My visit to Usedom was part of a press trip organized by Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania tourist office. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I must admit that I had barely heard of Usedom six months ago. I (like most Swedes) had heard of Rügen and its beaches since childhood, but Usedom is still not widely known. Yet here, on Germany's second-largest island, you will find beaches that are at least as beautiful as those on Rügen, as well as several attractions that are difficult to find anywhere else. Stroll along the beaches of the historic imperial spa towns of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin, go on a safari on the roof of a jeep, explore the island’s darker history in Peenemünde, or hike among beavers and sea eagles on the wild Gnitz peninsula. Taste locally brewed beer at one of the island’s breweries, buy handmade ceramics and beach baskets, walk among the treetops, or simply sink into a warm pool at one of the island’s many spa hotels. There is something for everyone here.
Usedom is an island that works just as well in the summer sun as in the winter fog. I visited in early December, and the off-season tranquillity has a special charm of its own, with empty beaches and a soft morning light hanging low over the sea. Here are 12 sights and experiences that make Usedom a destination well worth exploring – whether as a stop on the way to the ferry in Świnoujście or as an easily accessible long-weekend getaway from Skåne.
1. Stroll and swim on Usedom's white sandy beaches
Usedom's beaches are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in Europe. Wide, white, and fine-grained, they stretch like a sparkling ribbon along 40 kilometers of the southern Baltic coast. In summer, the beaches come alive with colorful beach chairs, children laughing as they hunt for amber, and bathers soaking up the sun. Yet even with all the visitors, there is a calming quality to a walk along the shore—a tranquility that once drew emperors and aristocrats here over a hundred years ago.
Read more about the beautiful beaches: Usedom’s Imperial Baths – Elegant Towns and Historic Seaside
2. Experience a safari
You don’t have to travel to Africa to experience a safari! Insel Safari takes you through beech forests, wetlands, and lakes in a Land Rover, where you can often sit on the roof to fully immerse yourself in nature. Vibrant birdlife, cozy mulled wine stops, and landscapes that change around every bend make this a truly unforgettable nature adventure. Throughout the safari, a knowledgeable guide will share insights not only about the animals and ecosystems, but also about the island’s fascinating history. A full-day excursion that will leave you wanting more!
Read more about my safari on Usedom: Safari on Usedom Island – A Winter Adventure from the Roof of a Land Rover
3. Explore Wasserschloss Mellenthin
The charming water castle in Mellenthin is nestled in the heart of the island, surrounded by green fields and quaint villages. Today it serves as a hotel, but it also houses a restaurant, a popular brewery, and a farm shop selling the castle’s own beers, spirits, and freshly roasted coffee. You can sample the beer on a tasting tray in the restaurant before browsing the shop—so why not enjoy a long lunch at the castle, perhaps with a golden schnitzel? I picked up two Christmas beers in beautiful glass mugs, which were an instant hit at the Christmas table.
4. Hike at Gnitz – Beavers, white-tailed eagles and calm waters
If you want more than just a relaxing holiday and are looking for some exercise, a visit to the Gnitz Nature Reserve is highly recommended. On this beautiful peninsula, you’ll find sand dunes, wetlands, sheep pastures, beaver lodges, and calm waters that shift from blue to grey. Gnitz is also an excellent spot for spotting white-tailed eagles, and the island’s breeding eagle population continues to grow each year, thanks to the fish-rich waters of the Baltic Sea and Achterwasser.
Read more about my winter hike on Gnitz: Gnitz on Usedom – A winter hike at Achterwasser
5. Step inside Peenemünde’s powerful museum of WWII rocket history
In the north of Usedom lies a place where modern technology was born during one of Europe’s darkest periods. At the secret research facility in Peenemünde, Nazi Germany developed and built rockets during World War II—technology that would later form the foundation of much of today’s space research. Thousands of concentration camp prisoners were brought here to work under inhumane conditions, and many did not survive. Today, Peenemünde is a technical museum that tells the story of the facility and the broader history of rocketry and aviation. A somber yet important site, it serves as a powerful reminder of both human ingenuity and the depths of human cruelty.
6. Discover the craftsmanship of Tonwerk Keramik
In his studio atTonwerk Keramikcraftsman Daniel Graf creates ceramics with soul – every goat, body, chameleon and donkey bears the mark of a craft honed over many years. The workshop offers unique pieces for anyone seeking something more authentic than the mass-produced keepsakes of souvenir shops, with something for everyone. From striking garden decorations to beautiful, soulful statues, each piece tells its own story.
The workshop is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m., but Daniel is a friendly guy—so it’s worth giving him a call if you’d like to visit the studio outside these hours.
7. Classic views at the Heringsdorf Pier and Ahlbeck Pier
Usedom’s iconic piers are the island’s signature. The beaches here feel like they’ve stepped straight out of a romantic vintage holiday film, where women in white lace dresses and straw hats take leisurely strolls along the water’s edge.
Stretching 508 meters out into the Baltic Sea, Heringsdorf Pier is not only one of Europe’s longest piers, but also the very heart of the island—a hub for everything from morning strolls to dinners framed by romantic sunsets. At the base of the pier, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops that come alive with visitors during the summer months.
Ahlbeck Pier, with its iconic white-painted pavilion, is one of the most photographed spots on Usedom—and it’s easy to see why. The pier is more than just a structure; it captures the very essence of the island, especially in summer, when the warm, fine-grained sand is dotted with colorful beach chairs.
8. At high altitude on the Usedom Treetop Walk
High above the treetops of Usedom awaits the Usedom Treetop Path - a winding walk through the forest canopy. The trail is lined with informative signs about the island’s animals and natural habitats and culminates in a tall observation tower offering sweeping views of the sea, resort towns, and beaches. For those who love panoramic vistas and aren’t afraid of heights, the Usedom Treetop Path is an absolute must-visit.
During the Christmas season, the treetop walkway is adorned with festive lights and lined with glowing decorations and kiosks serving mulled wine. Try to visit during the “blue hour,” just before nightfall, to enjoy both the panoramic views and the magical holiday lights.
9. Taste local beer Usedomer Brauhaus
After a lovely bike ride along the sea, I rested my legs at the cozy Usedomer Brauhaus in Heringsdorf. The brewery, the island’s own, is a popular stop for both beer lovers and diners. Here, you can enjoy a glass of freshly brewed lager while soaking up the warm, family-like atmosphere that only a true craft brewery can offer. During the Christmas season, Christmas beer is brewed, and there are often several seasonal specials on tap. In summer, the outdoor beer garden is the perfect place to relax.
10. Go to a spa
Usedom has long been a haven for wellness, and today the island offers an extensive range of spa experiences. Along the coast, numerous hotels and facilities invite visitors to soak in mineral-rich baths or enjoy relaxing massages and skin treatments inspired by the sea and the surrounding nature. Many of these hotels feature everything from saunas and steam rooms to warm outdoor pools.
Whether you are looking for an hour of relaxation or a whole week of wellness, Usedom has something to offer. I tried the spa at Steigenberger Grand hotel and on Beach Hotel Ostseeblick, which I recommend both. The hotel's spa facilities are included if you stay at the hotel.
11. Pedal your way through the imperial seaside resorts
One of the best ways to experience Usedom’s legendary imperial seaside resorts is by bike, and most hotels offer bicycles for borrowing or rental. Take a leisurely ride along well-maintained cycle paths through Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin, passing the island’s stunning stately villas—built in the era when emperors, princes, and artists flocked to Usedom for the summer. White wooden façades, ornate verandas, and classical columns frame these fairytale-like homes.
You can go by bike all the way to the Polish border, where there is also a monument where you can stand with one foot in Poland and the other in Germany.
12. Visit the beach basket maker Korbwerk
On Usedom, there is a craft closely tied to the Baltic Sea bathing culture—the iconic striped beach basket. If you want to see how these baskets are still made by hand, a visit to the beach basket manufacturerBasketwork is a must. Here, the baskets are crafted using the traditional art of braiding and shaping, with pride and skill. Today, they are mainly made from wood, artificial rattan, and durable plastic straps, as the classic rattan chairs don’t hold up well to the Baltic winds. Each basket is a small masterpiece—stylish, functional, and unmistakably Usedom.
You can even order these beach chairs to Sweden, and I’ve found myself tempted to buy one more than once. It would make a fantastic souvenir and would be perfect as both a sun lounger and a cozy coffee spot in the garden.
What are your favorites among all the attractions on Usedom? Please let me know in the comments if I missed anything!
Would you like to read more tips about attractions at Usedom? Check out my Usedom page.
Do you want to read more about Germany? Here you will find more articles about nature, cities, vineyards and hiking.
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