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

    392 results

    • 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"
    • Rock Symphony // © Wolfram Löser

      Rock concert in a class of its own - Queen cover band "Rockfonie"

      • Date: 8/6/26
      • August-Bebel-Straße, 18551 Sagard

      Rockfonie Leipzig plays Queen cover on August 6, 2026 in the Sagarder Stadtkirche, concert starts at 8 pm.

      Read more: "Rock concert in a class of its own - Queen cover band "Rockfonie""
    • The world needs songs

      • Next date: 7/12/26
      • 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"
    • Martinshafen bei Sagard // © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      Martinshafen Sagard

      • Neuhof, 18551 Sagard

      More than 100 years ago, the Martinshafen, which was intended for loading chalk, was built on the Großer Jasmunder Bodden near Neuhof with the harbor basin and breakwater that still exist today.

      Read more: "Martinshafen Sagard"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      EB Davis & The Superband - Blue Wave Festival - OPEN AIR

      • Date: 6/13/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      IIt's blues time: musicians from the international blues scene will be visiting Binz this year from 11 to 14 June for the multi-award-winning Blue Wave Festival Binz. Plucking, drumming and singing in many places will make New Orleans pale with envy.

      Read more: "EB Davis & The Superband - Blue Wave Festival - OPEN AIR"
    • © DBU Naturerbe

      Baltic x Coast Run

      • Date: 9/19/26
      • Proraer Chaussee, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Baltic x Coast Run invites running enthusiasts to discover the most beautiful corners of Binz and Prora. A very special route takes you past highlights such as the picturesque beach promenade and the wide Baltic Sea beach.

      Read more: "Baltic x Coast Run"
    • Villa Jagdschloss

      • Putbuser Str., 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Family-run apartment villa in a quiet, top location. The lovingly furnished apartments are first-class equipped and offer pure relaxation.

      Read more: "Villa Jagdschloss"
    • Open singing on the Day of German Unity

      • Date: 10/3/26
      • August-Bebel-Straße, 18551 Sagard

      Open singing on the Day of German Unity. Well-known songs on the theme, to sing along to

      Read more: "Open singing on the Day of German Unity"
    • "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"
    • Rezeption // © Ralf Haug

      freestyle

      • Zeppelinstraße, 18609 Binz

      Boutique hotel in Binz on Rügen, 21 rooms, starred restaurant, wellness area, 300m to the sea.

      Read more: "freestyle"
    • © E. Gurlitt

      Kurplatz sounds

      • Date: 6/23/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music and entertainment in the afternoon - sea view included

      Read more: "Kurplatz sounds"
    • Gert Anklam and Beate Gatscha with saxophone and water organ // © Liquid Soul

      Liquid Soul Duo - Music from air & water

      • Date: 6/23/26
      • August-Bebel-Straße, 18551 Sagard

      Liquid Soul play with the elements of air and water and take their audience into their very own world of water and sound.

      Read more: "Liquid Soul Duo - Music from air & water"
    • © Gunstwerk

      Greetings and kisses, your Julius

      • Date: 5/25/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      A musical reading on historical postcards is on the program for the "Month of Resort Architecture", combined with an invitation to design and send a historical postcard yourself.

      Read more: "Greetings and kisses, your Julius"
    • © DLRG/NIVEA

      DLRG / NIVEA beach festival

      • Date: 8/24/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The DLRG/NIVEA beach festival tour is also a guest in Binz this year. It's all about fun, games and good humour. Beach festival visitors can let off steam on a bouncy castle, do a puzzle on bathing rules, try out rescue equipment or learn first aid techniques. There will also be tips for good sun protection.

      Read more: "DLRG / NIVEA beach festival"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Blue Wave Festival Binz · PINK PIANO · Blue Wave Bash

      • Date: 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 scene will be guests in Binz from 8 to 11 June. There will be plucking, drumming, swinging and singing in many places that will make New Orleans pale with envy. At the end of the festival, there will be a special session with artists from the last few days.

      Read more: "Blue Wave Festival Binz · PINK PIANO · Blue Wave Bash"
    • Howard Carpendale // © Anelia Janeva

      Howard Carpendale - A SUMMER WITH YOU

      • Date: 8/21/26
      • Rugardweg, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      Howard Carpendale on the Waldbühne Rügen!

      Read more: "Howard Carpendale - A SUMMER WITH YOU"
    • © Ute Rückert

      Painting women** Samtens

      • Next date: 5/23/26
      • All dates: 5/23/26 to 5/24/26
      • Begegnungsstätte Ringstraße, 18573 Samtens

      Art:Open 2026 in Vorpommern

      Read more: "Painting women** Samtens"
    • Hexenwald // © www.diekreitners.de

      Stroll to the witches' forest

      • Next date: 5/30/26
      • All dates: 5/15/26 to 5/30/26
      • 18528 Lietzow

      A leisurely women's walk to the small witches' forest near Lietzow. We stroll carefully through the forest and along the Bodden, enjoying nature, the pre-dawn light and the mystical atmosphere of this special place. Partly steep path - sure-footedness required.

      Read more: "Stroll to the witches' forest"
    • Philharmonisches Orchester VorpommernThomas Putensen // © Thomas Putensen Foto: Thomas Kubatzki Philharmonisches Orchester Vorpommern Foto:PetervanHeesen.jpg

      FINAL CONCERT - CULT MEETS CLASSICAL MUSIC

      • Date: 5/25/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Thomas Putensen and the Vorpommern Philharmonic Orchestra An event as part of the PUTBUS-FESTSPIELE 2026 Organizer: Förderverein Theater Putbus e. V.

      Read more: "FINAL CONCERT - CULT MEETS CLASSICAL MUSIC"
    • © 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"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie AG/NEZR

      NatureWorkshop: Flotsam and jetsam

      • Next date: 5/27/26
      • All dates: 4/1/26 to 6/24/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Who hasn't looked for stones, driftwood or shells on the Baltic Sea beach? We'll show you what can be created from these utensils. In a short theoretical lecture, you will learn interesting facts about flotsam and jetsam and what can be made from it.

      Read more: "NatureWorkshop: Flotsam and jetsam"
    • © 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"
    • © 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! 🍓"
    • © iStock/Zheltobriukh

      Resort architecture - Bathing in architecture

      • Date: 5/24/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      For "Resort Architecture Month", the qualified architect Stefan Hasselmann invites you to become an architect yourself and learn interesting facts about architecture - a lecture and workshop.

      Read more: "Resort architecture - Bathing in architecture"
    • Two robbers have pigs

      • Date: 6/28/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Puppet theater Schnuppe

      Read more: "Two robbers have pigs"
    • © Massimo Fiorito

      BOWIEgerman

      • Date: 6/19/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Anouschka and Anina Doinet "The well-known songs have a completely have a completely different effect when they now sound in German. The show not only offers an exciting musical event, but above all the opportunity to get to know David Bowie anew." (Hello Munich)

      Read more: "BOWIEgerman"
    • Gut Vorwerk auf Rügen // © Reinelt

      Vorwerk Estate Rügen

      • Vorwerk, 18551 Sagard

      Welcome to the historic Vorwerk manor. Our history goes back to the 16th century. Since we acquired the stables in 2015 and the manor house in 2019, the estate has finally been reunited. The buildings have been renovated with great attention to detail and cozy vacation apartments have been created.

      Read more: "Vorwerk Estate Rügen"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Guided photo tour along the villas

      • Date: 5/27/26
      • 18609 Binz

      Guided photo tour along the villas

      Read more: "Guided photo tour along the villas"
    • Island toboggan run with slide tower // © Paul Dehn

      Rugard adventure world

      • Open today
      • Rugardweg, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

      In the forest area around the Erst-Moritz-Arndt-Turm, young and old can enjoy sport, fun and nature in the Rugard Adventure World - tobogganing at any time of year, slides, go-karting, minigolf, trampoline, nature trail, open-air stage, legendary places and monuments as well as a hotel with restaurant - all this in a geographically and biologically very interesting forest area.

      Read more: "Rugard adventure world"
    • Group picture // © Vokalgruppe VIP

      "Between the worlds" concert

      • Date: 7/26/26
      • Landow, 18573 Dreschvitz

      Concert vocal group VIP

      Read more: ""Between the worlds" concert"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back