The fishing village Freest is located directly at the mouth of the Peene River to the Bay of Greifswalder and is home to the largest fishing port in Mecklennburg-Vorpommern (MV). Every 5th fish in MV is caught here, mostly herring, flounder and cod. Also the oldest smokehouse in Vorpommern is located near the harbour. From May to October guests can take the ferry to the island of Usedom, Peenemünde, every hour from May to October. Bicycle transport is also possible.
1995 - 2005 the port was renovated with EU funds. 26 fishermen's cabins were erected on the quay wall. A functional building with sanitary facilities was part of the overall project. This also houses a branch office of the pilots and the German Shipwreck Rescue Association. Adjacent are restaurants offering fish, ice cream, coffee and cake.
Converted fishing boats sail with visitors on the bay and to the island of Ruden. A bicycle and pedestrian ferry takes visitors to the island of Usedom and back. There it is worth visiting the Historical-Technical Museum in Peenemünde.
Every year in August the "Freester Fischerfest" takes place.
You can buy fresh fish in the early morning directly from the fisherman or enjoy it on site in one of the restaurants which offer both traditional and more unusual fish specialities. In addition, you will gain insights into typical regional crafts when visiting the Freest boatyard and the local museum.
Route of North German Romanticism: Fishing Village Freest - Romantic trip
At the beginning of the 19th century, roads along the bay coast were largely undeveloped. The towns of Kemnitz, Rappenhagen, Boltenhagen, Katzow and Wolgast were connected by the Alte Landstraße. Philipp Otto Runge set out on foot, on horseback and by carriage to visit his friends Friedrich August von Klinkowström in Ludwigsburg and Caspar David Friedrich in Greifswald. On his honeymoon in the summer of 1818, Friedrich travelled around by coach and ship.
