Your Favorite Places on the Island of Usedom
The Many Faces of Usedom Island
Discover Usedom in a whole new light, time and time again! In chic seaside resorts, in traditional fishing villages along the Baltic Sea coast, in the lively northern part of the island, at its historic sites in the west, and on excursions into the unspoiled inland region.
The northern part of the island moves everyone
When you drive across the Wolgast Bridge onto the island of Usedom, you’ve already arrived in the diverse northern part of the island. The Baltic Sea resorts of Karlshagen, Trassenheide, and Zinnowitz are perfect for your active vacation by the sea. The expansive beaches offer every opportunity to get active, from fitness to surfing. And the Vorpommern State Theater, a movie theater, and the museums of Peenemünde will keep your mind engaged.
Up north, the kids are taking charge
The northern part of the island also excels when it comes to family vacations. Accommodations like the Casa Familia in Zinnowitz ensure that you and your children feel welcome. Karlshagen even has its own children’s resort director. The mascot, Karlchen, guides the little ones through the vacation activities here. Oscar the seahorse from Zinnowitz and Fiete the fox from Trassenheide also know exactly what kids on vacation want. Just follow them!
A Restful Getaway at the Bernsteinbäder
At the narrowest point of the island of Usedom, the Baltic Sea and the Achterwasser are just a (amber) stone’s throw apart. Here, the seaside resorts of Zempin, Koserow, Loddin, and Ückeritz are strung together like pearls—or rather, like pieces of amber. This part of the island is home to the “gold of the Baltic Sea.” After stormy days, with a little patience, you can find it on the beach. What else you’ll find: peace and relaxation.
Uncovering the Secrets of the Amber Resorts
The former fishing villages have become authentic vacation destinations. The historic town centers have been preserved in many places. The myths, legends, and folklore of this region also live on. Discover the secrets of amber, also known as “tears of the gods.” Learn more about the tragic story of the Amber Witch. And then there was the golden city of Vineta, which is said to have sunk off the coast of Koserow...
That Special Something About a Vacation: The Imperial Resorts
The seaside resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin have a glamorous air about them—in the truest sense of the word: row upon row of stately seaside villas form a unique architectural ensemble dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dressed to the nines, these elegant buildings tell the story of their owners’ tastes—whether Baroque or Neoclassical, French or Italian.
Relaxation in the Best of Company
And it was not uncommon for them to be of noble birth! Emperor Wilhelm II himself stayed at the imperial resorts on Usedom. He was surrounded by wealthy bankers as well as renowned artists: Lyonel Feininger, Maxim Gorky, Theodor Fontane, Leo N. Tolstoy, Kurt Tucholsky, and the brothers Heinrich and Thomas Mann came to Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin for their summer vacations. Their splendor and the unique coastal architecture have endured.
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The Piers – Promenades Along the Baltic Sea
You’ll get a particularly vivid sense of the sophisticated atmosphere of the imperial resorts along the beach promenades. Even today, you can still feel the imperial charm here. As you stroll along the three impressive piers in Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin, you’ll be surrounded by water. Be sure to check out the wellness areas at the first-class hotels. You’re sure to find the perfect package for a relaxing getaway and a touch of luxury.
Expeditions into the Hinterland
Lace up your sturdy shoes or pack your bike—it’s time for an adventure! We’re heading to the Achterland, a natural paradise surrounded by the Achterwasser, the Szczecin Lagoon, and the Peene River. This is where the island of Usedom reveals its unspoiled beauty. It enchants visitors with the tranquility of majestic forests and reed-lined lakes, the seclusion of dreamy fishing villages, and the vastness of its moor and salt marsh landscapes.
Discover the “Usedom Island Nature Park”
Rare flora and fauna thrive undisturbed in the Usedom Island Nature Park. Amid this unspoiled wilderness, you’ll be surprised to find traces of human activity: place names ending in -ow, -in, or -itz are a reminder of the early settlement by the Slavs. Centuries-old fieldstone churches date back to the era of Christianization. You can also visit historic estates, stately castles, and two restored windmills in the inland region.
City Trip to the Beach
If sightseeing and shopping are part of your vacation plans, we have good news: Three cities are located entirely or partially on the island of Usedom. The largest city is Swinemünde, which has been part of Poland since 1945. The seaside resort became famous thanks to the regular visits of Emperor Wilhelm II and is sometimes referred to as the fourth imperial resort, alongside Bansin, Heringsdorf, and Ahlbeck.
Small Towns with a Rich History
The town of Usedom, steeped in history, is located in the southeastern part of the island. The historic market square—with its imposing late-Gothic St. Mary’s Church, the town hall, and the beautifully restored houses—is the town’s main attraction. In the northeast, the port city of Wolgast, with the Peene Bridge, offers the first point of access to the island of Usedom.
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