This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Greifswald.
The traditional old city of Greifswald features narrow streets, colorful German architecture, and a thriving cultural community. Tourism is a busy industry here, as there are many festivals and events that take place in Greifswald throughout the year – keeping the hostels and hotels full.
Festival season mainly runs between March and October, although there are a couple holiday events toward the end of November and into December. With music festivals, theatre festivals, boat festivals, harvest festivals, and even a fishermen’s festival, there is an event to suit any interest. Greifswald even has a day to honor the city’s historical monuments.
There is a wide variety of accommodation options in Greifswald, ranging from chain motels, inexpensive hostels, and some boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts. Most of the hotels and hostels are located within walking distance of the town centre, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities within Greifswald.
Lange Strasse is the primary shopping area in Greifswald, with many small stores lining the pedestrian street. There are also two shopping malls, Dompassage in the centre of town and Elisen Park, a larger facility a bit further away. Everything in Greifswald can be reached by bicycle, as approximately half of the town’s population use this as their primary mode of transportation.
Fresh seafood is the primary culinary treat here, with several restaurants serving fish caught earlier that day. There are a variety of other restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world, including an African themed restaurant called Jambo.
There are no regular flights to Greifswald, so tourists planning to come here need to arrange for transportation from Berlin either by car or by train. There is also a harbour in the nearby town of Sassnitz. Transportation around Greifswald is easiest by foot or on a bicycle, as the streets are quite narrow and parking is a challenge.
Written by local enthusiast for Greifswald hostels
Jakob Lombardi