When it comes to culture, Western Pomerania not only offers many standard happenings, but also numerous events with a specific regional character. In summer, for example, these include unforgettable open-air events – from classical music and jazz to historical spectacles. In spring, the who's who of nature photography meets at the horizonte festival, and in autumn, the German Nature Film Prize is awarded on the Darß peninsula. Throughout the year, the Theatre of Vorpommern stages plays, ballet and music at three locations. Traditional pub music, culinary festivals and atmospheric markets also add to the variety of cultural life in the region.

Ahrenshoop and Hiddensee show the unique heritage of their artist colonies. Greifswald pays homage to Caspar David Friedrich, the most important artist of early Romanticism, who was born here. His works can be found in the Pomeranian State Museum, for example. Here, visitors can also marvel at the Croy tapestry. It shows the local protagonists of the Reformation and is one of the most important cultural treasures of Germany.

In Stralsund, the German Oceanographic Museum and the Ozeaneum offer visitors the opportunity to explore the world of the sea in depth. Unusual exhibits can be admired in the German Amber Museum in Ribnitz-Damgarten. Western Pomerania is also the cradle of aviation and space flight, which is reflected in two highlights of the museum landscape: The Otto Lilienthal Museum in Anklam honours the pioneer of flying, who was born there. And the Peenemünde Historical Technical Museum documents the history of the former Peenemünde Army Research Centre and the construction of the first rockets.

Selected events

• Nordischer Klang Two-week festival with music and art from Northern Europe
• Eldenaer Jazz Evenings: Two-day meeting of the north-east European jazz scene in a monastery ruin
• Greifswalder Bachwoche: Music festival of sacred music in the North
• Wallensteintage Stralsund: City festival with historical market and parade
• polenmARkT: The biggest festival of Polish culture outside Poland, taking place for ten days in November.
• Vineta Festival: From July to September, Vineta emerges in the form of a magnificent theatre show on the beach of the island of Usedom.
• Theater Hanse: Theatre festival which presents innovative performances from the entire Baltic Sea region every two years.

In summer, young people love to spend time at the beach: Swimmers, volleyball players, surfers or kitsurfers all enjoy the sand and sea. In the evenings, they can go to beach parties, organise campfires or barbecues or spend time together in the beach chairs – with a beer, a fish sandwich, a cocktail or finger food.

And the countryside has a lot of fun activities to offer as well: Falling out of the clouds, flying over the asphalt, racing and climbing, jumping and boarding, trekking, biking, paddling or rafting. For those who like it a little quieter, Western Pomerania’s pristine nature is ideal for contemplation, self-discovery, meditation and deep relaxation.

Hundreds of sports clubs welcome people all year round to come and play together, often in the fresh air. In addition to running, football and volleyball, many clubs offer countless water sports for beginners and professionals.

Students chill out in the quaint pubs of the region or in lounge clubs and bars. The town harbours are great places to have a barbecue and relax with a beer and sausages. Or to play Kubb, drink cocktails by the sea or enjoy the sunset with a Radler shandy.

In the high season, the holiday destination Western Pomerania turns into a show stage. Fancy and hip festivals take place at beaches, by lakes, in forests or on fields – a paradise for party people. Global stars perform on abandoned airfields and muddy meadows, whereas cosy clubs and old warehouses present the local heroes.

Selected events

• Multivan Kitesurf Masters and Multivan Windsurf Cup: Top competitions for surfers
• Meeresrausch Festival: Elektro-pop meets art and dance
• Pangea Festival: Culture, music and adventure between beach and forest
• Tag am Meer Festival: One day, 2,000 people, lots of electronic music and even more sand