Ückeritz between the Baltic Sea and Achterwasser

A beach between steep and gently sloping shores

The fine sandy beach slopes gently towards the sea. Along its roughly seven-kilometre stretch, steep and gently sloping shores alternate, with shady beech forests lining the beach. At the steep shore, a long wooden staircase leads down to the beach and opens up views of the Baltic Sea. The coast is therefore not a uniform stretch, but features a variety of landscapes. If you want to find your way around the beach, there is a designated naturist area and a beach section that is also open to dogs.

The beach promenade largely has the character of a natural promenade. There are cafés and snack bars in the surrounding area. During the warmer months, concerts and various events take place along the waterfront promenade, including Whitsun celebrations and a summer carnival. The exhibition at the Haus des Gastes offers a different focus: each autumn, it commemorates the Usedom painters. These offer different ways to experience Ückeritz when planning your trip: coastal scenery, events in the warmer months and a recurring autumn exhibition theme.

Nature trails with distinct themes

The Wockninsee nature trail starts at Ückeritz Seebad railway station and runs for about three kilometres through the Wockninsee nature reserve. Information boards provide details about the area's flora and fauna. The route also includes the Aalgrabe, a marsh channel between Lake Wocknin and Achterwasser, which you cross via a small bridge. If you are interested in the area's natural environment, this trail offers both a walking route and information about its habitats and landscape.

The nature of the area can also be explored from a different perspective on the Boden-Erlebnispfad (Soil Discovery Trail). It starts right beside the Usedom Geological Garden and takes you on an approximately one-hour circular walk through the world of soils, covering 1.5 kilometres. The two trails have different themes: the Wockninsee trail focuses on the flora, fauna and landscape of the nature reserve, while the Soil Discovery Trail focuses on soils. The approximate duration and distance provided for each route can help you distinguish between the two when planning your day.

Water sports and the harbour on Achterwasser

Windsport Usedom offers sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding lessons in Ückeritz. A sailing and surfing school is based at Ückeritz sports boat harbour. Beginners and children can hire boats, surfboards and other equipment there. The options range from lessons in several water sports to equipment hire at the harbour; the activity you are interested in may help shape your plans.

The sports boat harbour is on Achterwasser and has about 50 berths for boats with a draught of less than one metre. The harbour has toilets, electrical hookups and a car and motorcycle parking area. If you are interested in maritime activities, Achterwasser offers another part of the townscape to explore alongside the Baltic Sea beach.

Townscape and cycling routes

In the village area towards Achterwasser, you will find low houses, many with thatched roofs. They reflect the character of the former fishing and farming village. This rural feel adds a historical dimension to the coastal landscape, without limiting Ückeritz to its beach and water sports.

Cycling is another option to consider during your stay: in Ückeritz, you can hire bicycles and e-bikes locally or have them delivered by a bike-rental service. The “Bernsteinbäder Tour” is also offered as a guided tour through the Amber Spas. If you would like to compare other places for your selection, you can also find Rankwitz, Korswandt, Kamminke, Pudagla, Dargen and Mellenthin here.

For the overarching travel overview: Amt Usedom-Süd.

More about the destination

Useful information for planning your trip:

Ückeritz seaside resort, Windsport Usedom in Ückeritz.