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.

  • 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

    272 results

    • © TAL (www.tal-photography.com)

      Workshop: Yin Circle

      • Date: 12/20/25
      • Nordstrand, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      The term ‘circle’ refers to a communal practice in which participants come together to enter a space of healing and heart opening. Immerse yourself in a peaceful Yin Yoga Special that gently touches your heart and creates space for connection with yourself and your surroundings.

      Read more: "Workshop: Yin Circle"
    • Guided tour of the resort architecture

      • Next date: 11/26/25
      • All dates: 1/1/25 to 12/30/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Guided tour along the Binz villas

      Read more: "Guided tour of the resort architecture"
    • © TMV

      By bike to the "stony sea"

      • Next date: 4/7/26
      • All dates: 4/7/26 to 10/27/26
      • 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""
    • Climate forest Sehlen, © Landesforst MV

      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"
    • Mari Boine - Songs for people and nature

      • Date: 3/1/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Mari Boine is a groundbreaking singer singer, musician and activist from Sápmi, Norway, who has been bringing the the Sami music tradition to the world. the world.

      Read more: "Mari Boine - Songs for people and nature"
    • Parkhotel Rügen, © Parkhotel Rügen

      Parkhotel Rügen

      • Stralsunder Chaussee, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      The modern and comfortable Parkhotel Rügen offers everything you need for a relaxing and restful vacation. Thanks to its central location in Bergen on Island of Rügen, you can easily explore the island's most beautiful sights.

      Read more: "Parkhotel Rügen"
    • BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Magic show with Allison Wonder

      • Date: 1/14/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Allison Wonder presents her magic show ‘Magie ungesüßt’ (Unadulterated Magic) at the Binzer Kleinbahnhof. Her performance promises an evening full of surprising moments – with magic that not only entertains but also touches the heart.

      Read more: "BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Magic show with Allison Wonder"
    • BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Comedy Quiz with Bartuschka

      • Date: 3/18/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      With her solo programme ‘Berlin Blonde’, the full-blooded comedienne Bartuschka, a trained mime artist with verbal artistry and physical comedy, will be a guest at ‘Blue Wednesday’.

      Read more: "BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Comedy Quiz with Bartuschka"
    • Concert with Alexander Imer

      • Date: 1/28/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The guest at »Blue Wednesday« is Alexander Imer, singer/songwriter.

      Read more: "Concert with Alexander Imer"
    • © Die Künstlerin, VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2025

      LISA MARIE STEUDE: Under the Surface

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 7/30/25 to 1/31/26
      • Dritte Straße 4, 18609 Prora

      This summer, the sound installation "Under the Surface" by Lisa Marie Steude will complement the exhibitions at the Prora Documentation Center. At the opening on July 4 at 5 p.m., a catalog by the Rügen artist will also be presented, which has been published in the series "East German Signatures" by the East German Savings Bank Foundation and curated by Susanne Burmester.

      Read more: "LISA MARIE STEUDE: Under the Surface"
    • © Landesforst MV

      Climate forest Haidhof

      • Freely accessible at any time
      • 18569 Haidhof

      The Haidhof climate forest covers an area of just under one hectare and is made up of red oaks, sweet chestnuts and hazel trees in combination with various woodland edge trees. At several planting events in the fall since 2011, guests and residents have been able to talk to foresters and forest campaigners about the climate forests on the Island of Rügen while enjoying children's games, campfires and wild sausages.

      Read more: "Climate forest Haidhof"
    • © Foto Schenk

      Christmas Concert »Contemplative to Cheerful«

      • Date: 12/24/25
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Alenka Genzel, soprano, and Frank Matthias, baritone, traditionally set the mood for Christmas Eve. Both artists inspire with their extraordinary voices. Classical Christmas carols and one or two pieces of music to sing along with will be performed.

      Read more: "Christmas Concert »Contemplative to Cheerful«"
    • © Marcus Skrzepski

      Advent in the park

      • Date: 11/29/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      You can look forward to hours of entertainment at the mulled wine pyramid in the park. Marcus 2.0 will be playing and singing from 3 p.m. onwards.

      Read more: "Advent in the park"
    • © theater putbus

      Fresh jazz into the new year

      • Date: 1/3/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Andreas Pasternack & Friends As always, the legendary Rostock Rostock saxophonist has brought illustrious and highly musical friends with him to entertain his audience with special and well-known music titles from swing jazz and pop songs to let the audience into the new year.

      Read more: "Fresh jazz into the new year"
    • © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      Ferry port Sassnitz / Mukran

      • Im Fährhafen, 18546 Mukran

      The ferry port with the shortest distance to Scandinavia. Whether a ferry, a cruise ship or a container ship, it is the perfect place for everyone to "see the ships".

      Read more: "Ferry port Sassnitz / Mukran"
    • Hike: Giants of the Stone Age - The houses of the dead

      • Next date: 12/30/25
      • All dates: 5/31/25 to 12/30/25
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Archaeological, natural history hike to the eight megalithic tombs with Katrin Staude

      Read more: "Hike: Giants of the Stone Age - The houses of the dead"
    • © Landesforst MV

      Glowe climate forest

      • Freely accessible at any time
      • 18551 Glowe

      The first climate forest on Rügen near the village of Glowe was created back in 2008. A mixed forest of common pine and English oak has been created here on an area of 1.6 hectares.

      Read more: "Glowe climate forest"
    • © Florian Melzer/im-jaich

      im-jaich motorhome site - camping right by the water

      • Am Yachthafen, 18581 Putbus

      In our water vacation world, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of your motorhome to the fullest. Our motorhome port in the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve offers you small motorhome pitches, each of which is only about 15 meters away from the idyllic bay.

      Read more: "im-jaich motorhome site - camping right by the water"
    • Vintage Wonderland – the glamorous burlesque winter show

      • Date: 1/24/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Glamorous, live and spectacular – experience an unforgettable evening in Vintage Wonderland with burlesque, acrobatics and live music.

      Read more: "Vintage Wonderland – the glamorous burlesque winter show"
    • © Jörg C. Jasper

      BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Comedy Quiz with Peer Daniel Köpke

      • Date: 1/21/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Peer Daniel Köpke, comedian and quizmaster, promises you an entertaining evening with guessing games for young and old alike.

      Read more: "BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Comedy Quiz with Peer Daniel Köpke"
    • Special exhibition: Hidden...

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 5/30/25 to 1/31/26
      • Dritte Straße 4, 18609 Prora

      Special exhibition: Hidden...

      Read more: "Special exhibition: Hidden..."
    • © TMV/pocha.de

      Romanticism bike tour in Vorpommern

      • Length: 293 km
      • Etappen: 7

      The Route of North German Romanticism links places of Romantic art and literature from Wolgast via the Hanseatic towns of Greifswald and Stralsund to Cape Arkona on Rügen with an intense experience of nature along the West Pomeranian coast.

      Read more: "Romanticism bike tour in Vorpommern"
    • Horseback ride through the beautiful nature, © Ponyhof Rügen

      Pony farm Rügen

      • Dorfstraße, 18528 Rappin

      On our family-run farm we welcome all riders and of course non-riders who want to spend their vacation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a rural idyll!

      Read more: "Pony farm Rügen"
    • © Silke Winkler

      Kolle witte Mann

      • Date: 4/12/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Fritz Reuter Stage Comedy by Dietmar Jacobs and Moritz Netenjakob. Low German by Rolf Petersen.

      Read more: "Kolle witte Mann"
    • © Stadtmuseum Bergen auf Rügen/Stadt Bergen auf Rügen

      Special exhibition Walter G. Goes "So near-so far. ARTus heads. A balance sheet & selection 2001-2021"

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 11/17/25 to 2/20/26
      • Billrothstraße, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      The special exhibition presents selected ARTus drawings created over a period of 20 years and focuses on people from Rügen.

      Read more: "Special exhibition Walter G. Goes "So near-so far. ARTus heads. A balance sheet & selection 2001-2021""
    • © Stephan Macke

      National Park exhibition “Insel Schatz Ummanz“ in Waase

      • Neue Straße, 18569 Waase/ Ummanz

      The little village Waase, located on the isle of Ummanz, combines the scenic indentation and the island and timbered idyll. The visitor information and a small national park exhibition are combined under the thatched roof of the ”Alte Küsterei”. The colourful diversity of the isle of Ummanz and the national park represent the main focus of the small exhibition that has been renewed in 2018.

      Read more: "National Park exhibition “Insel Schatz Ummanz“ in Waase"
    • © Stadtmuseum Bergen auf Rügen

      Bergen City Museum and Christmas market: free admission, face painting for children and "gingerbread painting" hands-on activity

      • Date: 12/7/25
      • Billrothstraße, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      Traditionally, the city museum opens its doors as part of the Bergen Christmas market with free admission and a varied program!

      Read more: "Bergen City Museum and Christmas market: free admission, face painting for children and "gingerbread painting" hands-on activity"
    • © Silke Winkler

      Rup un Rünner

      • Date: 3/7/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Fritz Reuter Stage Comedy by Peter Quilter. Low German by Tina Landgraf.

      Read more: "Rup un Rünner"
    • © 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«"
    • Baltic resort Binz municipality spa administration

      • Open today
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Binz

      The spa administration of the municipality Baltic resort Binz is located in the Haus des Gastes. There you will find the tourist information, event rooms, the wedding room, a game room, a reading corner and public internet access.

      Read more: "Baltic resort Binz municipality spa administration"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back