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.

  • Wanderung durch den Küstenwald bei 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

    327 results

    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      SEASON OPEN AIR BINZ

      • Date: 9/5/26
      • 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"
    • © Vilmschwimmen T.Thiede

      Vilm swimming

      • Date: 8/29/26
      • Eichendamm (Lauterbach Hafen), 18581 Lauterbach

      Since 1999, swimmers from all over Germany and neighboring countries have been meeting in Lauterbach on the island of Rügen to plunge into the waters of the Rügischer Bodden. The distance to be swum between the island of Vilm and the port of Lauterbach is around 2.5 km.

      Read more: "Vilm swimming"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie AG/NEZR

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

      • Date: 9/9/26

      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"
    • Hanomag Safari: South Rügen

      • Next date: 8/25/26
      • All dates: 5/5/26 to 10/27/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Deutsche Alleenstraße, Lauterbach, Neukamp, historisches Schlachtfeld, Groß Schoritz, Gut Rosengarten, Garz, Putbus

      Read more: "Hanomag Safari: South Rügen"
    • Beauty Jungle Girls' Flea Market in Putbus on Rügen

      • Date: 9/13/26
      • Park, 18581 Putbus

      The Beauty Jungle Girls' Flea Market is coming to the Marstall Putbus on September 13, 2026. From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., a large indoor flea market featuring secondhand fashion, vintage items, shoes, bags, jewelry, and accessories awaits you.

      Read more: "Beauty Jungle Girls' Flea Market in Putbus on Rügen"
    • Pool run

      • Date: 5/8/27
      • 18609 Binz

      The new edition of this running event in Binz combines the most beautiful the most beautiful places in Binz and Prora. Many sections of the route run along the beach promenade parallel to the Baltic Sea beach. The meeting point are in Binz on the pier forecourt.

      Read more: "Pool run"
    • 30th Rügen Cabaret Regatta

      • Date: 9/25/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Anne Folger - Shows Promise

      Read more: "30th Rügen Cabaret Regatta"
    • BINZ & FRIENDS: Yvonne Catterfeld

      • Date: 12/19/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The exclusive BINZ & FRIENDS event series will once again bring exceptional artists to the Baltic resort of Binz in 2026: Yvonne Catterfeld, a true multi-talent. Whether as an actress, coach on ‘The Voice of Germany’, singer or songwriter – she inspires with her multifaceted talent, coupled with her friendly and positive nature.

      Read more: "BINZ & FRIENDS: Yvonne Catterfeld"
    • © Pixabay / Hans Middle

      Homemade wild herb sandwich · Holiday fun for children

      • Date: 8/27/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Look forward to an exciting afternoon exploring the world of herbs

      Read more: "Homemade wild herb sandwich · Holiday fun for children"
    • Im Haus mit der Veranda befinden sich das Atelier und der Atelierladen - Sie sind hier herzlich willkommen. // © Ute Matthiesen

      seamwork.paperart

      • Kirchstraße, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      Fine seams in paper - Ute Matthiesen creates paper in the heart of Bergen auf Rügen. Extraordinary art is created at the sewing machine: sewn watercolors and collages as well as exclusive art cards.

      Read more: "seamwork.paperart"
    • © Arkona Strandhotel

      Long Night with Live Music

      • Date: 9/4/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      High above the rooftops of Binz, an atmospheric evening awaits you, featuring live music, cool drinks, and a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea. 

      Read more: "Long Night with Live Music"
    • Thea Teßmer and Alex Bergstedt // © Mona Ballhorn

      Low German reading with Thea Teßmer, music with Alex Bergstedt

      • Date: 8/23/26
      • Kastanienallee, 18573 Samtens

      Thea Teßmer reads Low German stories by Bernhard Trittelvitz, accompanied by Alex Bergstedt on organ and piano.

      Read more: "Low German reading with Thea Teßmer, music with Alex Bergstedt"
    • © Parkhotel Rügen

      Gregor Gysi - Book reading

      • Next date: 8/28/26
      • All dates: 8/28/26 to 8/29/26
      • Stralsunder Chaussee, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      Gregor Gysi comes to the Parkhotel Rügen for a book reading. Advance booking has started! Be there when clever thoughts, humor and Rügen atmosphere meet.

      Read more: "Gregor Gysi - Book reading"
    • Poster for the "Polisens musikkår Region Syd" concert // © Polisens musikkår Region Syd

      Concert by the Polisens Musikkår Region Syd from Sweden

      • Date: 9/12/26
      • 18609 Prora

      On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Swedish orchestra Polisens musikkår Region Syd will give two open-air concerts on Rügen.

      Read more: "Concert by the Polisens Musikkår Region Syd from Sweden"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Music in the church

      • Date: 8/30/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The summer concert series at the Evangelical Church in Binz will take place every Monday and Thursday from 22 June to 27 August 2026. The series will conclude with a brilliant performance by the BachConsort Leipzig, together with the Saxon Baroque Orchestra.

      Read more: "Music in the church"
    • Polyharmonic // © Polyharmonique

      Palestrina: Light & Shadow - Ensemble Polyharmonique

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

      The concert presents Palestrina's masterpieces and their formative influence on church music from the Renaissance to the present day.

      Read more: "Palestrina: Light & Shadow - Ensemble Polyharmonique"
    • © Hotel Arkona Dr. Hutter e.K. @Julian Pflug

      Waves & Beats: End-of-Season Party

      • Date: 9/11/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Celebrate the end of the 2026 beach season at the "Arkona Beach" beach bar with delicious drinks, a great atmosphere, and fireworks. 

      Read more: "Waves & Beats: End-of-Season Party"
    • 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"
    • The world needs songs

      • Next date: 8/21/26
      • All dates: 5/10/26 to 9/7/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Detlev Kloppot & Band A reverent look into the musical legacy of Udo Jürgens

      Read more: "The world needs songs"
    • © Dr. Bittner

      Musical picnic in the park

      • Next date: 8/24/26
      • All dates: 6/1/26 to 8/31/26
      • Park, 18581 Putbus

      Free music event, every Monday from 17:30 to 19:30 between June and August in Putbus Landscape Park at the castle terraces.

      Read more: "Musical picnic in the park"
    • 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"
    • Galileo world of knowledge

      • Open today
      • Forstverwaltung, 18609 Prora

      The "Galileo World of Knowledge Rügen" in Prora is an exciting mix of a classic and interactive museum for the whole family. On 3,000 square meters, the knowledge worlds of biology and technology with over 100 stations invite you to join in, touch, try things out and be amazed. The combined ticket offers the opportunity to visit the different areas on two days within three years.

      Read more: "Galileo world of knowledge"
    • Bild zeigt Conexus: Tabea Höfer, Violine &  Marek Stavinak, Akkordeon // © Conexus

      Concert Conexus - TANGO-Evolución

      • Date: 9/13/26
      • Landow, 18573 Dreschvitz

      Concert Conexus - TANGO-Evolución

      Read more: "Concert Conexus - TANGO-Evolución"
    • Waves & Beats

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 7/1/26 to 8/30/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Enjoy the sound of the waves and that pure beach vibe—with music and refreshing drinks for a little getaway by the sea.

      Read more: "Waves & Beats"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Spa sounds

      • Next date: 9/6/26
      • All dates: 9/6/26 to 9/27/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The Kurplatz becomes a stage with a sea view. Music and entertainment in the afternoon with changing musicians.

      Read more: "Spa sounds"
    • Zentral auf der Insel Rügen nahe der Ostseebäder gelegen: der Hof-Viervitz // © Hof-Viervitz/Hermann

      Hof-Viervitz

      • Viervitz, 18528 Zirkow

      The sporting activity in the fresh air, the dialogue with the partner horse and the intensive experience of nature make equestrian sport a source of energy for body and mind. I would like to help you become more confident. The goal is harmonious and fear-free riding. Yours Martina Hermann

      Read more: "Hof-Viervitz"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Barefoot concert at the beach

      • Date: Tomorrow
      • 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"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Special bus tour: Island of Lolland and Falster

      • Next date: Tomorrow
      • All dates: 7/2/26 to Tomorrow
      • Dollahner Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The bus tour takes you via the Rostock ferry port to Gedser, to the island of Falster with the charming town of Nykøbing. The tour continues across the Guldborg Sound to the picturesque port of Guldborg and the Middelaldercentret museum (admission included).

      Read more: "Special bus tour: Island of Lolland and Falster"
    • © Schittko

      Hay Holiday Farm Altkamp

      • Altkamp, 18581 Putbus

      Our hay farm is easily accessible in the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve. Here you will find vacation apartments for 2-6 people each, partly accessible and the special experience, sleep in the hay for Jund and old.

      Read more: "Hay Holiday Farm Altkamp"
    • Suite Hotel Binz exterior view // © Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Binz GmbH

      Suite Hotel Binz

      • Zeppelinstraße, 18609 Binz

      The Suite Hotel Binz offers especially for families a wide range of sports, wellness and enjoyment in the immediate vicinity of the Baltic Sea.

      Read more: "Suite Hotel Binz"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back