Cycling in Western Pomerania

The low elevation differences—with few exceptions—alone make the islands of Usedom and Rügen, the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, and the coastal hinterland of Western Pomerania an ideal destination for cycling holidays. Drawing on his own experience, author Christian Reich describes nine tours through the coastal regions in the triangle between Anklam, Sassnitz (Rügen), and Ribnitz-Damgarten. Shaped by Rüdiger Neeberg’s adventurous spirit and striking just the right balance of closeness and distance from the often individualistic inhabitants of the region, Reich describes the highlights of his tours in a relaxed, entertaining style (“If you think you’ve taken a wrong turn, you’re on the right track”). Cyclists can follow the routes in detail and relate to the author’s experiences and impressions—whether they agree with them or not.

The route descriptions along the Baltic Sea are supplemented with alternative suggestions and separate information on interesting subjects such as white-tailed eagles, amber, coastal dynamics, and other natural phenomena. Contact details and tips for excursions make planning your trip easier. All nine stages are presented in sequence and can be completed by experienced cyclists as day rides.

Stage 1: From Anklam to Neppermin on Usedom, about 50 kilometers. Information about the white-tailed eagle, which is almost certain to come into view here. With 13 breeding pairs, Usedom has the highest density of white-tailed eagles in Germany.
Stage 2: Usedom: From Neppermin to Karlshagen, about 40 kilometers, along Usedom’s outer coast.
Stage 3: Usedom–Rügen: From Karlshagen to Lobbe on Rügen, about 15 kilometers, plus a boat crossing from Peenemünde to Göhren, followed by a ride to Lobbe.
Stage 4: Rügen: From the Mönchgut peninsula to Königsstuhl, about 45 kilometers, along Rügen’s east coast, passing Binz, Prora, and Sassnitz.
Stage 5: Rügen: From Königsstuhl to Altenkirchen, about 35 kilometers
Stage 6: Rügen: From Altenkirchen to Schaprode, about 45 kilometers
Stage 7: Hiddensee: From Schaprode, take the boat to the island of Hiddensee, a gem among the German Baltic Sea islands, and free of cars. From here, continue by boat directly to Zingst, or take a detour via the old Hanseatic city of Stralsund.
Stage 8: Zingst–Darß: From Zingst, first head to Pramort at the eastern tip of the peninsula, Germany’s largest crane stopover site twice a year; then return via Zingst to Prerow on the Darß.
Stage 9: Darß–Fischland: From Prerow via Darßer Ort and Fischland to Ribnitz-Damgarten, about 45 kilometers.
From here, the author recommends returning to Anklam by train, with good connections, or cycling for two days along the Recknitz, Trebel, and Peene rivers.

Information:
Christian Reich
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: 9 cycling stages through national parks and nature reserves
Outdoor Handbook, Volume 134
Conrad Stein Verlag, 2004
€ 9.90 [D] / CHF 18.10
105 pages, 25 illustrations, 11 route maps
Format: 16.5 x 11.5 cm
ISBN 3-89392-534-1

Information about Conrad Stein Verlag