Heringsdorf on Usedom – Imperial Spa, Pier, and Vacation on the Baltic Sea

The Heringsdorf pier bathed in the light of sunrise, with two beach chairs in the foreground
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From a fishing village to an upscale seaside resort

This is exactly where seaside tourism on Usedom began. Did Chief Forester von Bülow have any idea in 1825 what he would set in motion by building the first guesthouse in Heringsdorf? By the end of the century, the former fishing village had already developed into the “Nice of the Baltic Sea.”

Seaside Resort Architecture and Villas in Heringsdorf

Even today, Heringsdorf remains one of the most popular vacation destinations on the island. You’ll be amazed by the magnificent summer residences that wealthy city dwellers had built around the turn of the century. The Oechsler, Staudt, Oppenheim, Hintze, and Bleichröder villas are definitely worth seeing. On the modern pier, you can stroll half a kilometer out over the waves of the Baltic Sea.

Villa Öchsler in Heringsdorf. A yellow villa built in the traditional seaside resort architectural style, not far from the Heringsdorf pier.
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Villa Öchsler in Heringsdorf

Naturally Healthy

Can you feel the healing effects while bathing at the OstseeTherme? Take a big sip from the drinking fountain: You can use Heringsdorf’s iodine brine both internally and externally. The 4-percent brine is drawn from a well 400 meters deep on the forecourt of the pier. This soothing remedy is unique to this location and is truly only available here.

Typical Heringsdorf

Heringsdorf combines historic seaside resort architecture with unique attractions along the Baltic Sea. Among its most famous sights are the pier, the magnificent villas, the promenade, the treetop walk, and Villa Irmgard.

  • An imperial resort town with a long tradition and the birthplace of seaside tourism on Usedom
  • The modern pier is the longest in Germany
  • Magnificent seaside resort architecture from the Wilhelminian era
  • A treetop trail that winds through the Heringsdorf Forest
  • Villa Irmgard, home to a memorial to the Russian writer Maxim Gorky
  • Europe’s longest promenade connects the imperial resorts with Swinemünde

 

It wasn't just wealthy city dwellers...

...but also painters, musicians, composers, poets, and writers were fascinated by Heringsdorf. The Russian writer Maxim Gorky arrived in 1922 to stay for nearly half a year. You can still visit his living and working quarters, complete with original furnishings, at Villa Irmgard today.

Heringsdorf Is So Beautiful

The photo shows a movie screen in the Baltic Sea. In the summer, movies are shown at the beachside outdoor theater in Heringsdorf.
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The photo shows an adventure trail through the curative and healing forest in the Baltic Sea resort of Heringsdorf.
The photo shows the sunrise over the pier in the Baltic Sea resort of Heringsdorf.
Summer Movie Night on Heringsdorf Beach

The Beach and Swimming in Heringsdorf

The beach in the Kaiserbäder is up to 70 meters wide. Is a beach chair an absolute must for a perfect day at the beach for you? Beach chair rental companies are waiting for you at all beach entrances. Would you like to do more than just spend time by or in the water—would you like to get out on the water? You can rent various water sports equipment at the pier. At the Sack Canal heading toward Bansin (beach section 2Y), dogs and their owners are welcome.

Excursions and Activities in Heringsdorf

Where should we start? There’s so much to discover in Heringsdorf. Begin with the observation tower on the treetop trail and take in a bird’s-eye view of the seaside resort. Treat yourself to a stroll along the motor and sensory trail through the curative and healing forest. Culture lovers will find plenty to enjoy at the Heringsdorf Art Pavilion, Villa Irmgard, and the performances at the Chapeau Rouge theater tent.

Bicycle Tours in Heringsdorf

Cycle through the imperial resorts just as the German-American painter Lyonel Feininger once did. One of his favorite subjects, Villa Oppenheim in Heringsdorf, is a stop on the Feininger bike tour. Riding along the promenade, you’ll cross the Polish border in no time at all and reach Świnoujście.

Exciting Events in Heringsdorf

There’s always something going on at the Concert pavilion in the summer. Experience amazing magic, pantomime, street theater, and acrobatics at the International Cabaret Festival during Pentecost. At the region’s largest street festival, the Heringsdorf Emperor Days, you’ll meet the Emperor himself. On balmy summer evenings, take a seat in front of the movie screen on the beach and enjoy the summer movie series or the photo exhibition “Images in the Sea.”

The photo shows the historic imperial couple during the Heringsdorf Imperial Days, which take place annually in the Baltic Sea resort town.
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Heringsdorf Imperial Days

Dining in Heringsdorf

You absolutely must try herring in Heringsdorf. Hardly any other fish can be prepared in as many different ways as herring. Enjoy it in a fish sandwich to go, or pickled, fried, or smoked at one of the many seafood restaurants. This elegant Baltic Sea resort also boasts two Michelin-starred chefs and excellent gourmet cuisine. Embark on a culinary journey of discovery.

Discover the Imperial Spas

A couple is sitting on the beach, reading on a tablet.
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