Usedom Excursion Ideas

Ahlbeck Pier
It is the landmark not only of the seaside resort of Ahlbeck, but of the entire island of Usedom. Built in 1898, it is the only pier from that era still standing on Germany’s Baltic coast. In 1993, the pier was extended with a jetty for ships to dock.

Otto Niemeyer-Holstein Studio Museum
The painter, born in Kiel in Holstein, moved from Berlin in the 1930s to a disused suburban railway carriage at the narrowest point of Usedom, which he named “Lüttenort” and converted into a studio. Niemeyer-Holstein became one of the founders of the Usedom school of painting, which still exists today. After his death in 1984, the studio was converted into a museum open to the public. Today, access to the memorial studio, located right beside the railway line, is via Hotel Forsthaus Damerow and a separate access road through the seaside resort of Zempin.

Peenemünde Museum Complex
In addition to the two largest museums, the Historical-Technical Information Centre and Phänomenta, Peenemünde is home to a number of other attractions, some of them unique.
An original example of the world’s largest diesel-powered submarine, from the former Soviet fleet, can be visited in Peenemünde harbour.
Toys from different eras are on display at the Toy Museum.
A former ship of the GDR People’s Navy is moored at the harbour’s western quay and is open to visitors.

Trassenheide Butterfly Farm
Europe’s largest butterfly farm opened in 2005 right beside a stop on the Usedom Bäderbahn railway in the Baltic seaside resort of Trassenheide. In a free-flight hall, a wide variety of butterflies flutter about in an authentic tropical climate amid lush green vegetation. Visitors can follow the butterfly’s life cycle in a highly engaging way, from egg-laying through caterpillar and chrysalis to the winged wonder of nature.

Kinderland Trassenheide
“Kinderland” opened its doors in 2005, directly opposite the Butterfly Farm in the Baltic seaside resort of Trassenheide. The many play areas and carousels keep little ones entertained for hours, while parents can relax in the cafeteria and keep an eye on their children. Read our feature, “A day at Kinderland Trassenheide with Leonie”.

Phänomenta Peenemünde Photo: © Karin Höll

Mölschow Dinosaur Park
A 1.3-kilometre circular trail passes around 80 lifelike dinosaur models. They range in size from an egg to several metres in height and length. The research camp offers even more information about these prehistoric reptiles.

Neu-Pudagla Geological Garden
Around 80 erratic boulders of various sizes from the last Ice Age are clearly displayed near Forsthaus Neu-Pudagla. Experts have even been able to identify the specific regions of Scandinavia from which they originated.
An exhibition on Usedom’s natural environment, housed in a building at the forestry centre, offers insights into a unique landscape.

Bison Enclosure in Prätenow
At the edge of Mellenthin Heath, a large woodland area in the south of the island, these large animals can be seen in their natural surroundings. The kings of the forest can be observed daily (except 24 December) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Easter–October), or from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

At Kinderland Trassenheide with Leonie

Our little granddaughter first visited Kinderland Trassenheide with us in 2015, when she was three years old. Back then, she spent at least a whole hour on the trampoline and loved the rides for younger visitors, too. She also climbed almost all the way to the top of the volcano by herself—but then didn’t dare slide all the way down alone.

Usedom’s Achterland

Usedom’s Achterland features inland lakes nestled among rolling hills, meadows, forests and heathland, as well as the coast of the Szczecin Lagoon to the south and the Peene River, with its large western inlet, the Achterwasser. It is a unique refuge for nature and an appealing place for curious holidaymakers to explore. Whether you’re travelling as a family, with children, as a senior or on your own, there’s something for everyone.