Usedom: Nature Park Exhibition and Town History
Accommodation in Usedom
Visitors looking to experience nature and historic sites during their stay will find two specific places to start in the town of Usedom: the exhibition of the Usedom Island Nature Park and the history of Schlossberg and Anklamer Gate. The nature park’s visitor information centre features a modern exhibition about this unique natural environment. It is located in the town’s restored former railway station, the Klaus Bahlsen House, which serves as the nature park’s information centre.
Experience the natural environment and discover the town’s history
The nature park also offers guided cycling tours in Usedom, which explore the island with an expert guide. The exhibition offers one way to experience the natural environment, while the tours offer another: exploring the island by bicycle with an expert guide. Availability and routes may vary by season; check current offerings before planning your trip.
The town’s history can also be traced through specific sites. Schlossberg, with its castle, lies east of the centre. The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1140 and was later expanded into a ducal palace. In 1928, a stone Latin cross with an inscription plaque was erected on Schlossberg, which is about ten metres high, to mark the anniversary of the Christianisation. The castle and the cross represent different historical associations with the same named site.
Anklamer Gate is the only one of Usedom’s three former town gates still standing: Peene Gate, Swine Gate and Anklamer Gate. The local history museum inside the gate documents the everyday lives of Usedom’s farmers and fishermen and displays notable historical exhibits. One room is dedicated to Albert Köster, a painter and photographer from Usedom. The local story therefore ranges from the site’s development into a ducal palace to the everyday lives of farmers and fishermen, as well as the memory of a local artist.
Vorpommern-Greifswald as a wider destination
The wider travel destination of Vorpommern-Greifswald offers further, distinct points of interest. The Baltic Sea Cycle Route, part of EuroVelo Route EV10, passes through the district. The Szczecin Lagoon Circular Route and the North German Romanticism Route are also regional cycling routes for exploring Vorpommern-Greifswald. The Ueckermünde Heath invites visitors to hike, cycle and ride there. Trail conditions and signage may change; check the latest information before setting out on a specific tour.
For culture lovers, the wider destination offers further distinct stops. The Juliett U-461, which serves as a museum, is moored in Peenemünde harbour and can be explored on a tour. Access arrangements may change; check the latest visitor information in advance. In Greifswald, the Pomeranian State Museum displays the Croy Tapestry, dating from 1554, a unique cultural and historical artefact from the Reformation era. In Anklam, the Otto Lilienthal Museum, a technical museum dedicated to a notable person, focuses on aviation pioneer, mechanical engineer and humanist Otto Lilienthal in his hometown.
The Ueckermünde Zoo is another regional attraction. It is home to more than 1,120 native and exotic animals representing 95 species, with daily feeding demonstrations. Animal numbers and feeding times may change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Ückeritz, Garz, Korswandt, Zirchow, Mellenthin.
For the overview of the wider destination: Amt Usedom-Süd.
