast. Seaside tourism developed during the nineteenth century, particularly on Rügen and Usedom, where bathing resorts acquired promenades, piers and villas. At the same time, rural Pomerania remained strongly shaped by large estates, fishing and agriculture. These contrasting economic patterns are still apparent between resort towns, historic ports and inland villages.

War, Division and Border Change after 1945

The end of the Second World War transformed Pomerania. The border between Germany and Poland moved westwards, and most of historic Pomerania became part of Poland, while the western section remained in the Soviet occupation zone and later East Germany. Population displacement and resettlement altered the social composition of towns and villages. Stralsund, Greifswald, the islands and the coastal military zone developed within the German Democratic Republic, while access to some areas was restricted. The modern German region must therefore be understood as one part of a historic landscape divided by a twentieth-century border.

Industrial Heritage and Post-Reunification Tourism

The twentieth century brought shipbuilding, naval activity, fishing and military technology to the coast. Peenemünde became the site of the German Army's wartime rocket programme, developed through forced labour and linked to weapons production; its museum now addresses this history and its consequences. After German reunification, shipyards and other industries faced major economic change, while tourism, conservation and heritage restoration became increasingly important. The rehabilitation of Stralsund and Greifswald, the protection of Rügen's landscapes and the growth of cycling and nature tourism reflect this contemporary transition.

Pomerania in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Neighbouring regions of Pomerania

The closest regions to Pomerania, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Pomerania

Discover Pomerania with Evendo - A 100% free app-based travel guide covering the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and experiences in the region.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Explore the beauty of Pomerania with Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide app. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, we've got everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • History of Pomerania and travel essentials
  • Tons of local advice to enhance your visit
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations

Planning a trip to Pomerania, Germany? Look no further than Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide designed to help you make the most of your visit. With detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences, Evendo ensures you won't miss a thing. Imagine exploring the historic streets of Stralsund, marveling at the stunning architecture of St. Mary's Church, or enjoying a delicious meal at the renowned Restaurant Gutshaus Kubbelkow—all with the ease and convenience of our app.

Evendo is packed with rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Discover amazing new places and easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences—all in one place. No more searching for what to see, do, and experience or figuring out how to get there; Evendo has it all covered.

Enjoy unique features like the history of Pomerania, travel essentials, tons of local advice, and easy navigation through the app and city. Use the 'Near Me' feature to see what's around you, no matter where you are, and explore curated local tips to experience Pomerania like a local. Plus, the app is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or additional costs, making it free to use forever.

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