Overview
Anklam is a small town of roughly 12,000–13,000 people situated on the Peene River in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, northeastern Germany. It sits in a low-lying landscape of river meadows, reed beds, and agricultural plains typical of this part of the Baltic coastal hinterland.
The town carries a modest but genuine historical weight. It was once a member of the Hanseatic League, and traces of its medieval past survive in the remaining sections of the old town wall and the brick Gothic church of St. Mary (Marienkirche). The surrounding streetscape reflects the layered rebuilding that followed World War II damage, common to many towns in this region.
Anklam's strongest claim to wider recognition is as the birthplace of Otto Lilienthal (1848–1896), the German aviation pioneer whose glider experiments in the late nineteenth century laid important groundwork for powered flight. The town takes visible pride in this heritage, and the Lilienthal Museum is the principal reason most visitors stop here.
Before You Go
Visas
Germany is a Schengen Area member. For visa information specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the German Federal Foreign Office or your nearest German embassy before travel.
What to Pack
Anklam's weather is temperate continental with a maritime influence. Summers are warm but not hot, and rain is possible year-round. A light waterproof layer is useful in any season. Winters can be cold and grey, so pack warm clothing if visiting between November and March.
Practical Expectations
Anklam is a small working town, not a polished tourist destination. English is less commonly spoken here than in major German cities; a few words of German or a translation app will be helpful. Facilities—accommodation, restaurants, ATMs—are present but limited in variety. Plan accordingly, especially if you intend to arrive on a Sunday when many shops and some eateries are closed.
Getting There
By Train
Anklam has a railway station served by regional trains connecting to Stralsund and Pasewalk, with onward connections from those hubs to Berlin, Rostock, and other larger cities. Journey times and schedules change; check Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de) for current timetables.
By Car
Anklam is accessible via the B109 federal road and is not far from the A20 motorway corridor, making it reachable by car from Greifswald (roughly 30 km west), Stralsund, and Szczecin in Poland. Parking in the town centre is generally available and straightforward given the town's size.
By Bus
Regional bus services connect Anklam to surrounding villages and towns. Verify current routes and frequencies locally or through the regional transport authority for Vorpommern-Greifswald.
Nearest Airports
Rostock-Laage Airport is the closest airport with scheduled services, though it offers limited routes. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) provides far broader international connections and is reachable by train or car in roughly two to three hours depending on route.
Getting Around
The town centre of Anklam is compact and easily walkable. Most points of interest—the Lilienthal Museum, Marienkirche, remnants of the town wall, and the Peene riverfront—can be reached on foot within a short time.
Bicycles are a practical option in this flat landscape. The wider Peene Valley region has cycling paths, and a bike allows you to explore the river meadows and surrounding countryside comfortably. Verify bike rental availability locally before your trip, as options in small towns can change.
A car is useful if you plan to explore the broader region, including day trips to Usedom Island, Greifswald, or the Peene Valley nature area.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Anklam itself are limited. There are small hotels and guesthouses (Pensionen) in and around town, but the inventory is modest. Booking in advance is advisable, particularly in summer when visitors to the broader region may be passing through.
Travelers with more comfort requirements or specific brand preferences may find staying in Greifswald (roughly 30 km west) or on Usedom Island and making Anklam a day trip a more practical approach. Verify current accommodation availability through standard booking platforms and confirm directly with properties where possible.
Things to See & Do
Otto Lilienthal Museum
The museum dedicated to Lilienthal is the town's standout attraction. It covers his life, his aviation experiments, and the history of early flight, with exhibits including replica gliders. If you are visiting Anklam specifically, this is the primary draw. Verify current opening hours and admission fees directly with the museum before visiting, as these details can change.
Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church)
This large brick Gothic church is one of the more impressive surviving historic structures in town. Its exterior, characteristic of North German brick Gothic architecture, is worth a look even if the interior is not accessible on your visit. Check locally for opening times.
Town Wall Remnants
Sections of Anklam's medieval town fortifications still stand and can be seen on a short walk around the older parts of town. They offer a tangible reminder of the town's Hanseatic-era significance.
Peene River and Surroundings
The Peene Valley (Peenetal) is a notable nature area—sometimes called the 'Amazon of the North' by local tourism material, though the description is hyperbolic. It is, more accurately, a river landscape of genuine ecological value, with reed beds, wet meadows, and birdlife. Boat trips on the Peene are possible in season; verify operators and schedules locally.
Day Trips
Anklam's central location in western Pomerania makes it a reasonable base for day trips to Usedom Island (Baltic beaches and the Heringsdorf resort strip), Greifswald (a university city with a well-preserved historic centre), and the Peene Valley nature reserve.
Food & Drink
Anklam has a modest selection of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving standard German regional fare. Expect dishes built around pork, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, alongside freshwater fish given the river setting. Mecklenburg cuisine tends toward hearty and unfussy rather than refined.
A local bakery is a reliable and inexpensive option for breakfast or a midday snack. For a sit-down meal, the choice of restaurants is limited; it is worth asking at your accommodation for current recommendations, as the dining scene in small towns shifts over time.
Local beers from the broader Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region are typically available. Expect to pay cash in many smaller establishments; card acceptance is less universal in small eastern German towns than in major cities.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are present in the town centre. Cash is widely useful and sometimes necessary in smaller establishments. The euro is the currency.
Connectivity
Mobile network coverage is generally adequate in town. Free Wi-Fi is not guaranteed in all cafés or guesthouses; confirm with your accommodation.
Emergency Numbers
In Germany, dial 112 for emergency medical services and fire, and 110 for police. These are standard nationwide numbers.
Shops and Hours
Most shops observe standard German retail hours and are closed on Sundays. Plan grocery or supply runs accordingly.
Language
German is the working language. Outside tourist infrastructure (which is limited), English proficiency is not guaranteed. Basic German phrases or a translation app are genuinely useful here.
Safety
Anklam is a quiet, low-crime small town by any reasonable measure. Standard travel precautions—awareness of your belongings, not leaving valuables visible in a parked car—are sufficient.
Road travel in the surrounding rural area requires attention, particularly on narrow country roads and at dusk or dawn when wildlife (deer, wild boar) can cross unexpectedly. If cycling in the Peene Valley, be aware of variable path surfaces and limited infrastructure in more remote sections.