Winter on Usedom

The Promenade and Seaside Villas in the Snow — Andreas Dumke ©

Welcome to Winter Wonderland

In winter, you’ll be captivated by the magical atmosphere on Usedom. The gently dusted beaches are all yours. Hoarfrost glistens on the pine trees. We wouldn’t be surprised if you ran into Santa Claus in the secluded forests...

Your spoiling Winter on Usedom

Winter on the Baltic Sea is pure hygge. Where beach visitors lounge on the sand during peak season, you can now experience the silence. Let go, take a moment to pause. Do something nice for yourself. A leisurely breakfast at the hotel. An undisturbed stroll through nature. Soothing warmth at the spa, a hot chocolate on the boardwalk, a cozy blanket, and a fireplace—pamper yourself to your heart’s content!

Aerial view of Usedom's winter beach — Andreas Dumke ©

Celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve

During the holidays, Usedom is truly enveloped in winter magic. Festively decorated streets and the heavenly scents at the Christmas markets will make your life a little sweeter. Take, for example, the “Enchanting Winter World by the Sea” winter market, which takes place in Heringsdorf at the end of December. In many seaside resorts, fireworks light up the sky over the Baltic Sea at the turn of the year. In some places, the New Year is welcomed on January 1 with an additional fireworks display.

Christmas Lights in the Imperial Spas — Andreas Dumke ©

Winter Highlights

Seeking a Beach Chair Sprinter

In front of the stunning backdrop of the Ahlbeck pier, the Winter Beach Chair Festival is celebrated every year. The fourth weekend in January on Usedom is traditionally dedicated to the World Beach Chair Sprint Championships. The competition calls for teams of two who can carry a beach chair weighing about 60 kilograms over a distance of 20 meters. The team that covers the distance the fastest with the beach chair secures the world championship title.

Sled Dogs in the Sand

The Baltic Lights is Germany’s northernmost dog-sled race. Strictly speaking, it is a sled race on the beach between Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck. Since 2016, the Baltic Lights has been a well-established event in the dog-sledding community. Professional dog-sledders from all over Europe take on the challenge every year. With over 60,000 enthusiastic spectators, the Baltic Lights is the most-attended dog-sled race in Europe.

A husky in front of a sign that reads "Baltic Lights" — ExperiArts Entertainment / Adrian Fohl ©

The Sparkle of Usedom Island

Discover the festively decorated seaside resorts of Usedom during the winter months! Illuminated decorations, arches, and figures make the resort towns, seaside villas, promenades, and piers shine brightly during the dark winter months.

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A woman is sitting by the fire in a spa lounge and looking out the window. — MarTiem Photography ©

During a visit to a day spa on the island of Usedom, you can recharge your happiness reserves in just a few hours.

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Ice floes and snow on the beach at Koserow — Andreas Dumke ©

Bundled up warm, your winter hike will take you along the beach, over sunny cliffs, or through secluded forests.

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Woman in the Swimming Pool — MarTiem Photography ©

At the thermal baths on Usedom, it’s summer all year round. Just warm up, take a dip, and find your inner peace.

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Mild and maritime—your winter weather

Winter on Usedom is incomparably pleasant. The maritime influence ensures that the climate is milder than in regions with a continental climate. However, temperatures can drop below freezing even on the Baltic Sea in December, January, and February. When the cold bites, you’ll be treated to a special natural spectacle: massive ice floes drift across the sea, and giant icicles hang from the piers.

Questions for Winter

Ice bathing refers to swimming in open water at temperatures ranging from 15 to near 0 degrees Celsius. Regular ice bathing strengthens the immune system. It is important to stay in the cold water for only a SHORT time, as even experienced swimmers otherwise run the risk of hypothermia. At the beginning of the year, Usedom’s seaside resorts traditionally host ice-bathing events, during which participants even venture into the chilly water wearing costumes.

In most seaside resorts, a fee of 2 euros per night is charged during the off-season from November 1 through March 31; children under 6 are exempt. Exceptions are the imperial seaside resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin (2.40 euros) and the seaside resort of Ückeritz (3.20 euros). For more information, see “Visitor’s Tax” or contact the tourist information offices.