Ein Stück Usedom für zu Hause
Even in high season, things remain peaceful here: Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of the town of Usedom. Can you sense the centuries-old history in the island’s oldest town? The first Slavs settled here near the mouth of the Oder River as early as the 7th century. Did you know that the name Usedom is derived from “Uznam,” the Slavic word for “mouth of a river”?
The town of Usedom is located at the southwestern tip of the island, between the Peene River and the Szczecin Lagoon. The Anklam City Gate—the only surviving one of what were once three medieval city gates—welcomes you. It is considered the town’s landmark and houses the Heimatstube Museum. Take a look inside the late-Gothic St. Mary’s Church, whose striking tower dominates the town’s skyline.
Be sure to visit the state-of-the-art marina on Lake Usedom and have a chat with the sailors. Stop by the Usedom Island Nature Park Information Center in the Klaus-Bahlsen-Haus to learn about Usedom’s natural areas worthy of protection. Need a little refreshment now? For a healthy snack made with regional products, we highly recommend the Inselmühle Usedom.
You should definitely take a detour to the Schlossberg on the eastern outskirts of town. The view of Lake Usedom alone is worth the trip. A Slavic castle once stood at this historic site, and it was from here that the Christianization of Pomerania began. It is said that Bishop Otto of Bamberg converted the Slavic tribal leaders to Christianity here during his missionary journey in 1128. A three-meter-high granite cross reminds this memorable event.
Then you should visit the Karnin district of Usedom. Like a monument, the 33-meter-high framework of the railway lift bridge rises up in the middle of the Peene River. When it opened in 1933, the bridge was considered the most modern of its kind in Europe.
If you enjoy peace and quiet, the Usedomer Winkel is the perfect place for you. A trip toward Karnin is well worth it. In Mönchow, be sure to check out the late-Gothic village church with its 19th-century half-timbered tower. In the cemetery, you’ll be impressed by the Neo-Baroque mausoleum.
Before you reach Karnin, you’ll pass a lighthouse that you can rent as an exclusive vacation rental. From a distance, you can see the remains of the Karnin railway lift bridge. Take the passenger and bicycle ferry from the marina in Karnin to the other side of the Peenestrom and explore the Anklam Stadtbruch.
Join the nature park’s guided bike tours and explore the island under expert guidance. The team at the information center in the Klaus-Bahlsen-Haus will be happy to provide you with information about the various routes. Discover the area around the town of Usedom on your own. Hop on your bike and ride to the Lieper Winkel, to Stolpe, or to the Stettin Lagoon.
When dozens of bleating sheep are frolicking in the market square and the town of Usedom is bustling with activity, it’s Lamb Market time. Don’t miss this spectacle featuring these woolly four-legged friends. Other event highlights include the trike meet-up, the threshing festival, and the horseback riding and carriage driving tournament. During the summer months, you can learn about the town’s history on guided historical tours.
After all that sightseeing, are you in the mood for some good home-style cooking? Traditional North German and rustic cuisine awaits you at Gasthaus Natzke. At the Inselmühle Usedom, you can not only shop for regional culinary souvenirs but also enjoy a delicious meal. Can you decide between the Fish Polonaise, "Lokalmatador im Nest", Tutow Homage, and Schnitzel Duet?
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