Eldena Abbey ruins
Greifswald, Germany
The brick ruins of a Cistercian abbey painted several times by Caspar David Friedrich, who was born in Greifswald. Free to walk around, with parking at the site on the road to Wolgast.
The ruins of Eldena Abbey lie in the Eldena district of Greifswald, about 5 km east of the old town on the Wolgaster Landstraße. Cistercians founded the abbey in 1199, after monks from Dargun had left because of armed conflict. It was regarded as the most important monastery in the region and flourished around 1400. With the Reformation in the 1530s it fell into decay and was later used as a stone quarry; in 1828–1832 the ruins were secured and a park was laid out. Caspar David Friedrich, who was born in Greifswald, painted them several times, for example in "Abbey in the Oakwood".
The site is freely accessible at any time. City bus line 2 runs to "Wieck Brücke", from where it is about 450 m on foot. The ruins are the start of the cycle route of North German Romanticism. The visit combines well with a walk to Wieck.
- Nearest town
- Greifswald, Germany
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 54.0887, 13.4449
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Am Museumshafen GreifswaldMotorhome stopover4 km from Eldena Abbey ruins · 20 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Campingplatz LoissinCampsite7 km from Eldena Abbey ruins · 300 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Ostseecamping PeenemündungCampsite19 km from Eldena Abbey ruins · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Waldcamp FreestCampsite19 km from Eldena Abbey ruinsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Wildwood Camping RügenCampsite19 km from Eldena Abbey ruinsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Wasserwanderrastplatz StolpeCampsite25 km from Eldena Abbey ruinsTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Germany · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Eldena Abbey ruins?
Eldena Abbey ruins is in Greifswald, Germany, at GPS 54.0887, 13.4449. It is about 22 km from Peenemünde.
Can you camp near Eldena Abbey ruins?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping an der Dänischen Wiek, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Eldena Abbey ruins?
Eldena Abbey ruins is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Rügen and Usedom: capes, piers and the Imperial Baths.
What is there to see near Eldena Abbey ruins?
Places worth a stop nearby: Peenemünde Historical Technical Museum (22 km), Granitz Hunting Lodge (35 km), Sellin Pier (36 km) and Prora (40 km).
When is the best time to visit Eldena Abbey ruins?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)