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.

  • Hike through the coastal forest near Lietzow // © MV-T/outdoor-visions.com

    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

    378 results

    • © Pixabay

      Review · Literary encounters in the library

      • Next date: 7/30/26
      • All dates: 1/29/26 to 11/26/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Readers of the Binz library exchange experiences and ideas in a relaxed atmosphere, discussing books they have read and literary recommendations.

      Read more: "Review · Literary encounters in the library"
    • © Shutterstock

      Binz holiday fun

      • Next date: 7/7/26
      • All dates: 7/7/26 to 8/20/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      ‘Crafting with natural materials’ is the name of the creative course for children aged 6 and over. Small gifts are made from beach finds. Bring them along. We do handicrafts together.

      Read more: "Binz holiday fun"
    • © Parktheater Edelbruch

      Cultural cutter for children

      • Next date: 8/12/26
      • All dates: 7/1/26 to 8/12/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      A colourful, creative crew performs on the KulturKutter in July and August. There is a varied programme for the whole family every Monday & Wednesday afternoon. Tip: On Sundays & Tuesdays, the evening programme invites you to enjoy creative entertainment - sometimes humorous, sometimes touching, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet.

      Read more: "Cultural cutter for children"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Silent Cinema Open Air

      • Date: 7/31/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      In summer, films flicker across a big screen every Friday against the backdrop of the Baltic Sea in Binz. The highlight: You can design the sound yourself, with headphones to borrow (deposit required on site).

      Read more: "Silent Cinema Open Air"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie/NEZR

      Blue hour on the treetop walk

      • Next date: 7/8/26
      • All dates: 7/8/26 to 8/19/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Why is twilight called the "blue hour" and what is actually so special about the color blue?

      Read more: "Blue hour on the treetop walk"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      SEASON OPEN AIR BINZ

      • Date: 7/18/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Great evening concerts on the Binzer Kurplatz with national and international musicians await you at the ‘SEASON Musiksommer Binzer Bucht’ event series.

      Read more: "SEASON OPEN AIR BINZ"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Family adventure: Forest Olympics

      • Next date: 7/7/26
      • All dates: 7/7/26 to 8/4/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      In the forest arena, family teams compete in the long throw, cone race and scent test. Along the way, there are interesting facts about the treetop walk, which can be visited individually after the award ceremony.

      Read more: "Family adventure: Forest Olympics"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Holy Mass

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 2/23/25 to 12/27/26
      • Klünderberg, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Holy Mass

      Read more: "Holy Mass"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Bus tour: Hiddensee Island

      • Next date: 7/8/26
      • All dates: 4/1/26 to 8/28/26
      • Dollahner Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The bus tour takes you to Hiddensee. In Schaprode crossing by ferry, guided tour of the island, free time.

      Read more: "Bus tour: Hiddensee Island"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie AG/NEZR

      Picnic on the treetop walk

      • Next date: 7/9/26
      • All dates: 7/2/26 to 8/27/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      A feast for the palate and pure nature! The in-house Boomhus gastronomy prepares selected delicacies for you in a picnic basket (variants "Classic" and "Vegan"). The filled picnic basket is handed over at the entrance to the tree-top walk ...

      Read more: "Picnic on the treetop walk"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Kurplatz sounds

      • Date: 8/4/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music and entertainment in the afternoon - sea view included

      Read more: "Kurplatz sounds"
    • Genusswerkstatt Binz - restaurant on the 5th floor of the Rugard Thermal Strandhotel // © Hotel Arkona Dr. Hutter eK

      Pleasure workshop Binz

      • Temporarily closed
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Binz

      Enjoy with sea view on the Island of Rügen. Gourmet chef Robert Schindler inspires in his Genusswerkstatt with an exquisite Nordic-seasonal cuisine on the 5th floor of the Rugard Thermal Strandhotel with a view of the sea and the chalk coast.

      Read more: "Pleasure workshop Binz"
    • Martinshafen bei Sagard // © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      Martinshafen Sagard

      • Neuhof, 18551 Sagard

      More than 100 years ago, the Martinshafen, which was intended for loading chalk, was built on the Großer Jasmunder Bodden near Neuhof with the harbor basin and breakwater that still exist today.

      Read more: "Martinshafen Sagard"
    • Group picture // © Vokalgruppe VIP

      "Between the worlds" concert

      • Date: 7/26/26
      • Landow, 18573 Dreschvitz

      Concert vocal group VIP

      Read more: ""Between the worlds" concert"
    • © Hinz privat

      Kurplatz sounds

      • Date: 7/21/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music and entertainment in the afternoon - sea view included

      Read more: "Kurplatz sounds"
    • © The Oldies & Friends

      Good Old Music - Forever

      • Next date: 7/29/26
      • All dates: 7/29/26 to 9/2/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      The Oldies & Friends Music of the 60s, 70s and 80s When music brings back memories Live music without playback airs

      Read more: "Good Old Music - Forever"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Schmachter Lounge

      • Date: 8/26/26
      • 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music & entertainment with sunset atmosphere at the Schmachter lake

      Read more: "Schmachter Lounge"
    • Platform at Putbus station with Rasendes Roland // © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      Putbus train station

      • Freely accessible at any time
      • 18581 Putbus

      Putbus railroad station is a railroad junction of local importance in the town of Putbus.

      Read more: "Putbus train station"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Bike tour in Prora

      • Next date: 7/8/26
      • All dates: 4/1/26 to 8/26/26
      • Dritte Straße 4, 18609 Prora

      Guided bike tour across the grounds of the formerly planned 4.7-kilometre-long KdF seaside resort of Rügen in Prora, with registration only. Please bring your bike.

      Read more: "Bike tour in Prora"
    • © Birgit Schuster

      Cultural cutter for children

      • Next date: 7/13/26
      • All dates: 7/13/26 to 8/17/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      A colourful, creative crew performs on the KulturKutter in July and August. There is a varied programme for the whole family every Monday & Wednesday afternoon. Tip: On Sundays & Tuesdays, the evening programme invites you to enjoy creative entertainment - sometimes humorous, sometimes touching, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet.

      Read more: "Cultural cutter for children"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Music in the church

      • Date: 7/9/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The summer concert series in the Protestant church in Binz will take place again this year. Experience concerts in a special atmosphere every Monday and Thursday from June 22 to August 27.

      Read more: "Music in the church"
    • © Michelle Dynio

      Waves & Beats

      • Next date: 7/14/26
      • All dates: 7/14/26 to 8/25/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Enjoy the sound of the waves and the pure beach feeling - with music and refreshing drinks for a little time out by the sea.

      Read more: "Waves & Beats"
    • © Freunde schöner Inselfunken e.V.

      MOONLIGHT PICNIC

      • Date: 8/29/26
      • Festwiese Lauterbach am Hafen - Eichendamm -, 18581 Putbus OT Lauterbach

      The third MONDSCHEINPICKNICK on the festival meadow at the pavilion in Lauterbach Bjørn Børge, Ben Benson and Dar Gucema will spoil you with music on the festival meadow at the pavilion. From funk, soul, reggae, jazz, swing, salsa to electro, it's all there! If you can't find anything to eat with your picnic blanket, you can hope for some hot snacks and cool drinks. So mark the date in your diary and enjoy a cozy summer night.

      Read more: "MOONLIGHT PICNIC"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie AG/NEZR

      From the shade of the sun to a shower of stars – an evening picnic on the treetop walk

      • Date: 8/12/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      From the shadow of the sun to a shower of stars – an evening picnic between a solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower! Experience the treetop walk in an exclusive setting. Our in-house Boomhus catering team will put together a picnic basket for you.

      Read more: "From the shade of the sun to a shower of stars – an evening picnic on the treetop walk"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Kurplatz sounds

      • Date: 8/2/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music and entertainment in the afternoon - sea view included

      Read more: "Kurplatz sounds"
    • Lauterbach harbor entrance on Rügen // © Sebastian Götte

      Harbour of Lauterbach

      • Freely accessible at any time
      • 18581 Lauterbach

      Lauterbach municipal harbour is located on the Rügen Bay in the south-east of the island of Rügen. With the narrow-gauge railway " Racing Roland" at the Lauterbach pier, it is an ideal starting point for excursions across the island. Restaurants and cafés offer a wide range of culinary delights.

      Read more: "Harbour of Lauterbach"
    • Island toboggan run with slide tower // © Paul Dehn

      Rugard adventure world

      • Open today
      • Rugardweg, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      In the forest area around the Erst-Moritz-Arndt-Turm, young and old can enjoy sport, fun and nature in the Rugard Adventure World - tobogganing at any time of year, slides, go-karting, minigolf, trampoline, nature trail, open-air stage, legendary places and monuments as well as a hotel with restaurant - all this in a geographically and biologically very interesting forest area.

      Read more: "Rugard adventure world"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Happy Sounds at the Heimaat

      • Date: Tomorrow
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music and good entertainment.

      Read more: "Happy Sounds at the Heimaat"
    • Trøstesang Ensemble am Wasser // © Trøstesang

      Scandinavian music for the soul

      • Date: Today
      • Landow, 18573 Dreschvitz

      Concert Trøstesang

      Read more: "Scandinavian music for the soul"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Barefoot concert at the beach

      • Date: 7/9/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Changing music genres and artists The exact dates are being planned, subject to change.

      Read more: "Barefoot concert at the beach"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back