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, © TMV/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

    280 results

    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Christmas market

      • Next date: 12/11/25
      • All dates: 12/11/25 to 12/14/25
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Mulled wine with a sea view and last-minute gift ideas from regional traders get you in the mood for Christmas.

      Read more: "Christmas market"
    • © Schwarzblond

      20 years of Schwarzblond - The anniversary spectacle

      • Date: 11/16/25
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      In 20 years, SCHWARZBLOND has accumulated has accumulated a lot of supernatural things. A good reason reason to present the most beautiful, wacky and and most extravagant songs and costumes in one evening. Four octaves singing (Benny Hiller) meets haute couture (Monella)

      Read more: "20 years of Schwarzblond - The anniversary spectacle"
    • Climate forest Sehlen

      • Freely accessible at any time
      • Grüner Weg, 18528 Sehlen

      The third climate forest on Rügen was officially opened with a planting campaign on October 20, 2018. Over a total area of around one hectare, lime, elm and woodland edge trees were gradually planted over the following three years.

      Read more: "Climate forest Sehlen"
    • Sand sculptures exhibition Prora

      • Open today
      • Vierte Strasse, 18609 Prora

      The doors of our large glass palace open for you and lead you into a living sand landscape. Where artists cut images and fantasy from wet sand, works of art of creation also belong. Trees and plants together with man-made artworks form a living landscape.

      Read more: "Sand sculptures exhibition Prora"
    • © Angela Pfennig

      You walk along the edge of low rocks close to the water on a footpath ... - Goor - Muglitz nature reserve

      • Date: 10/25/25
      • Fürst-Malte-Allee, 18581 Lauterbach

      Guided hike with Hannelore Sievert | Participation: 15 euros

      Read more: "You walk along the edge of low rocks close to the water on a footpath ... - Goor - Muglitz nature reserve"
    • © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      Spa square Binz

      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The spa square in Binz - the center of the Binz beach promenade.

      Read more: "Spa square Binz"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Mindfulness Weeks

      • Date: 10/18/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Various events are planned as part of the ‘Mindfulness Weeks’ programme.

      Read more: "Mindfulness Weeks"
    • © Akka Olthoff

      Mindfulness Weeks

      • Date: 10/23/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Various events are planned as part of the ‘Mindfulness Weeks’ programme.

      Read more: "Mindfulness Weeks"
    • © TMV

      By bike to the "stony sea"

      • Next date: 10/7/25
      • All dates: 4/1/25 to 10/28/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Guided bike tour to the flintstone fields, please bring your own bike

      Read more: "By bike to the "stony sea""
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Full moon on the treetop walk

      • Next date: 10/7/25
      • All dates: 10/7/25 to 11/5/25
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Full moon hike across the treetop walk with fascinating views from the observation tower. Please do not forget a flashligth

      Read more: "Full moon on the treetop walk"
    • © DJH MV / Danny Gohlke

      Jugendherberge Prora mit Zeltplatz

      • Open today
      • Nordstrand, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Youth Hostel at Prora with Campsite. The longest youth hostel in the world is right on the Baltic Sea beach on the Island of Rügen. A great location - the campsite is also a cheap place to stay. In total, there are 400 beds in 96 rooms spread across four floors, most with shower/WC, 16 are wheelchair accessible.

      Read more: "Jugendherberge Prora mit Zeltplatz"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      »Spring of life« - Easter water collection

      • Date: 4/6/26
      • Seebrücke Binz, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Mindful Ritual for Easter

      Read more: "»Spring of life« - Easter water collection"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Pier Festival »Brass in Binz«

      • Next date: 8/28/26
      • All dates: 8/29/25 to 8/30/26
      • Seebrücke Binz, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Pier Festival »Brass in Binz«

      Read more: "Pier Festival »Brass in Binz«"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Baltic Swim Race

      • Date: 4/25/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Sporting challenge in swimming in the Baltic Sea around the Binz pier. Distance: 800 metres. Participation from 18 years

      Read more: "Baltic Swim Race"
    • © Kay Khambatta

      BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Concert with Jakob Heymann

      • Date: 10/22/25
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      With a refreshing blend of humour, musicality and satirical sharpness, the charismatic singer-songwriter Jakob Heymann proves once again that good music not only touches the soul, but can do much more.

      Read more: "BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Concert with Jakob Heymann"
    • Farmer Long

      • Lieschow Hof Nr., 18569 Ummanz OT Lieschow

      Spend happy and exciting days on Germany's largest island. But not just on Rügen, but on our great farm. Here you will experience everything your heart desires if you dream of a vacation on the farm.

      Read more: "Farmer Long"
    • © TMV/Gohlke

      Pier Binz

      • 18609 Binz

      The Binz pier on the Island of Rügen, with a length of 370 meters, is the second longest pier on Rügen after the Sellin pier.

      Read more: "Pier Binz"
    • Bergen City Museum

      • Billrothstraße, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      The town museum Bergen auf Rügen is located in one of the carefully restored buildings of the former monastery courtyard.

      Read more: "Bergen City Museum"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Beach walk: relax and discover

      • Next date: 10/7/25
      • All dates: 2/4/25 to 11/25/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The guided beach walk along the Baltic Sea combines exercise in nature with valuable information about the coastal landscape. The focus is on stress reduction, breathing and sensory perception.

      Read more: "Beach walk: relax and discover"
    • © TMV/Markus Tiemann

      Mindfulness Weeks

      • Date: 10/13/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Various events are planned as part of the ‘Mindfulness Weeks’ programme.

      Read more: "Mindfulness Weeks"
    • Banzelvitzer Berge campsite and vacation home complex

      • Am Berg, 18528 Rappin OT Groß Banzelvitz

      Surrounded by beautiful nature - in the mountains of Banzelvitz and directly on the Großer Jasmunder Bodden - you will find our child-friendly 4-star campsite and holiday resort. Happy children, relaxed parents, satisfied water rats and well-balanced four-legged friends - the ideal holiday resort.

      Read more: "Banzelvitzer Berge campsite and vacation home complex"
    • View of the experience farm Kliewe on the Rügen island Ummanz, © Erlebnis-Bauernhof Kliewe/Susanne Kliewe

      Experience farm Kliewe

      • Mursewiek, 18569 Ummanz

      Adventure farm on the Island of Rügen with cozy and comfortable apartments, own farm store and restaurant - located directly on the water. Many animals, horseback riding, a beautiful playground, bike and kettcar rental are guarantees for a great family vacation!

      Read more: "Experience farm Kliewe"
    • Binzer Mützenzauber

      • Next date: 12/27/25
      • All dates: 12/27/25 to 1/3/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Hearty specialities and aromatic soul-warmers - mixed with a good pinch of music and entertainment.

      Read more: "Binzer Mützenzauber"
    • © Biosphärenreservat Südost-Rügen

      Hands-on day for the Geo Day of Biodiversity

      • Date: 6/10/26
      • Vilmnitzer Weg, 18581 Lauterbach

      Children's offer of the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve for the Geo Day of Nature 2025

      Read more: "Hands-on day for the Geo Day of Biodiversity"
    • © Jiyang Chen

      For a cup of tea with Tim

      • Date: 3/17/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Binz

      Artist talk

      Read more: "For a cup of tea with Tim"
    • © Nikolaj Lund

      Clarinet! Viola! Orchestra!

      • Date: 3/14/26
      • Park, 18581 Putbus

      Orchestra

      Read more: "Clarinet! Viola! Orchestra!"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Nature experience hike

      • Next date: 10/15/25
      • All dates: 10/15/25 to 10/22/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Walk with an expert nature guide, depending on the season also mushroom picking (approx. 5 km)

      Read more: "Nature experience hike"
    • © Thomas van Elsen

      Landscape embellishment by Wilhelm Malte I Prince of Putbus - Between Krakvitz on Rügen and Lake Wreechen

      • Date: Today
      • Krakvitz, 18581 Krakvitz

      Nature awareness hike with Sonja Schürger, participation: 20 euros

      Read more: "Landscape embellishment by Wilhelm Malte I Prince of Putbus - Between Krakvitz on Rügen and Lake Wreechen"
    • © Mirko Boy/ hadiko

      Hotel bathhouse Goor

      • Fürst-Malte-Allee, 18581 Lauterbach

      In an absolutely quiet location, directly on the water and the biosphere reserve Southeast Ruegen, you will find here your ideal vacation hotel of the upper category with brine bath, indoor pool and spa area. Impressive is already the approach through the avenue to the colonnade of the classicist building built in 1818 ...

      Read more: "Hotel bathhouse Goor"
    • © artENSEMBLE THEATER

      Then the sky suddenly fell

      • Date: 10/11/25
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      An evening of theater based on texts by Inge Müller with the artENSEMBLE THEATER

      Read more: "Then the sky suddenly fell"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back