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

    391 results

    • © kvw/EMAM

      Legendary Charenza

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 4/1/26 to 10/30/26
      • An den Anlagen, 18574 Garz

      Legends and research on the old Charenza on Rügen: A themed exhibition

      Read more: "Legendary Charenza"
    • © shutterstock

      Course: Children's yoga on the beach

      • Next date: 6/6/26
      • All dates: 6/6/26 to 8/29/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      During the holidays, all children aged 6 and above are warmly invited to a very special yoga session right on the beach. Barefoot in the sand, with the sound of the waves and plenty of space for movement, play and imagination.

      Read more: "Course: Children's yoga on the beach"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Kulturkutter for adults

      • Next date: 6/28/26
      • All dates: 6/28/26 to 8/25/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Theatre, comedy & poetry slam for adults in the shady greenery of the Binzer Kurpark. Changing programmes in July and August

      Read more: "Kulturkutter for adults"
    • © Karls Markt OHG

      🍓 Strawberry season 2026 is finally here! 🍓

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 5/1/26 to 9/3/26
      • Binzer Straße, 18528 Zirkow

      The strawberry season at Karls Erlebnis-Dorf runs from May to fall and brings fresh strawberries, creative treats and summery experiences for the whole family. In addition to sweet and savoury specialties, self-picking fields and colorful events ensure a real summer feeling. 🍓

      Read more: "🍓 Strawberry season 2026 is finally here! 🍓"
    • © Sigrid Henschel

      Sigrid Henschel "O island that I mean..." - Pictorial thoughts on Rügen

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 5/19/26 to 9/5/26
      • An den Anlagen, 18574 Garz

      Photographs, graphics and montage art as visual translations for the experience with the Island of Rügen

      Read more: "Sigrid Henschel "O island that I mean..." - Pictorial thoughts on Rügen"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie AG/NEZR

      Children's Day at the Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen

      • Date: 6/6/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Colourful children's festival for island and holidaymaker children with excitement, games and adventure as well as lots of surprises. Participation is free of charge.

      Read more: "Children's Day at the Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen"
    • Wegweiser // © Rügener Landhandel

      Genusslädchen Rothenkirchen

      • Rothenkirchener Straße, 18573 Rambin

      The farm store in Rothenkirchen on Rügen offers regional specialties: cold-pressed Rügen rapeseed oil, honey, jams, apple chips, beef, farm cheese, spices, mustard, smoked salt, gift boxes, soaps, lip care, beers, handmade gnomes & rabbits - and much more.

      Read more: "Genusslädchen Rothenkirchen"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Pier Festival

      • Date: 8/28/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The Binz pier provides a great backdrop for the annual music festival at the end of August.

      Read more: "Pier Festival"
    • Der Baumwipfelpfad mit dem Aussichtsturm „Adlerhorst“ liegt inmitten eines Buchenwaldes in Prora auf der Insel Rügen. // © Erlebnis Akademie AG / Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen

      Natural Heritage Centre Rügen (Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen)

      • Open today
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      The Natural Heritage Centre Rügen with treetop path and experience exhibition is open 364 days a year so that you can experience and get to know nature all year round.

      Read more: "Natural Heritage Centre Rügen (Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen)"
    • St. Maria Magdalena Kirche in Neuenkirchen // © Tourismuszentrale  Rügen

      St. Mary Magdalene Church

      • Freely accessible at any time
      • Dorfstraße, 18569 Neuenkirchen

      The church of St. Mary Magdalene at Neuenkirchen is the Protestant parish church of the parish of Neuenkirchen on the Lebbin peninsula in the western part of Rügen.

      Read more: "St. Mary Magdalene Church"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Schmachter Market

      • Next date: Tomorrow
      • All dates: 5/1/26 to 10/30/26
      • 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      With regional products, handmade unique items from local production and decorative arts and crafts from regional suppliers.

      Read more: "Schmachter Market"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      SEASON OPEN AIR BINZ

      • Date: 8/8/26
      • 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"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie AG/NEZR

      High time for bees

      • Date: 5/26/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      High time for bees

      Read more: "High time for bees"
    • © Kurverwaltung Putbus

      Festival in the port of Lauterbach "Fier up de Pier"

      • Next date: 7/3/26
      • All dates: 7/3/26 to 7/4/26
      • 18581 Lauterbach

      This year's harbor festival "FIER UP DE PIER" will take place in a new guise on Saturday, June 29, under the direction of the Putbus spa administration in cooperation with the local associations, restaurateurs and institutions. This year, a great program for young and old, guests and locals with many highlights awaits you between 12:00 and 24:00. -Schedule 12:00 Opening (stage location) 12.00 - 10.30 a.m. Primary school children sing (stage location) 10.30 - 10.45 a.m. Children's dance group "United Steps" (stage location) 11.00 a.m. Opening of the sea mark by the Waterways and Shipping Office (lighthouse location) 11.30 - 12.30 Shantychor Saßnitz (stage location) 13.30 - 17.00 Dragon boat race (location harbor basin) 15.00 - 15.25 Children's theater "Three Little Pigs" (location Festwiese) 15.15 - 17.00 Sailing school regatta (location in front of the harbor basin) 15.30 - 16.00 Neptune baptism (location on the festival meadow) 17.00 - 18.00 Singer songwriters Marie and Ria (stage location) 19.00 - 23.00 DJ + live act RockHouseBrothers (stage location) 23.15 Fire show (stage location) 24.00 End

      Read more: "Festival in the port of Lauterbach "Fier up de Pier""
    • © orestligetka – stock.adobe.com

      A walk to see the broom in bloom on the Buhlitz Peninsula

      • Date: 6/3/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Look forward to a varied hike through a unique natural paradise.

      Read more: "A walk to see the broom in bloom on the Buhlitz Peninsula"
    • Baltic Swim Race

      • Date: 4/24/27
      • 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"
    • Zumba on the beach

      • Next date: 6/4/26
      • All dates: 6/4/26 to 8/27/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      A class to help you relax and get moving – with plenty of exercise and a cheerful atmosphere, open to everyone.

      Read more: "Zumba on the beach"
    • Sonnenblume // © Nora Zender

      Weekend workshop for polyphonic singing

      • Date: 5/29/26
      • Krakvitz, 18581 Putbus

      "Songs that celebrate life" - intensive singing workshop for singers with choir experience on the Island of Rügen.

      Read more: "Weekend workshop for polyphonic singing"
    • © Sigrid Henschel

      Print workshop with the artist Sigrid Henschel at Kunst:Offen

      • Date: 5/23/26
      • An den Anlagen, 18574 Garz

      Creative design: Printing workshop with Sigrid Henschel

      Read more: "Print workshop with the artist Sigrid Henschel at Kunst:Offen"
    • Musical picnic at the harbor

      • Next date: 6/5/26
      • All dates: 6/5/26 to 8/21/26
      • Festwiese Lauterbach am Hafen - Eichendamm -, 18581 Putbus OT Lauterbach

      Free music event, every Friday from 17:30 to 19:30 between June and August on the Festwiese at Lauterbach harbor.

      Read more: "Musical picnic at the harbor"
    • EmBrassment Leipzig // © EmBrassment Leipzig

      "La Fiesta Musica" - Wind ensemble EmBRASSment Leipzig

      • Date: 8/13/26
      • August-Bebel-Straße, 18551 Sagard

      emBRASSment plays a wide variety of brass music from Monteverdi to ABBA and maintains close contact with concert guests.

      Read more: ""La Fiesta Musica" - Wind ensemble EmBRASSment Leipzig"
    • Blue Wave Festival

      • Next date: 6/11/26
      • All dates: 6/11/26 to 6/14/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      It's Bluestime: In the tradition of the multi-award-winning Blue Wave Festival Binz, musicians from the international blues and swing scene are guests in Binz. In mid-June, there will be plucking, drumming, swinging and singing in many corners and places that will make New Orleans pale with envy. The main street of Binz is the scene of the rousing street parade, which makes you want more. It continues with the "Pink Piano" concerts on the Kurplatz. There, musicians meet as soloists or in bands on three stages - an experience not only for blues connoisseurs. And the legendary club concerts and sessions are on the programme in the late evening hours. (subject to change)

      Read more: "Blue Wave Festival"
    • Menschen vor der Kirche Landow // © Freundeskreis Kirchen zu Landow e.V.

      We were so free

      • Date: 8/16/26
      • Landow, 18573 Dreschvitz

      A short revue by Hinterland Bühne Rügen

      Read more: "We were so free"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus | Ch. Thiele

      Fitness at FitalParc

      • Next date: 6/2/26
      • All dates: 6/2/26 to 8/25/26
      • Schwedenstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      A class featuring functional full-body training, tailored to each participant’s individual level (limited number of participants).

      Read more: "Fitness at FitalParc"
    • Willkommen auf dem Campingplatz Banzelvitzer Berge! // © Campingplatz & Ferienhausanlage Banzelvitz

      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"
    • Die Ummanz-Information hält Urlaubstipps und Kartenmaterial für Sie bereit // © Ummanz-Information/Schmorell

      Ummanz information

      • Neue Straße, 18569 Waase

      Welcome to Ummanz, the quiet sister of Rügen. As a contact point for guests, visitors and locals, the Ummanz-Info offers all important information from A like eating eels to S like surfing and Z like togetherness. Plan your varied days or book your accommodation. We are looking forward to seeing you!

      Read more: "Ummanz information"
    • © Uwe Arens

      Blue Wave Sings · Blue Wave Festival · OPEN AIR

      • Next date: 6/12/26
      • All dates: 6/12/26 to 6/13/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      It's Bluestime: In the tradition of the multi-award-winning Blue Wave Festival Binz, musicians from the international blues scene will be guests in Binz from 11 to 14 June. There will be plucking, drumming, swinging and singing in many places that will make New Orleans pale with envy.For the first time this year, it's called ‘Blue Wave Singt’. Look forward to an hour of music together at the Binzer Kurplatz.

      Read more: "Blue Wave Sings · Blue Wave Festival · OPEN AIR"
    • Full moon on the treetop walk

      • Next date: 5/31/26
      • All dates: 5/1/26 to 6/30/26
      • 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"
    • Station 10: Besinnung an den Wassereichen // © MV-T/UB

      Path of leisure and knowledge (4 km / 1 day tour)

      • Length: 4 km

      Stages: 1 day On the path of leisure and knowledge you dive into an enchanting forest on the coast of Rügen, come to rest and deepen the contact with nature and yourself. Imposing trees, ancient burial mounds and fantastic views of the Baltic Sea encourage you to be very mindful of the environment here.

      Read more: "Path of leisure and knowledge (4 km / 1 day tour)"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Kulturkutter for children

      • Next date: 6/29/26
      • All dates: 6/29/26 to 8/26/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Children's theatre and puppet shows for the whole family in the shady greenery of the Binz Kurpark. Changing programmes in July and August.

      Read more: "Kulturkutter for children"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back