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

    328 results

    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Holy Mass

      • Next date: 8/23/26
      • All dates: 4/6/25 to 12/27/26
      • Klünderberg, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Holy Mass

      Read more: "Holy Mass"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Family adventure: Forest Olympics

      • Next date: 9/1/26
      • All dates: 7/7/26 to 9/1/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      In the forest arena, family teams compete in the long throw, cone race and scent test. Along the way, there are interesting facts about the treetop walk, which can be visited individually after the award ceremony.

      Read more: "Family adventure: Forest Olympics"
    • © Hotel Arkona Dr. Hutter e.K. @Julian Pflug

      5th Binzer Oktoberfest at the Arkona Strandhotel

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

      All in the spirit of camaraderie and authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere.

      Read more: "5th Binzer Oktoberfest at the Arkona Strandhotel"
    • © MV-T/Markus Tiemann

      Dead Lakes, Necropolis & Devil's Gorge

      • Next date: 8/21/26
      • All dates: 7/17/26 to 10/31/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Dr. Katrin Staude shows a »different« side of Binz on her approximately four-kilometre archaeological-natural history hike as part of the Rügen Spring Hiking Festival.

      Read more: "Dead Lakes, Necropolis & Devil's Gorge"
    • Mellow - Blow Your Mind! // © (c)mellow

      Mellow - Blow Your Mind! - Magic & Illusions Live!

      • Date: 10/6/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      In this thrilling live show, everything that is fun is allowed. Novel holographic video effects meet handmade magic and interactive illusions.

      Read more: "Mellow - Blow Your Mind! - Magic & Illusions Live!"
    • 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"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Bike tour in Prora

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 4/1/26 to 9/30/26
      • 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"
    • Die Ausstellung in Waase zeigt Flora und Fauna des Nationalparks Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft // © 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"
    • © VELA Hotels AG

      Loev Hotel Rügen

      • Hauptstr., 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The LOEV Hotel Rügen is a house of the VELA Hotels AG, in an excellent location in the middle of the old town center of Binz, only 50m away from the beach and the pier. Look forward to elegant and modern equipped rooms, a cocktail bar & a brasserie with culinary delights as well as the LOEV Spa for dreamlike pampering moments!

      Read more: "Loev Hotel Rügen"
    • 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"
    • Sportschwimmbad innen // © 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"
    • 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"
    • © Shutterstock

      Course: ‘Flowtogo’ - Nordic Walking & Yoga

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: 7/1/26 to 12/18/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The course combines the dynamic movement of Nordic walking with the calming elements of yoga. This combination offers a holistic workout for body and mind that promotes endurance, strength, flexibility and relaxation.

      Read more: "Course: ‘Flowtogo’ - Nordic Walking & Yoga"
    • The orangery in Putbus. // © MV-T / Reuter

      Orangery Putbus

      • Open today
      • Alleestraße, 18581 Putbus

      Look at art and enjoy art in the Orangery in Putbus.

      Read more: "Orangery Putbus"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Special bus tour: Wismar & island of Poel

      • Date: 9/17/26
      • Dollahner Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The day trip takes you to Wismar and the island of Poel, including a short boat trip.

      Read more: "Special bus tour: Wismar & island of Poel"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Barefoot concert at the beach

      • Date: 8/21/26
      • 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Changing music genres and artists The exact dates are being planned, subject to change.

      Read more: "Barefoot concert at the beach"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Music in the church

      • Date: 8/27/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      As part of the SummerConcert Series 2026, concerts in a special ambience will take place in the Protestant Church in Binz every Monday and Thursday in June, July and August (22 June to 27 August 2026)

      Read more: "Music in the church"
    • © Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern gGmbH Schwerin

      INSELMUSIK - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival

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

      At the "Inselmusik" event series, part of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, established and young chamber musicians perform on the island for two days. They will be guests in Binz on September 11.

      Read more: "INSELMUSIK - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival"
    • Paddler vor dem Hafen Ralswiek // © Tourismuszentrale Rügen GmbH

      Great Jasmund Bodden

      • Length: 22 km
      • Etappen: 1-2 Tage

      Stages: 1-2 days The Great Jasmund Bodden is with its length of 14 kilometers and its 6 kilometers width one of the largest Bodden waters on Rügen and offers enough space for variety.

      Read more: "Great Jasmund Bodden"
    • 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"
    • © flow-yoga binz

      Workshop: Breathing & Meditation

      • Date: 9/18/26
      • Nordstrand, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Two-day workshop on September 18 and 19. Further information on the website.

      Read more: "Workshop: Breathing & Meditation"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Family tour: Nature magic

      • Next date: 8/25/26
      • All dates: 7/14/26 to 8/25/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Exciting voyage of discovery on the treetop walk for young and old with amazing natural phenomena, little experiments from the magic suitcase and more.

      Read more: "Family tour: Nature magic"
    • © Felix Mayr

      30th Rügen Cabaret Regatta

      • Date: 9/24/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Robert Griess Natural Intelligence – One Last Try!

      Read more: "30th Rügen Cabaret Regatta"
    • © Christof Arnold

      30th Rügen Cabaret Regatta

      • Date: 9/23/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Max Beier LOVE&ORDER

      Read more: "30th Rügen Cabaret Regatta"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus | Christian Thiele

      Church service

      • Next date: 8/23/26
      • All dates: 4/6/25 to 9/27/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Church service

      Read more: "Church service"
    • © Urs Humpenöder

      Audio Walk & Performance

      • Date: 8/22/26
      • Dritte Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      "Self-Care Beach Guide—Prora Seaside Resort"

      Read more: "Audio Walk & Performance"
    • © Gunstwerk

      Concert reading: ‘With all my heart, soul and mind...’

      • Date: 9/5/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The concert-reading “With All My Heart, Soul, and Mind...,” written and performed by Marie-Luise Gunst and Stefan Hasselmann, offers an exploration through songs, letters, and theatrical elements. 

      Read more: "Concert reading: ‘With all my heart, soul and mind...’"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Mensch MÜTHER: A Concrete Collage

      • Date: 9/30/26
      • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      The MÜTHER theme week focuses on the master builder Ulrich Müther (1934-2007) from Binz, who would have been 90 years old on 21 July 1934. An excellent occasion to honour his person and his work.

      Read more: "Mensch MÜTHER: A Concrete Collage"
    • © Martin Huch

      Heinz Rudolf Kunze - That's What the Right Guy Says - Live Solo

      • Date: 8/29/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Heinz Rudolf Kunze is a guest at the Baltic resort of Binz with his solo program "Heinz Rudolf KUNZE - Das sagt der Richtige". He is an eloquent, intellectual poet and rock musician, and his hits are widely known.

      Read more: "Heinz Rudolf Kunze - That's What the Right Guy Says - Live Solo"
    • Ausritt durch die herrliche Natur // © 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"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back