Anklam, near the Baltic Sea, besides sitting on the banks of what is called the “Amazon of the North,” is a city that takes to the skies.
Thanks to the life’s work of a certain Mr. Lilienthal who was born right here in town. But, long before that, Anklam was just your quintessential medieval town with many of their monuments still around today.
Anklam’s landmark, the Steintor or Stone Gate, is now an awesome museum with five floors of exhibits on life here in northern Germany. Once you manage to get to the top you’ll be handsomely rewarded with views of the town and Peene river.
If you prefer to be on the water, take a kayak and camp out a few kilometers down the river (but, only from May to October — this is the fresh north!).
For land lubbers, you could go visit the Marienkirche that was built in the 13th century, or the 14th century Nikolaikirche. The old Garrison’s Church is a 13th century original, but now what you see comes from about 500 years later.
Make sure to take plenty of pictures of the 15th century Pulverturm or Powder Tower, with parts of the Stadtmauer still attached and the 18th century Dutchman Windmill.
If you wish to take flight, then Anklam is the place for you. It’s the birthplace of Otto Lilienthal, a 19th century aviation pioneer. It was Lilienthal’s life work that was the forerunner to aviation history as we know it. In fact, the Wright Brothers used Lilienthal’s theories to help them on their quest to “fly the friendly skies.” The Petrol Lilienthal Museum and the Aeronauticon is the place to learn more about it.
So, whether you get here by plane, train, automobile, or boat (it IS on the river, don’t forget) you’ll find Anklam an incredible city that embraces the past and looks forward to the future.
