Hiking vacation on Rügen

Active time out between the Bodden and the Baltic Sea

Author: Frederike Höhn
Published: May 26, 2025

Two women sit in the forest on the cliffs and look out over the Bodden at sunset.

The old wooden bridge looks as if it had sprung straight out of a landscape painting. To the right and left of the faded wooden planks, the water of the Liddow stream glistens in the sun, which on this day is moving across a blue sky with small white absorbent cotton clouds. Brown and white spotted cows graze in a pasture, an old sailing ship with its sails furled lies in the water and cornflowers, dog roses and poppies add a few cheerful touches of color to the green landscape along the edge of the path.

As if they had wordlessly agreed, Jess and Laura pause in the middle of the bridge and let their gaze wander. The two friends travel to the island of Rügen in search of nature and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Their goal: a hiking vacation on the Bodden Panorama Trail. It is quiet and peaceful here by the stream that carries the water from Lake Tetzitz into the Bodden. Only the rustling of the reeds in the wind and the calls of the flocks of starlings can be heard as they fly in formation across the sky. The friends stretch their faces into the sun and breathe in the clear air.

Two women walk across the Lebbin wooden bridge on the island of Rügen

The Bodden Panorama Trail

Quality hiking trail on Rügen

Here at the Lebbiner Brücke on the Liddow peninsula, the two students have already completed two kilometers of the Bodden Panorama Trail from the starting point in the municipality of Neuenkirchen. This means that the majority of the quality hiking trail awarded by the German Hiking Association still lies ahead of them. Over a total of 24 kilometers, it leads through meadows, forests, villages and fields along the Great Jasmund Bodden. The destination: the Baltic Sea beach in Mukran. The route can be hiked as a sporty day tour or in two day stages with an overnight stay in Ralswiek halfway through. But for Jess and Laura it is clear that they want to reach the Baltic Sea in just one day. So off they go! Let's get going.

The Bodden to the left and Lake Tetzitz to the right, the path climbs slightly shortly after Liddow and rises like a viewing platform above the water, which today throws up small, white whitecaps in the wind. Barley waves in the wind on the field at the edge of the path. Blades of grass tickle the legs of the two women, who are wearing short hiking shorts with their sports shoes on this warm early summer's day. Real hiking boots are not necessary, as the path is flat and well surfaced. When Jess and Laura reach the crest of the hill, they discover a bench framed by wild herbs and grasses, on which a fat caterpillar has already made itself comfortable in the sun. Well, you“, says Jess with a smile as she and Laura carefully sit down next to the animal islanders and reach for their water bottles. On the water of the lake, a swan glides over the waves. A sea eagle circles in the air. It smells of chamomile flowers, sun and summer.

Hiking vacation on Rügen

Where cat and rooster greet each other

After a few sips, the route continues along the reed-covered bank into the pine forest of the Banzelvitz mountains. From here, it's not long before the friends come across a cluster of thatched cottages. ”Moisselbritz” is written on the sign at the entrance to the village. The path that leads through the village is lined with fragrant country roses, herb gardens and fruit trees whose branches are already bearing small fruits. Swallows chirp, chickens scratch and somewhere a rooster joins in the symphony of sounds with its crow. A small gray cat scurries out from behind a brick wall, in front of which tomato plants sprout in the sun, and accompanies Jess and Laura part of the way, only to stretch out again in the sunny grass.

Shortly after the village, two thatchers dressed in dungarees stand in the sun and go about their daily work: cleaning and bundling dried thatch from Lake Tetzitz. The cheerful, cheerful sound of "Moin“ comes from under the beard of the man in front. His sun hat casts shadows over his face, which is nevertheless well-burnt from all the outdoor work. He cleans the cane bundle in his hands of the undergrowth and other stalks in practiced movements by pulling it through a large comb, then shaking the bundle open and tying it together on the binding stand with a sisal band. The bundles are collected in a large pile to be used on Rügen's roofs at some point, he explains to the women, who look on curiously and listen to him explain the traditional craft.

Two women picnicking on a meadow with a view of the Jasmund Bodden
A thatcher prepares the reeds for drying.

After a brief chat, we continue through a small forest to a hill directly on the Jasmund Bodden, which some locals affectionately refer to as the Rügener Carpathians. The view from up here over the water and the lush green fields is fabulous. The perfect place for a short breather before shouldering the rucksacks again.

The next stage destination is already within reach: the town of Ralswiek, which is best known for its beautiful castle complex and unique natural stage, where the St. Steubek Festival takes place in summer. A true spectacle that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. But now, in the afternoon, the town is peaceful. Colorful sailing and fishing boats dangle in the harbor, sail ropes on the masts rattle in the wind, tiny waves slosh in the blue water and Jess and Laura let their legs dangle from one of the many jetties. The boat ”Elligie“ is just casting off with a gentle whirring of the outboard engine and heading out onto the Bodden.

Tip: A short detour to watch the sunset on the Lietzower Hochufer is worthwhile. The warm light lends a very special magic to the hilly forest and the Great Jasmund Bodden. An absolute insider tip for one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island of Rügen.

Two women walking in front of Ralswieck Castle
Built in 1896, Ralswiek Castle has served as a casino and retirement home over the years. Today there is a hotel behind the old walls.
Two women walk through the Lietzow beech forest. The sunset can be seen through the crowns of the trees.
Wonderfully green: narrow paths lead through the beech forest in front of Lietzow.
Two women walking on the natural beach at Mukran. View from the air with the Baltic Sea in the background.
The destination of the hike has been reached: the natural beach at Mukran stretches for several kilometers along the Baltic coast of Rügen.
Two women look through the display case at a cake buffet at the bakery

Reward for the hike on Rügen:

Poppy seed quark cake on the Baltic Sea beach

The last stage of the hiking trail now lies ahead of the friends. Along the harbor through the Black Mountains, past the hilltop tombs from Slavic times, which, together with the slowly lowering sun and the shadows of the forest, create a mystical atmosphere. The canopy of leaves only clears again in Lietzow. The two run the last few kilometers along the Little Jasmund Bodden to their destination: Mukran on the Baltic Sea. But before Jess and Laura cool their feet in the 18-degree water of the Baltic Sea, they stop off at the Peters confectionery and bakery. The Rügener family business is now in its second generation and is located directly on Mukran harbor. Poppy seed quark cake, Frankfurter Kranz, black forest cherry cake, punch slices and much more can be enjoyed here with a view of the Baltic Sea.

And then the time has finally come: the last few meters, the solid ground turns to sand under your feet and the sound of the sea gets louder and louder. Mermaids screech in the sky, a family collects stones and thunderbolts, which go into a small orange bucket, and an elderly gentleman in a hat stands on the shore, throwing stones over the waves. Jess and Laura have arrived at the natural beach on the Baltic Sea, take off their shoes and socks and close their eyes in delight as they take their first step into the refreshing water. In the distance, you can see the white chalk cliffs of Sassnitz glistening in the sun. Perhaps the destination for the next day.

Rügen Bodden Panorama Trail

Here you can find the GPX track and further information about the tour.

  • Quality hiking trail Bodden-Panoramaweg

    • Length: 24 km
    • Etappen: 1-2

    The award-winning "Wanderbares Deutschland" quality trail leads through a picturesque landscape along the Great Jasmund Bodden on the Island of Rügen. On 24 kilometers between Neuenkirchen and Mukran in the northeast of the island, hikers experience the varied Bodden landscape without major differences in altitude and, with a little luck, encounter sea eagles or otters, which are native to the area, between quiet meadow landscapes and near-natural forests.

    Read more: "Quality hiking trail Bodden-Panoramaweg"
  • Content is loaded

    330 Ergebnisse
    • Krimvitz manor house

      • Krimvitz, 18581 Putbus

      The manor house was built in the middle of the 19th century and surrounded by a small well-kept park.

      Read more: "Krimvitz manor house"
    • Afternoon Tea

      • Nächster Termin: 10/23/25
      • Alle Termine: 10/23/25 to 3/26/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Binz

      Afternoon tea in the fireplace roomEnglish tea time with classic scones and clotted cream, but also fancy with a mint cream cheese sandwich. Accompanied by aromatic teas and fine snacks from the pastry shop. Reservation at the reception or under 038393 - 66 50 until 13:00 at the latest.

      Read more: "Afternoon Tea"
    • Concert life: Inselintermezzi - the classical music summer festival on the Island of Rügen, © Konzertleben e.V.

      Concert life: Island Intermezzi

      • Date: 8/30/25
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      "Island of Rügen Intermezzi" - experience musical treasures with us in the midst of the picturesque landscape of Island of Rügen from August 24-31, 2025.

      Read more: "Concert life: Island Intermezzi"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Open Day

      • Date: 9/12/25
      • Dritte Straße 4, 18609 Prora

      To mark the 25th anniversary of the Prora Documentation Centre, an open day will be held on 12 September: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. · Free admission to the exhibition. 4:00 p.m. Panel discussion on the former planned KdF seaside resort in Prora – culture of remembrance and perspective. From 7:00 p.m. Music and discussion

      Read more: "Open Day"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Music in the church

      • Date: 8/25/25
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      As part of the SummerConcert Series 2025, concerts in a special ambience will take place in the Protestant Church in Binz every Monday and Thursday in July and August

      Read more: "Music in the church"
    • © Stefan Schöbinger

      Special exhibition: Dimension of a crime...

      • Nächster Termin: Today
      • Alle Termine: 5/15/25 to 9/7/25
      • Dritte Straße 4, 18609 Prora

      Special exhibition: Dimension of a crime...

      Read more: "Special exhibition: Dimension of a crime..."
    • © Freundeskreis Kirche zu Landow e.V.

      Christian-Jewish service

      • Date: 8/24/25
      • Landow, 18573 Dreschvitz

      Christian-Jewish service with Rabbi Dr. Paul Strasko (Düsseldorf / Rügen) and Pastor Christian Ohm. Music: Kammerata Rugensis, Bergen.

      Read more: "Christian-Jewish service"
    • 29th Rügen Cabaret Regatta

      • Date: 10/4/25
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      "He doesn't just want to play" HG.BUTZKO

      Read more: "29th Rügen Cabaret Regatta"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Around Rügen (Rund um Rügen) - Cruise

      • Nächster Termin: Today
      • Alle Termine: 6/4/25 to 10/1/25
      • Seebrücke Binz, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Circumnavigate Germany's largest island in one day. On this cruise you will see large parts of Rügen as well as the sister island of Hiddensee and the Hanseatic city of Stralsund from the water in ten hours.

      Read more: "Around Rügen (Rund um Rügen) - Cruise"
    • © Konzertleben e.V.

      ConcertLife: Island Intermezzi

      • Date: 8/24/25
      • Parkstraße, 18528 Ralswiek

      "Island of Rügen Intermezzi" - experience musical treasures with us in the midst of the picturesque landscape of Island of Rügen from August 24-31, 2025.

      Read more: "ConcertLife: Island Intermezzi"
    • © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      Theater Putbus

      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      The classicist theater from the beginning of the 19th century still delights its visitors.

      Read more: "Theater Putbus"
    • Legendary Charenza

      • Nächster Termin: Today
      • Alle Termine: Today to 1/30/26
      • An den Anlagen, 18574 Garz

      Legends and research on the old Charenza on Rügen: A themed exhibition

      Read more: "Legendary Charenza"
    • © Stiftung Deutsche Kinemathek - Museum für Film und Fernsehen.

      Silent Cinema Open Air - Finale with silent film concert

      • Date: 9/4/25
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Silent film concert with Stephan Graf von Bothmer: »Safety Last!« Silent film classics with live musical accompaniment on the piano

      Read more: "Silent Cinema Open Air - Finale with silent film concert"
    • BINZ & FRIENDS: Söhne Mannheims

      • Date: 11/15/25
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      BINZ & FRIENDS, an exclusive series of events in 2025, presents grandiose stars in the Baltic seaside resort of Binz. SÖHNE MANNHEIMS have been an exceptional phenomenon on the music scene for 30 years. In 2025, they are on their anniversary tour and can be experienced live in Binz on Rügen on 15 November.

      Read more: "BINZ & FRIENDS: Söhne Mannheims"
    • Kurplatz sounds

      • Nächster Termin: 8/26/25
      • Alle Termine: 7/1/25 to 8/26/25
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music and entertainment in the afternoon - sea view included

      Read more: "Kurplatz sounds"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Hanomag Safari: North Muttland

      • Nächster Termin: Today
      • Alle Termine: 5/7/25 to 10/29/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Jasmund Bodden, Banzelvitz Mountains, Tribbevitz manor, Rappin and Neuenkirchen churches, Liddow filming location (Hello Robbie!), Grubnow and Vieregge harbours, Grümbke tower, Bronze Age barrows

      Read more: "Hanomag Safari: North Muttland"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Fireworks

      • Date: 10/3/25
      • Seebrücke Binz, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      After the live sand painting with Frauke Menger, fireworks will be set off into the night sky over the Baltic Sea.

      Read more: "Fireworks"
    • Egon Arnold. Watercolors 1990-2025

      • Nächster Termin: 9/23/25
      • Alle Termine: 9/23/25 to 1/30/26
      • An den Anlagen, 18574 Garz

      The fascination for watercolor is the characteristic feature of this special exhibition by Egon Arnold.

      Read more: "Egon Arnold. Watercolors 1990-2025"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Book presentation: ‘Mutig Mutiger Müther’ (Brave, Braver, Müther)

      • Date: 9/29/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The annual MÜTHER WEEK focuses on the Binzer architect Ulrich Müther (1934-2007). Various events will be held to honour his life and work.

      Read more: "Book presentation: ‘Mutig Mutiger Müther’ (Brave, Braver, Müther)"
    • © Kay Khambatta

      BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Concert with Jakob Heymann

      • Date: 10/22/25
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      With a refreshing blend of humour, musicality and satirical sharpness, the charismatic singer-songwriter Jakob Heymann proves once again that good music not only touches the soul, but can do much more.

      Read more: "BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Concert with Jakob Heymann"
    • BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Concert with Lars Kamphausen

      • Date: 10/15/25
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Lars Kamphausen's songs are a poetic journey characterised by gentle melancholy and sincere honesty. By blending indie pop and folk, he creates an atmosphere of intimacy that makes each song a little experience in itself.

      Read more: "BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Concert with Lars Kamphausen"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Mensch MÜTHER: Layers and stories

      • Date: 10/2/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The MÜTHER theme week focuses on the master builder Ulrich Müther (1934-2007) from Binz, who would have been 90 years old on 21 July 1934. An excellent occasion to honour his person and his work.

      Read more: "Mensch MÜTHER: Layers and stories"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      4th Binz New Year's Eve Run

      • Date: 12/31/25
      • Proraer Chaussee, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Hourly run with music for individual starters and relay teams

      Read more: "4th Binz New Year's Eve Run"
    • © DLRG/NIVEA

      DLRG / NIVEA beach festival

      • Date: Tomorrow
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The DLRG/NIVEA beach festival tour is also a guest in Binz this year. It's all about fun, games and good humour. Beach festival visitors can let off steam on a bouncy castle, do a puzzle on bathing rules, try out rescue equipment or learn first aid techniques. There will also be tips for good sun protection.

      Read more: "DLRG / NIVEA beach festival"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus | Ch. Thiele

      Schmachter Market

      • Nächster Termin: 8/22/25
      • Alle Termine: 5/3/24 to 9/26/25
      • 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      With regional products, handmade unique items from local production and decorative arts and crafts from regional suppliers.

      Read more: "Schmachter Market"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Special bus tour: Island of Lolland and Falster

      • Date: 9/9/25
      • Dollahner Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The bus tour takes you from Rügen via the Rostock ferry port to Gedser, on to the island of Falster with the charming town of Nykøbing, then across the Guldborg Sound to the picturesque harbour of Guldborg and the ‘Middelaldercentret’ museum (admission included).

      Read more: "Special bus tour: Island of Lolland and Falster"
    • © Vogeltouren MV/ Kevin Hempel

      Sea eagle tour Island of Rügen

      • Nächster Termin: 9/18/25
      • Alle Termine: 9/18/25 to 10/23/25
      • Am Bodden, 18528 Buschvitz

      With 44 breeding pairs, the Island of Rügen is one of the largest breeding areas for white-tailed eagles in Germany. On my tour, you can observe the majestic birds in their natural habitat and, with luck, photograph them. Be enchanted by the breathtaking scenery.

      Read more: "Sea eagle tour Island of Rügen"
    • Survival Camp

      • Nächster Termin: 8/25/25
      • Alle Termine: 5/5/25 to 9/29/25
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Educational hours with and in nature, be it building a shelter, sneaking up and more. Please bring sturdy shoes.

      Read more: "Survival Camp"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Wasser & Dampf - Baltic Sea Boat Tour and Steam Train Trip

      • Nächster Termin: Today
      • Alle Termine: 6/25/25 to 10/26/25
      • Seebrücke Binz, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      With this combination ticket you can combine two experiences in one day: Rügen from the Baltic Sea by boat and historic steam train flair on the narrow gauge-railway "Rasender Roland".

      Read more: "Wasser & Dampf - Baltic Sea Boat Tour and Steam Train Trip"
    • © Alex Bergstedt

      Piano concert with Alex Bergstedt and Christine Meinert

      • Date: 9/28/25
      • August-Bebel-Straße, 18551 Sagard

      Piano concert with Alex Bergstedt and Christine Meinert. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann and others.

      Read more: "Piano concert with Alex Bergstedt and Christine Meinert"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back
    Protected by