Bodden Landscapes in Vorpommern

Day 1: Barth – Neuendorf (Hiddensee) / 26 sm

According to legend, the town of Vineta was located where Barth is now: on the southern banks at the Barth Bodden, east of the River Barthe. It is the starting point for this round trip through the landscape of the Western Pomerian lagoons.

From Barth, you cross the Barther Bodden and first pass the southern edge of the Vorpommern Bodden Landscape National Park, which stretches from the Fischland-Darß-Zingst Peninsula to Hiddensee. The fairway before Hiddensee over the Schaproder Bodden is narrow and you often have to share it with the Hiddensee ferry.

The most southerly harbour on Hiddensee is the fishing harbour of Neuendorf. The landscape in direct proximity is extensive and close to the beach and nature reserves. In the Stranddistel restaurant, you can even get a taste of a beer that is brewed on the island. So there are several reasons to moor here.

Day 2: – Neuendorf · Wiek / 11 sm

From Neuendorf, our journey of discovery continues on through the scenically impressive Bodden landscapes. The destination is Wiek on the island of Rügen on the eastern side of the Wieker Bodden.

After leaving Neuendorf, we follow the Hiddensee fairway in a northerly direction and pass the island of Fährinsel Roschen before turning east into the fairway. We then continue along the buoyed fairway between the Bug and Wittow peninsulas in the Wieker Bodden to Wiek. Making your approach during the daytime is recommended. The harbour entrance is narrow and consists of two stone piers. If there is a strong westerly wind, there can be a swell in the southern harbour.

The Flotter Fisch restaurant, which is highly recommendable, is located directly in the harbour. Alternatively, a cycle tour along the coast to the northern shore of Rügen, with a break in the Zur kleinen Rast café on the steep banks just before Cape Arkona is worthwhile.

Day 3: – Wiek – Stralsund / 22,4 sm

The Bodden tour now continues to the day‘s destination of Stralsund: the route starts in the Wieker Bodden, followed by the Schaproder Bodden, through which the narrow Hiddensee fairway runs. Before entering the Strelasund, stay in the fairway between Prohner Wiek and Kubitzer Bodden. Mooring in the modern Stralsund Citymarina is unproblematic. The Citymarina is within walking distance of the Hanseatic city of Stralsund’s old town, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 2002.

The Ozeaneum gives Stralsund a striking silhouette and, as an open house, creates a link between the sea and the city. There are five permanent exhibitions on the theme of the sea. The Gorch Fock I in front of it is a floating museum which provides information on the history of the sailing ship.

The Zur Fähre traditional harbour pub next to the marina offers a truly rustic experience.

Day 4: – Stralsund – Barhöft / 8,9 sm

From Stralsund, you need to make use of the southerly fairway to Barhöft as sandbanks have been recently building up directly before the island of Bock and the southwestern coast of Hiddensee. The small harbour has a filling station and Barhöft is a hotspot for fishing. A fishing permit can be obtained in the Proviantkiste shop. With a wonderful view over the unique Bodden landscape,  you can also enjoy a good meal in the Seeblick restaurant.

Day 5: – Barhöft – Zingst / 24 sm

In Zingst, at the eastern most tip of the Fischland-Darß Peninsula, you can enjoy inhaling the sea air. The route leads through the Zingst fairway, south of the same peninsula and north, first past the island of Oie and then Kirr Island. Both are bird anctuaries. Accessing the island is only possible with an official permit from the Kur- und Tourismus Zingst GmbH (the Zingst spa and tourism organisation). The Zingst seaside allows visitors to enjoy the fresh breeze from the Baltic Sea on the pier.

In the evening, the quiet Bodden Landscape can be savoured in the Ponton-Café Kranichhaus restaurant, which is located right in the harbour.

Day 6: – Zingst – Ribnitz-Damgarten / 21 sm

Following the Zingster Stream’s buoyed fairway, you pass the only bridge in this area, the Meiningen Bridge. The route west of the Meiningen Bridge to Ribnitz-Damgarten is not for beginners, as the fairway is very narrow in some places and very shallow to both the right and the left. Following the buoyed fairway is absolutely necessary.

Before Ribnitz-Damgarten, you reach the Bodstedter and the Saaler Bodden, southeast of the Darß peninsula. Attention: it is particularly shallow to the right and left at the level of the Bülten sandbank. Ribnitz-Damgarten can now be reached via the Saaler Bodden and the Ribnitzer Lake. Ribnitz-Damgarten is located on the southern shore and epic sunsets are guaranteed in the pretty harbour.

The small harbour of this amber-producing settlement is close to the old town. The German Amber Museum is worth a visit. Fresh fish can be purchased at the harbour at the Ribnitzer Fischhafen (Ribnitz Fishing Harbour).

Day 7: – Ribnitz Damgarten – Barth / 25 sm

On the way back to Barth, you can again enjoy the Bodden Landscape in all its tranquility. You have to pass the Meiningen Bridge again, the Zingster Stream and the island of Kirr before turning south to Barth.

The evening ends with a wonderful view of the sunset at Barther Bodden in the Vinetablick restaurant.