Stralsund, a city with a maritime history

Until 1815, Stralsund and Western Pomerania were ruled by Sweden. Connected by that centuries-long common history, a seafaring tradition has grown between Sweden and Stralsund. The "Seglarträff" remembers them and focuses on traditional vessels of both countries in the context of a maritime spectacle without superficial fair hype.

The beautiful Hanseatic city of Stralsund is located in northeastern Germany, right on the Strela Sound, a sea gate in the Baltic Sea. Stralsund is the "gateway" to Rügen, Germany's largest island, which is connected only by Rügen dam and Rügen bridge to the mainland. But not just the distinctive location characterises our Hanseatic city. With the rich diversity of historic building Stralsund has a historic and architectural significance, which is why the Stralsund's historic centre was included in 2002 on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Like many cities in Europe Stralsund had to deal with epidemics in the 16th century, especially the pest and famine. There were also several large fires that devastated entire neighborhoods. Additonally, the already battered city experienced in the several martial conflicts 17th century . This also included the siege by the troops of Albrecht von Wallenstein, an imperial general. The inhabitants of Stralsund called Swedish and Danish troops for help. They were able to evict Wallenstein and his troops from Stralsund. However, the Swedes remained and were officially used as an occupying power. The base for this was the Peace of Westphalia of 1648, which represented the beginning of a new political order in Europe. In the "Swedish period", which lasted almost 200 years, the city reached its economic low-point. But they also meant to enrich the cultural and intellectual field. Even today, the inhabitants of Stralsund and the region are indicate as "Southern Swedes".