Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Trivia Quiz

Answer: In the northeast of Germany, along the Baltic Sea

Because of the low population density of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, there are large areas of unpopulated woodlands, meadows, and marshes which provide a safe haven for many species of rare animals. The state of Niedersachsen lies along the North Sea, Schleswig-Holstein borders Denmark, and Brandenburg encircles Berlin.

Answer: Wismar

"Nosferatu" was filmed on the streets of Wismar's Altstadt. Tours to the island of Poel are easily arranged from Wismar's harbor.

Answer: Schwerin

Schwerin is the smallest state capital of Germany and is home to the Schweriner Schloss. Situated on a small island separating the Burgsee from the Schweriner See, it is a neo-Renaissance style palace that was home to the Mecklenburg grand dukes. It is worth visiting for its formal gardens, its beautiful inlaid wood floors and its wood paneled rooms.

While you're there, keep an eye out for "Little Peter" ("Petermännchen"), the resident ghost, a little guy with a big hat.

Answer: Rostock

The first university in northern Germany was founded here in 1419, making it the intellectual center of the Baltic coast. It is rising again in prominence as one of the foremost demographic research centers of Europe. Every August, Rostock hosts the Hanse Sail, a four day event attracting hundreds of traditional tall ships and over a million visitors (and don't worry, there's plenty of bratwurst, beer, and fried dough to fuel you through the festivities).

Answer: Rügen

Rügen was a favorite subject of German romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich and is renowned for the beautiful chalk cliffs of Stubbenkammer and the "Royal Chair" ("Königstuhl") Rock. Originally, the towns of Rügen were traditional fishing and farming communities, but the main island industry is now tourism.

Answer: Ribnitz-Damgarten

Worth seeing are the Rostock gate, the 13th-14th century Church of Mary (Marienkirche), and the 15th century St. Bartholomew Church, which is crafted of red brick and amber. In the Amber Museum in Ribnitz-Damgarten, you can see beautiful creations of amber, learn how to polish it and how to find it along the seashore (although I've never managed to find any).

Answer: Stralsund

Lübeck was so threatened by Stralsund's might that it had Stralsund burned to the ground in 1249. Needless to say, Stralsund quickly rebuilt and regained its power, becoming an ally of Lübeck and one of the most important cities of the Hanseatic League. Due to Stralsund's might and strategic location, the Swedish parliament declared in 1632 that, "Whoever has Stralsund and (with it) Rügen, has the Baltic Sea."

Answer: Greifswald

The University library of Greifswald is one of the few Baroque salons in the North of Germany. Greifswald became a Hanseatic League city in 1281 and was the birthplace of German romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich.

Answer: Usedom

At 445 square km, this is Germany's second largest island and with 1906 hours of sunshine a year, this is the sunniest place in Germany. Many rare plants and animals can be found in the interior of the island and from the town of Ahlsbeck, it is a short walk across the border to the Polish town of Świnoujście (where, for some strange reason, you can cheaply buy large amounts of chocolate-covered fruit bonbons).

Answer: Greifswald, Rostock, Stralsund, and Wismar

The Hanseatic League was founded by cities located on trade routes that, when joined together, had the economic power to declare independence from the local nobility. In Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, the cities of Demmin and Anklam were also Hanse cities. Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck are Hanse cities, but are not located in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.