Kühlungsborn: Molli, Pier and Town Forest on the Baltic Sea
Accommodation in Kühlungsborn
Kühlungsborn lies on the coast of the Bay of Mecklenburg, roughly halfway between the Hanseatic cities of Rostock and Wismar. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first consider which aspects of this Baltic Sea resort you want to shape your trip: the historic narrow-gauge railway, paths through the town forest, the pier and beach promenade, or maritime and cultural attractions. These themes provide practical starting points for planning your stay in Kühlungsborn.
Find your bearings with Molli and the town forest
The Molli connects Kühlungsborn and Bad Doberan on the unusual 900 mm gauge. It runs every day of the year; as service frequency may change, it is best to check the timetable for your travel dates. This lets you include the rail connection in your plans without assuming specific departure times for your trip.
There are also distinctive landmarks within the town. The 133-hectare town forest lies between the two town centres, Kühlungsborn West and Kühlungsborn Ost. West was formerly called Arendsee, and Ost was formerly called Brunshaupten. So, alongside the names used today, you will also come across the former names of the two centres. The rail connection and the town forest represent different aspects of a stay: the route between Kühlungsborn and Bad Doberan on the one hand, and a large wooded area between the town centres on the other.
The pier, Strandstraße and harbour
The pier in Kühlungsborn Ost is 240 metres long and is one of the most striking structures on the Baltic Sea coast. Kühlungsborn Ost station is a starting point for a walk along Strandstraße, which leads directly to the pier. If you are planning time by the water, this route provides a clear point of reference between the station, the street and the pier.
Another maritime destination is the marina, established in 2004. It gives leisure sailors and fishermen direct access to the Baltic Sea and has berths for more than 400 boats. GLEIS 2 – Das Mollirestaurant is also located at Kühlungsborn Ost station. The distinctive red-brick building combines modern cuisine with a nostalgic steam-railway atmosphere. In this part of town, the railway, dining and pier therefore offer different options for planning your day.
For information about your holiday, the Tourist Information Centre at Haus des Gastes, Ostseeallee 19, is open year-round. It is a convenient place to get your bearings in Kühlungsborn during your stay.
Nature and outdoor activities in Kühlungsborn
The European long-distance cycle route E9 passes through Kühlungsborn. There are also numerous hiking trails and guided tours. Whether you cycle along the E9 or explore on foot via the hiking trails and guided tours, there are different ways to discover Kühlungsborn. If you like to combine exercise with a special theme, there is also an underwater educational trail for Baltic Sea enthusiasts. The Kühlungsborn climbing forest has seven courses.
Nearby, Riedensee lies between Kühlungsborn and Kägsdorf. This unspoilt coastal lake is one of the last of its kind on the southern Baltic Sea coast. It adds a distinctive landscape feature alongside the beach, forest and attractions in town.
History and creative activities
The buildings, too, tell stories of different eras. At around 800 years old, St. John’s Church is the oldest building in Kühlungsborn. The façades of the Baltic Sea resort display an ornamental style dating from the 19th century. The Type BT11 border tower of the 6th Border Company stands directly on the beach promenade and has an accompanying museum. The church, façades and tower each offer their own historical perspective.
Laetitia Pottery offers traditional pottery classes for adults and children. In an amber workshop, participants hand-polish natural amber and use it to make items such as necklaces, key rings or worry stones. Another creative activity uses materials washed ashore by the sea: driftwood, stones, sea glass, shells, amber and feathers are made into artworks; washed-up rubbish can also be reused. If a particular class is important to your trip, check the latest dates in advance. When choosing your accommodation, you can also consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on nature, maritime themes or culture.
More about the destination
Useful information for planning your trip:
