Usedom Attractions | Excursions around the island

Along the Europapromenade:
The three imperial spas

A beach with trees and buildings along the coast

Bansin

The white villas with their ornate balconies stand side by side along Bergstraße. Stroll down the street to the promenade and walk out onto the jetty a little way out to sea. Looking back, you can see the beach, the villas and the coastal woodland all side by side.

Houses by the water, with a beach and trees

Heringsdorf

Here, a ‘quick look out to sea’ turns into a short walk. The Heringsdorf pier stretches more than 500 metres out into the Baltic Sea. Back on dry land, it’s well worth taking a look at the old summer villas, such as Villa Oppenheim on the promenade.

aja tip: Walk along the waterfront from Bansin. The promenade takes you straight to Heringsdorf.

A building with flags at the front and a footpath along the beach

Ahlbeck

A white bridge house, four small towers and the Baltic Sea all around. The historic pier is the landmark of Ahlbeck. In front of the pier stands an old Art Nouveau clock.

aja tip: Head down to the beach to take your photo. From there, you can get both the bridge house and the water in the same shot.

A person on a concrete platform surrounded by water

Świnoujście:
A trip to Poland

Breakfast in Bansin in the morning, then try some pierogi in Poland at lunchtime? You can do just that on Usedom. In Świnoujście, you can stroll along the promenade, take a break on the wide sandy beach and walk as far as the western pier. There you’ll find the Mühlenbake, a white navigation mark that looks like a small windmill.

aja tip: Hop on a bike in Bansin. The Europapromenade, around twelve kilometres long, takes you via Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck all the way to Swinemünde. Three imperial spas and two countries in a single day.

Usedom Attractions:
in the countryside and along the coast

A man and a woman are standing on a wooden bridge.

Usedom Tree-Top Walk in Heringsdorf

The accessible path winds gently upwards through the beech trees. From the 33-metre-high observation tower , on a clear day you can see over the treetops all the way to the Baltic Sea. There’s a playground for children at the entrance.

Find out more about the Usedom treetop walk

A man and a woman are sitting in a beach chair.

To the beach

Of course, a trip to the beach is a must, as in Bansin the Baltic Sea beach is right on your doorstep. In summer, you can spread your towel out on the fine sand and cool off in the sea. On windy days, you can zip up your jacket and walk along the water’s edge towards Heringsdorf. And when you fancy a break, you’re sure to find a spot on the sand from where you can watch the waves.

A group of people are walking through the woods.

Koserow: The Pier and Streckelsberg

The Koserow pier winds its way out onto the water. A few steps further on, thatched salt huts bear witness to the herring fisheries of yesteryear. Fancy a bit of exercise? On the Streckelsberg, woodland paths lead to viewpoints overlooking the Baltic Sea.

aja tip: Start in the woods and save the pier for the evening. You can wait for the sunset on the steps.

Langer Berg: High above the Baltic Sea

Follow the Bansin Promenade towards Ückeritz. You’ll soon enter the coastal woodland and head slightly uphill. At the Langer Berg viewpoint, the Baltic Sea lies at your feet. You can set off on foot straight from the aja Strandhotel Bansin.

aja tip: Fancy a longer walk? Carry on through the coastal woodland to Ückeritz and take the Usedomer Bäderbahn back.

A group of people are walking through a wood.

Gnitz Peninsula: A walk around the southern tip

Starting from Lütow, a circular walk of around five kilometres takes you through the nature reserve at the southern tip of the Gnitz Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll move from the banks of the Achterwasser to the cliffs along the Peenestrom. From the top of the Weißer Berg , you can see all the way to the mainland.

aja tip: Pack something to drink and save your break for the viewpoint at the Weisser Berg.

Discover more walking routes on Usedom

A trip into the countryside

Hop on your bike in Rankwitz and cycle via Quilitz to Grüssow. On the Lieper Winkel peninsula, you’ll cycle past thatched houses, through fields and with frequent views of the water. If you spot a lovely spot on the Achterwasser, hop off for a moment and stay a while. Back in Rankwitz, a fish sandwich at the harbour tastes particularly good after the ride.

aja tip: Pack a pair of binoculars. That way, you can keep an eye out for waterbirds whilst you’re taking a break by the Achterwasser.

More about cycle paths on Usedom

Women in white bathrobes are relaxing on sun loungers by the pool.

Usedom in the rain

It rains sometimes even on the ‘Sun Island’. You can still explore these attractions on Usedom even when it’s raining.

Peenemünde Historical and Technical Museum: The exhibition in the former power station traces the history of the Nazi regime’s armaments projects.

Phänomenta Peenemünde: Here you can lift a Trabi with just one arm or freeze your shadow. A museum visit where you can have a go at things – great for children too.

Mellenthin Moated Castle: When it ’s drizzling outside, why not make yourself comfortable with a coffee and a slice of cake? The coffee is roasted right here on the premises.

Tropenzoo Bansin: It’s tropical right in the heart of Bansin. Creatures are crawling, climbing and slithering about in the small tropical hall and the terrarium area. Children will also have fun exploring here.

Spa at aja Bansin: Swim a few lengths in the heated indoor pool whilst enjoying views of the Baltic Sea, then warm up in the sauna. You can do this as a day spa guest, even without staying overnight.

Usedom Day Spa

More indoor activities on Usedom

Frequently asked questions about the
attractions on Usedom

What should I have seen on Usedom?

For your first visit, Bansin, Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck are a good place to start. Strolling along the promenade, you’ll come across three piers and plenty of seaside resort architecture. For a second outing, the treetop walk or the Achterwasser are ideal.

Can I explore Usedom without a car?

Yes. You can reach the imperial spas on foot from Bansin via the promenade. The Usedom Spa Railway takes you to Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck and Koserow, amongst other places. To get to Peenemünde, you’ll need to change trains at Zinnowitz. The Achterland is well worth a cycle ride.

Which attractions are best to visit when it’s raining?

At the Peenemünde Historical and Technical Museum, you can visit the exhibitions in the former power station. If you fancy a shorter visit, why not stop for a coffee at Mellenthin Castle?

Indoor activities on Usedom

What can I do with children on Usedom?

At the Bansin Tropical Zoo, you can all go on a discovery tour together. If the children would rather try things out for themselves, head to Phänomenta in Peenemünde. There, you can step inside a giant soap bubble or lift a Trabi with just one arm.

Can I visit the treetop walk with a pushchair or in a wheelchair?

Yes. The treetop walk in Heringsdorf is designed to be accessible. A lift takes you to the start. From there, you can take a pushchair or wheelchair all the way up to the top viewing platform. The gradient is no more than six per cent.

How far is it from Bansin to Świnoujście?

The Europapromenade stretches for around twelve kilometres from Bansin to Swinemünde. Along the way, you’ll pass through Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck. If you cycle there and back, it’s around 24 kilometres. On top of that, there’s the distance you’ll cover in Swinemünde itself.

Where can I go cycling on Usedom away from the coast?

The Lieper Winkel is the perfect place for a cycle ride through the countryside. Start in Rankwitz and cycle via Quilitz to Grüssow. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and ride past fields. Back in Rankwitz, you can stop off at the harbour for some fresh fish.

Discover more cycle routes on Usedom

Where can I stay on Usedom?

The aja Strandhotel Bansin is a great base for your day trips. You’ll be staying right on the seafront promenade and can walk to Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck. Back at the hotel, you can swim a few lengths in the heated indoor pool or warm up in the sauna.

Discover the aja Strandhotel Bansin

Where do you want to go?