10 Best Things to do in Usedom, Germany
Highlights and Experiences on Usedom You Shouldn’t Miss
When people think of Usedom, the first thing that comes to mind is its long, wide sandy beaches. And yes, they are stunning and undoubtedly one of the island’s top highlights. But Usedom has much more to offer than just a beach vacation.
I spent five days on the island in winter and was amazed by the variety of experiences. From historic piers to untouched nature and interesting museums, there was plenty to explore.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Usedom – no matter the season.
Usedom Overview
The island of Usedom is located in the Baltic Sea and is Germany’s second-largest island. About 80 percent of Usedom belongs to Germany, while the remaining 20 percent is part of Poland.
The largest German town on the island is Heringsdorf, with around 8,500 residents, while Swinemünde (Świnoujście) on the Polish side has a population of about 40,000.
What makes Usedom special is its a 42-kilometer-long, fine sandy beach, making it one of the longest in Germany.
Additionally, 30 percent of the island is covered in forests, and the Achterwasser, a vast lagoon, separates Usedom from the mainland.
With 1,906 hours of sunshine per year, Usedom is one of the sunniest regions in Germany.
The island is best known for its imperial spas Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin, elegant seaside resorts with stunning spa architecture.
As you can see, Usedom truly has a bit of everything – beaches, nature, and history.
1. Ahlbeck Pier – The Landmark of Usedom
Ahlbeck Pier is the oldest surviving pier in Germany and one of the most iconic sights on Usedom. Its elegant design and historic charm make it a favorite spot for visitors and photographers alike.
Built in 1898, the pier is known for its green turrets and wooden platform, giving it a timeless, nostalgic feel.
Stretching 280 meters into the Baltic Sea, it offers stunning ocean views. It is especially beautiful at sunrise, when the first light reflects on the water, or at sunset, when the sky glows over the horizon.
Did you know? You can even get married on Ahlbeck Pier! A friend of mine did exactly that a few years ago. It was an unforgettable celebration right above the Baltic Sea, with plenty of wind in our hair.
2. The Imperial Spas: Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin
Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin are known as the Imperial Spas. As early as the 19th century, aristocrats came here to enjoy the fresh sea air.
Today, these three seaside towns impress visitors with their grand spa architecture, a style unique to the Baltic coast.
A walk along the 12-kilometer-long beach promenade, which stretches all the way to Swinemünde in Poland, takes you past one elegant villa after another.
Many of these historic buildings date back to the imperial era, beautifully restored with intricate balconies and decorative turrets. They are truly stunning to see.
Heringsdorf boasts the longest pier in Germany at 508 meters, Ahlbeck has the oldest, and Bansin is considered the quietest of the three, which made it my personal favorite.
No matter where you begin your exploration, the combination of history, ocean views, and timeless elegance makes the Imperial Spas one of Usedom’s top highlights.
3. Zinnowitz Diving Gondola
At the end of the Zinnowitz pier, you will find one of Usedom’s most unique attractions: the Zinnowitz diving gondola.
Here, you can descend four meters below the surface and experience the Baltic Sea from a completely new perspective.
During the descent, a guide explains what can be seen underwater (in German), from fish and jellyfish to marine plants.
Visibility depends on the weather and season, but for children, this is definitely an exciting adventure.
From the outside, the diving gondola is a real eye-catcher. Unfortunately, I could not experience it underwater, as it remains at the surface during winter. If you plan to visit, be sure to check the season schedule and opening hours here in advance.
4. Usedom Treetop Walk
If you want to see Usedom from above, there is no better place than the treetop walk in Heringsdorf. This spot is definitely one of my island highlights.
The accessible wooden walkway winds through the treetops, leading to a 33-meter-high observation tower.
From the top, you get a breathtaking 360-degree view over the entire island, the Baltic Sea, and the Achterwasser, at least when the weather cooperates, which unfortunately was not the case during my visit.
The path is easy to walk, wide, about 1.4 kilometers long, and the ascent to the tower is only a gentle incline.
⇨ Opening times and prices
My Tip: This excursion to the treetops is especially beautiful at sunset. In winter, during dusk, it becomes a magical place as the wooden walkways are beautifully illuminated.
5. Heringsdorf Pier
After taking in the view from above, it is time to head back to the coast, because Usedom’s piers are true landmarks of the island. At 508 meters, Heringsdorf Pier is the longest in Germany and one of Usedom’s main attractions.
Unlike the historic Ahlbeck Pier, the Heringsdorf Pier was rebuilt in 1995. Today, it offers cafés, restaurants, and small shops, many of which remain open even in winter.
On a clear day, you can see as far as Świnoujście (Swinemünde) and sometimes even all the way to the island of Rügen. I am not sure whether Rügen itself is visible, but I could always see the harbor cranes of Swinemünde.
6. Coastal Bike Trail Usedom
Cycling is definitely one of the best things to do in Usedom. The island is extremely bike-friendly, and the coastal route from Karlshagen to Swinemünde is a fantastic way to take in its diverse landscapes.
Covering around 40 kilometers, the route follows the coastline, passing beaches, piers, and the famous imperial spas.
The trail takes you from Karlshagen through Trassenheide, Zinnowitz, and Koserow, continuing to Bansin, Heringsdorf, and Ahlbeck before reaching Swinemünde in Poland.
Along the way, you can stop at numerous sights or explore different beach sections. There is so much to see that I recommend splitting the route over two days to fully enjoy it.
The path is well-developed, smoothly paved, and clearly signposted, making it ideal even for casual cyclists like me. Getting lost, even without navigation, is nearly impossible.
If you do not want to cycle the entire way back, you can take the Usedomer Bäderbahn (UBB), which allows bikes on board for the return journey.
7. Peenemünde and the Historical-Technical Museum
Peenemünde is perhaps the most historically significant place on Usedom. In the 1940s, it was the site where the world’s first functional rocket, the V2, was developed. This rocket was later used as a weapon during World War II.
Today, the Historical-Technical Museum Peenemünde serves as a reminder of this period, showcasing how rocket and space technology had its beginnings here.
On the expansive grounds of the former military base, you can explore old bunkers, halls, and vehicles. If you are interested in technology or history, this is a must-visit spot.
For an alternative or additional experience, there is also the submarine museum “Juliett U-461,” where you can tour a decommissioned Soviet submarine and see it from the inside.
This attraction is still on my list, as I ran out of time to make it to the northern part of the island with so many other amazing things to see.
⇨ Opening times and prices
8. Achterwasser
The Achterwasser is a large lagoon that separates Usedom from the mainland, creating a completely different landscape from the open Baltic Sea.
Here, you will find quiet bays, reed-lined shores, and untouched nature. Away from the busy tourist spots, the lagoon is a paradise for hikers and cyclists.
The trails lead through dense forests, across meadows and pastures, and along coastal cliffs that offer beautiful views over the water.
Wildlife enthusiasts have a good chance of spotting white-tailed eagles, cranes, or even the rare kingfisher.
One of the best viewpoints over the Achterwasser is from the 32-meter-high Weißen Berg (eng. white mountain) on the Gnitz Peninsula. It is not exactly the Alps, but the view is still worth the “climb”!
9. Feininger Bike Trail
This scenic cycling route stretches 56 kilometers through the heart of Usedom, passing through peaceful villages, historic churches, and untouched landscapes.
Between Bansin and Swinemünde, the trail follows the same path as the coastal bike route mentioned earlier.
The trail is named after Bauhaus artist Lyonel Feininger, who spent time on the island in the early 20th century, capturing its landscapes in his sketches and paintings.
Along the route, there are 40 information boards displaying his artwork, often placed exactly where he originally created them.
Some of my favorite spots were the stations in Koserow and the more remote eastern section, from Gothensee to Kamminke. Here, I had the nature completely to myself.
You do not have to cycle the entire route. It is easy to choose shorter sections, which I did as well, especially with the unpredictable winter weather.
10. Koserow Salt Huts
In Koserow, right by the coast, you will find the last remaining salt huts on Usedom. In the past, these wooden huts were used to preserve herring caught in the Baltic Sea. The fish were salted, stacked, and stored here to keep them fresh.
Today, the historic huts house a small museum and a traditional fish smokehouse where you can taste authentic Usedom-style seafood.
If you’re not a vegetarian like me, you can enjoy freshly smoked fish straight from the oven, including mackerel, salmon, and of course, the island’s signature herring.
The salt huts are one of the last remnants of Usedom’s old fishing traditions, offering a glimpse into island life in the past. A short but worthwhile stop, especially if you love fish!
Final Thoughts
Whether in summer or winter, Usedom has far more to offer than you might expect. The island truly surprised me in the best way. Of course, the 42 kilometers of sandy beach are a highlight, but if you come just for the beach, you will be missing out.
Historic piers, stunning natural landscapes, fascinating museums, and charming towns make Usedom a destination worth visiting year-round. The blend of history, architecture, and coastal charm make getting to the island absolutely worth it.
Whether you prefer active days cycling and exploring or relaxing hours in thermal baths and cozy cafés, there are plenty of great things to do in Usedom, with something for everyone.
