The region of Pomerania comprises two parts, Vorpommern (Western Pomerania) in modern Germany and Hinterpommern, all of which lie in modern Poland. The historical heritage of Pomerania was almost without exception destroyed in WWII. Virtually nothing survived the war, and we are left only with a handful of treasures, such as the city of Stralsund.
Vorpommern or Western Pomerania represents the coastal strip between Brandenburg and the Baltic Sea. Settled by the Germans over the course of the 13th century, the region did not share in the peaceful existence of its neighbor Mecklenburg. Fought over nearly incessantly from the 14th century on, it was conquered by nearly every Great Power in European history. During the Second World War, the city of Stettin was destroyed during ground fighting and aerial bombardment. The ancient cities of Anklam, Demin and Greifswald met similar fates. Today, the only cityscape of any note is Stralsund, a unique monument to the Hanseatic League and one of the most beautiful destinations in Germany. The natural landscape of the region offers more to explore, especially on the island of Rügen and along the coast.
