Summer music festivals

Vorpommern's many summer music festivals and open-air performances are a real tourist magnet. Visitors are particularly impressed by the charming atmosphere of the extraordinary places where the stagings take place - in a ruined monastery, in churches, castles or even in barns.

The Hanseatic City of Greifswald has much to offer during the summer. The  "Eldenaer Jazz Evenings", which take place in the first week of July in a ruined monastery, are just one example.

Another cultural highlight is the "Greifswalder Bachwoche", taking place in May or June. The annual event "Nordischer Klang" [Nordic Sound], lasting one week in May/June, presents music, theatre, literature, art, science and movies from Northern countries and the Baltic region.

In Anklam, the Vorpommersche Landesbühne annually presents the open-air play "Die Peene brennt" in September; a historical play portraying the conflict between Sweden and Brandenburg. Around 70 actors and musicians perform in this spectacle. Every year between June and August, the Theatre Vorpommern organises the "Ostseefestspiele", open-air performances at different locations. In Ralswieck, between June and September, the "Störtebeker Festspiele" take place. Klaus Störtebeker, leader of the "Vitalienbrüder", was the protector of the poor and the enemy of the rich. Because they delivered 'Viktualien' [food] to Stockholm the pirates became known as 'Vitalienbrüder' [food-brothers]. Later on

they were called 'Likedeeler' [equal shares], as well. Störtebeker's adventures are portrayed at the open-air theatre by the beach which is the largest open-air theatre in Europe.

Two other festivals deal with another legend: the "Vinetafestspiele" in Zinnowitz on the Isle of Usedom and the "Vineta-Festtage" in Barth taking place between June and August. Vineta, the richest and most beautiful city ever, was for a long time believed to have sunken near the Isle of Usedom. However, modern experts are convinced that the legendary community sank in the floods in front of Barth. Anyway, the city lies at the bottom of the dark sea with all its treasures and palaces. In a colourful spectacle with lots of fire and water, dance, music and lights, Vineta reappears on the water surface each summer on the stages of Zinnowitz and Barth. Another musical highlight is the "Usedomer Musikfestival". Annually, between September and October, guests can enjoy musical performances set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany.