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.

  • © 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

    333 Ergebnisse
    • © Robert Kreis

      Encircled

      • Date: 10/19/25
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      An evening full of wit and humor with Robert Kreis Often copied, but never equaled.

      Read more: "Encircled"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Painting pleasure »Congratulations, Caspar«

      • Date: 9/4/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Paint your own personal greetings card for Caspar David Friedrich's 250th birthday - a creative course for children aged 6 and over.

      Read more: "Painting pleasure »Congratulations, Caspar«"
    • © Michael J. Ruettger

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

      • Date: 10/8/25
      • 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"
    • © Adna da Silva

      Organ concert on the 340th birthday of J.S.Bach and G.F.Händel

      • Date: 9/14/25
      • August-Bebel-Straße, 18551 Sagard

      Organ concert to mark the 340th birthday of J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel with Alex Bergstedt on the historic baroque organ

      Read more: "Organ concert on the 340th birthday of J.S.Bach and G.F.Händel"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Beach finds - walk with collecting and crafting natural materials

      • Nächster Termin: 8/22/25
      • Alle Termine: 4/18/25 to 9/5/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      We go on a discovery tour together from the Haus des Gastes along the beach towards Granitz. During the walk, you can collect natural materials such as shells, driftwood, leaves and more, which you can then use to create individual collages. Participation from 6 years

      Read more: "Beach finds - walk with collecting and crafting natural materials"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Bike tour in Prora

      • Nächster Termin: Tomorrow
      • Alle Termine: 4/2/25 to 9/24/25
      • 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"
    • © Gemeinnütziges Sportschwimmbad Betriebs gGmbH

      Sports swimming pool Hannes Präkel Bergen

      • Open today
      • Ruschwitzstraße, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      Welcome to the Bergen sports pool on Rügen - the meeting place for wellness, fun and sporting challenges. Dive into modern swimming lanes, enjoy the thrill of the diving tower and relax in our inviting sauna area. The Hannes Präkel sports pool offers first-class infrastructure for swimming enthusiasts and an atmosphere that perfectly combines relaxation and sporting activity. Discover an oasis of relaxation and activity where water lovers of all ages get their money's worth.

      Read more: "Sports swimming pool Hannes Präkel Bergen"
    • © Hagen Wolf

      29th Rügen Cabaret Regatta

      • Date: 9/23/25
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      "Harakiri to go" KABARETT LEIPZIGER PFEFFERMÜHLE

      Read more: "29th Rügen Cabaret Regatta"
    • © Phil Os

      Binzer Variety Magic

      • Nächster Termin: 10/31/25
      • Alle Termine: 10/31/25 to 11/2/25
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Experience the full variety of a variety show with international artists. Hosted and presented by ventriloquist and magician Marcelini, you can expect a unique mix of artistry, comedy, magic and variety art.

      Read more: "Binzer Variety Magic"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Music in the church

      • Date: 8/28/25
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      As part of the SummerConcert Series 2025, concerts in a special ambience will take place in the Protestant Church in Binz every Monday and Thursday in July and August

      Read more: "Music in the church"
    • © Haus Düne31

      House Dune31

      • Nordstr., 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Exclusive apartments with modern furnishings in lovingly renovated architectural monument - idyll and relaxation directly by the sea

      Read more: "House Dune31"
    • © TMV/Gohlke

      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"
    • © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      Lietzow (Rügen) train station

      • Freely accessible at any time
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18528 Lietzow

      The Lietzow train station is located on the southern edge of the village and separates the actual village from the Kleiner Jasmunder Bodden.

      Read more: "Lietzow (Rügen) train station"
    • © Maria Schmidtke

      Hatha-Yoga Level I

      • Nächster Termin: Tomorrow
      • Alle Termine: 6/4/25 to 9/26/25
      • Nordstrand, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      This course is aimed at yoga practitioners with previous experience as well as yoga beginners or those returning to yoga.

      Read more: "Hatha-Yoga Level I"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Bus transfer to the Störtebeker Festival

      • Nächster Termin: Today
      • Alle Termine: 6/28/25 to 9/13/25
      • Dollahner Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The annual spectacle of the Störtebeker Festival takes place on the unique natural stage in Ralswiek. You can experience the adventures of the famous Klaus Störtebeker. Boy Tours offers a comfortable transfer with modern coaches from Binz to Ralswiek and back. Before the event begins, you have about an hour to explore the picturesque little town of Ralswiek.

      Read more: "Bus transfer to the Störtebeker Festival"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Pier Festival »Brass in Binz«

      • Nächster Termin: 8/29/25
      • Alle Termine: 8/29/25 to 8/31/25
      • Seebrücke Binz, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Pier Festival »Brass in Binz«

      Read more: "Pier Festival »Brass in Binz«"
    • © Alex Bergstedt

      Organ concert with KMD Rainer Goede on the baroque organ

      • Date: 9/21/25
      • August-Bebel-Straße, 18551 Sagard

      Organ concert with KMD Rainer Goede on the historic baroque organ

      Read more: "Organ concert with KMD Rainer Goede on the baroque organ"
    • © Rocco Dürlich

      BINZ & FRIENDS: Söhne Mannheims

      • Date: 11/15/25
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      BINZ & FRIENDS, an exclusive series of events in 2025, presents grandiose stars in the Baltic seaside resort of Binz. SÖHNE MANNHEIMS have been an exceptional phenomenon on the music scene for 30 years. In 2025, they are on their anniversary tour and can be experienced live in Binz on Rügen on 15 November.

      Read more: "BINZ & FRIENDS: Söhne Mannheims"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus | Lars Schneider

      Course: Yoga

      • Nächster Termin: 8/25/25
      • Alle Termine: 5/5/25 to 9/29/25
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Please bring towel or mat

      Read more: "Course: Yoga"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Cultural cutter for children

      • Date: Tomorrow
      • Elisenstraße/Ecke 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"
    • © Bauernverband Rügen e.V.

      What's blooming so beautifully?

      • Date: 9/20/25
      • Park, 18581 Putbus

      Many residents and visitors to the Freetz and Wobbantz settlements have noticed in recent weeks how colorful the fields and meadows in the region have become in recent years. Lush roadsides, flowering meadows and many flowering areas dot the agricultural landscape and are a feast for the eyes! But not only that, they also provide a habitat for many rare animal and plant species that have become scarce elsewhere. The FINC Foundation from Greifswald has now been managing these areas organically for four years and has also taken numerous measures to increase the diversity of species and biodiversity in this cultivated landscape in the biosphere reserve. This includes the cultivation of old cereal varieties such as "Pommersche Dickkopf", light rye, spelt, flax and buckwheat, which have almost been forgotten. To give you a better overview of our work, cultivation methods and goals, we are offering two guided tours of our "pleasure landscape" in Freetz and Wobbantz in July: Dates: 1st Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11.00 a.m. 2nd Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 4 p.m. Start: at the Reethütte Muglitzer Ort - 18581 Putbus Duration: about 1 hour Leader: Nature and landscape guide Ms. Elke Jander Cost: 5.00 euros per person We also set up our mobile wood-burning oven at the hut and offer fresh bread made from our foundation's own spelt flour for sale from 10 am, as well as tasting other products such as cold-pressed oils. You are cordially invited! Your FINC Foundation _____________________________________________________________________ Contact details: Elke Jander (ZNL), T: 0157 50474472, M: Elke.jander@genusslandschaft.org FINC Foundation, Freetz 3b, 18581 Putbus

      Read more: "What's blooming so beautifully?"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      NatureWorkshop Amber grinding

      • Nächster Termin: 8/21/25
      • Alle Termine: 5/5/25 to 9/29/25
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Grinding of raw amber for the production of individual pieces of jewellery

      Read more: "NatureWorkshop Amber grinding"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Cultural cutter for children

      • Nächster Termin: 8/27/25
      • Alle Termine: 7/2/25 to 8/27/25
      • Elisenstraße/Ecke 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"
    • © Kirchengemeinde Putbus

      Summer oasis - café and meeting place in the castle park

      • Nächster Termin: Today
      • Alle Termine: 6/24/25 to 9/9/25
      • Alleestraße, 18581 Putbus

      from now until the beginning of September at the castle church Putbus Drinks, snacks & homemade cakes cakes on a donation basis Crafts and games for all generations

      Read more: "Summer oasis - café and meeting place in the castle park"
    • © Maren Winter

      Cultural cutter for children

      • Nächster Termin: 8/25/25
      • Alle Termine: 6/30/25 to 8/25/25
      • Elisenstraße/Ecke Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Cultural cutter for children

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

      Music in the church

      • Date: 9/1/25
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      As part of the SummerConcert Series 2025, concerts in a special ambience will take place in the Protestant Church in Binz every Monday and Thursday in July and August

      Read more: "Music in the church"
    • Winter village at the Tegernsee beer garden

      • Nächster Termin: 11/30/25
      • Alle Termine: 11/30/25 to 1/3/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      It glitters and sparkles in front of the Kurhaus Binz. The aroma of spicy, fruity mulled wine and crispy grilled sausages fills the air. Welcome to the winter village on the beach promenade and enjoy the pre-Christmas season.On 23 December from 5 pm with DJ Maik Juch playing the finest deep house sounds.

      Read more: "Winter village at the Tegernsee beer garden"
    • Exterior view Hotel Villa Schwanebeck, © Franke

      Hotel Villa Schwanebeck

      • Margaretenstrasse, 18609 Binz

      The cozy-small hotel is a Binz-typical bathing style villa, it is quietly and centrally located in Alt-Binz, only 50 m to the famous beach promenade. Spacious double rooms, small suites and single rooms available.

      Read more: "Hotel Villa Schwanebeck"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Christmas market

      • Nächster Termin: 12/11/25
      • Alle Termine: 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"
    • © Schuetze webp

      29th Rügen Cabaret Regatta

      • Date: 9/25/25
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      "She would be too thin for me" CHRISTINE SCHÜTZE

      Read more: "29th Rügen Cabaret Regatta"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back