In Greifswald you only have to step outside and you are close to nature. Around Greifswald lagoon are the stunning natural landscapes of the Baltic Coast. The town itself has many parks where people can relax. The university's botanical gardens and arboretum, and the Elisenhain forest are also great places for outdoor recreation. At the animal park you can see donkeys, meercats, porcupines and many other creatures.Greifswald University Botanical Gardens
The greenhouses at the university's botanical gardens contain many rare exotic plants including commercially utilised plants, succulents and some medicinal herbs. You can see orchids and bromelia in the tropical house and the palm house, alpine garden and pond areas are also worth a visit.Elisenhain nature conservation area
The 407 hectare leafy forest of Elisenhain lies between the villages of Friedrichshagen, Eldena and Diedrichshagen. It is a nature conservation area that is also used for university research. Home to deciduous trees which are over 200 years old, such as beeches, English oaks and mountain elms, it also provides a habitat for many endangered animal species. The public has unrestricted access to the forest.Animal Park
The 3.6 hectare animal park, situated on the outskirts of the old town, provides a home for over 100 species of animal ranging from indigenous animals such as donkeys and ponies to exotic creatures such as meercats, prairie dogs, porcupines and various species of reptiles and amphibians. There is also an adventure playground which provides even more fun for the kids.