Hinrichshagen – rural character and local history

Hinrichshagen combines a rural setting with a settlement history dating back to the early 13th century. There is also a paved cycle path between Dersekow and Hinrichshagen.

Rural surroundings and getting your bearings

Fields and meadows shape the surroundings, and agriculture gives the area its rural character. Hinrichshagen is also quiet and close to nature. The village lies just outside Greifswald. If you choose where to stay based on the surroundings and local history, these features provide a clear guide.

Cycle path between Dersekow and Hinrichshagen

The paved cycle path runs along the L 261 between Dersekow and Hinrichshagen. It is 3.4 kilometres long and 2.50 metres wide. It connects to existing cycling infrastructure in Dersekow and at Hinrichshagen Hof 1. South of the Hinrichshagen Hof 1 settlement, it ends at the junction of Greifswalder Straße and the L 261. The measurements and connections address different planning questions: length, width and paving describe the path section, while the connection points identify its links to existing cycling infrastructure. When it was completed in July 2021, the path was described in particular as a safe cycling route for school students. Before setting off today, please check the local conditions in advance.

From early settlement to its first documented mention

Hinrichshagen’s origins are linked to changes in the landscape. At the beginning of the 13th century, forests and marshlands north and south of the Ryck were cleared and drained; these areas were then owned by Eldena Monastery. In 1248, Hinrichshagen was first mentioned in a document under the name “Henrikeshaghen.” The changes to the landscape and the first written mention mark different stages: settlement development began as part of the clearing and drainage, while the place name was recorded in a document later on.

Changes in ownership and settlement structure

In 1668, Hinrichshagen passed into the ownership of the University of Greifswald. Another turning point came in 1932, when the Freischulzenhof estate was divided into 32 smallholdings held on rent. These formed the basis for the Chausseesiedlung, Heimsiedlung and Feldsiedlung settlements. The settlement structure has remained almost unchanged to this day. The change in ownership and the later division mark different stages; the surviving structure links this chronology to the village as it is today.

Historical uses of the manor house

Hinrichshagen Manor House is also associated with a range of historical uses. During the Nazi era, it served as a Reichswerkschule (Reich vocational school) and a Landjahrlager (rural service camp). An Evangelical children’s home opened in the former manor house in 1965.

Cycling in the wider Vorpommern-Greifswald destination

At the regional level, the three nature parks in Vorpommern-Greifswald district cover almost 40 percent of its area. Regional cycling routes for exploring the district include the Stettiner Haff circular route and the Route of North German Romanticism. The Baltic Sea Cycle Route is part of the EuroVelo EV10 route and runs into the district. These routes belong to the regional level and should be distinguished from the local connection between Dersekow and Hinrichshagen. Check the current route and signage before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Dargelin, Weitenhagen, Neuenkirchen, Levenhagen, Diedrichshagen, Behrenhoff, Dersekow, Mesekenhagen

View the wider travel overview: Amt Landhagen.