Eldena, Nature reserve in Greifswald, Germany

Eldena is a protected area near Greifswald covering about 420 hectares. It consists of wetland forests, natural stream valleys, and changing vegetation zones that shift with the seasons.

The area was designated a protected zone in 1961 by German authorities to preserve natural habitats in the region. This decision came from growing environmental awareness in the post-war period.

The northwestern part of the forest is called Elisenhain, after Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria, who walked through it in 1825. From 1898 to 1945 the Greifswald–Lubmin narrow-gauge railway ran through this section. At its southern edge stands the memorial stone of Greifswald writer Georg Engel, beneath which his ashes rest.

The area has walking trails where you can explore the different habitats. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and expect muddy ground depending on the season.

The area is officially classified as a Category IV protected zone, meaning it is designated specifically for protecting certain species. Many bird species use the wetland areas for breeding and feeding.