Greifswald City Festival — A Day with Caspar David Friedrich

On the last weekend of August 2026, the Greifswald city center will transform into a romantic world of experience. The venues are the Historic Market Square, the forecourt of the Pomeranian State Museum, and the Caspar David Friedrich Center.

The motto "Fairy Tales and Legends from Friedrich's Time" focuses on the fairytale and mystical aspects: an elaborate fairytale forest made of sets, musicians, storytellers, and theatre troupes will spread across the market square. Caspar David Friedrich — born in Greifswald in 1774 — stands as the patron saint in the background: his famous market square window, from which he painted the city, can be visited.

The Pomeranian State Museum, with the world's largest Friedrich collection, will be open both days from 10 am to 6 pm with a special exhibition and hourly guided tours. Free admission at all venues.

Saturday, August 29, 2026 — City Center

• Morning/Afternoon — Opening of the Fairytale Forest on the Market Square with musicians, storytellers, and theatre troupes
• Forecourt of the Pomeranian State Museum — Theme "Your Place of Healing": Relaxation tent, massages, Greifswald University Medical Center, historical and modern healing practices
• 10:00 am to 6:00 pm — Pomeranian State Museum open with special exhibition "Caspar David Friedrich. The Hidden Life of the Paintings"
• 11 am/1 pm/3 pm/5 pm — Hourly guided tours of the Friedrich collection
• Day/Evening — Theatre and music events on the Market Square and in the city churches (St. Marien, St. Nikolai Cathedral, St. Jakobi, St. Spiritus)

Sunday, August 30, 2026 — City Center

• Morning — Opening of Family Day, fairy tale hours for children
• 10:00 am to 6:00 pm — Pomeranian State Museum open
• 11 am/1 pm/3 pm/5 pm — Hourly guided tours
• Morning/Afternoon — Concerts, scenic readings, market activities around the Market Square
• Late Afternoon — Festival conclusion

Venues

• Historic Market Square and Caspar David Friedrich Window
• Pomeranian State Museum and Forecourt
• Caspar David Friedrich Center
• St. Nikolai Cathedral, St. Marien, St. Jakobi, St. Spiritus

Detailed program will be published in summer 2026 at greifswald.de.

• Fairytale forest with elaborate sets on the Market Square
• Musicians, storytellers, and theatre troupes
• Pomeranian State Museum — world's largest Friedrich collection
• Hourly guided tours at 11 am/1 pm/3 pm/5 pm
• Healing tent in front of the State Museum
• Venues in four city churches
• Caspar David Friedrich Window and Center
• Free admission at all venues

Getting There

By train to Greifswald Hauptbahnhof, then a 10-minute walk to the market square. By car via the A20, parking is available in the underground garages around the city center.

Admission

Free admission at all city center venues. Some special events (concerts, special tours) may require registration.

Pomeranian State Museum

Opening hours Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-6 pm each day, with the special exhibition Caspar David Friedrich and hourly guided tours (11 am/1 pm/3 pm/5 pm).