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.

  • © TMV/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

    335 results

    • © Theater Vorpommern

      Swan song

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

      Cornelia Hyse & Matthias Brenner A comedy loosely based on Anton Chekhov At night an old actor wakes up on on the stage. Apparently he has been forgotten there forgotten after a performance. Then an old prompter turns up, who has been looking for refuge here. has been looking for refuge. Now the mismatched couple will live through the night together. In their fight against loneliness and their fears, they argue, play and laugh, while they work through both their lives and encourage each other.

      Read more: "Swan song"
    • © Theresa Lange

      Dance theater for children and families

      • Date: 5/17/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Dance theater for children and families - an event as part of the PUTBUS-FESTSPIELE 2026 Organizer: Förderverein Theater Putbus e. V. "The little prince" German Dance Company Neustrelitz

      Read more: "Dance theater for children and families"
    • © Ben Hejkal

      Blue Wave Dance · 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 Tanzt.” Blues dance promises emotion, energy, joy, and lots of fun. Annette Kühnle and Dextor Santos will also be there.

      Read more: "Blue Wave Dance · Blue Wave Festival · OPEN AIR"
    • © Arne Nagel - amoa.de

      Afternoon Tea

      • Next date: 3/19/26
      • All dates: 10/23/25 to 3/26/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Binz

      Afternoon tea in the fireplace roomEnglish tea time with classic scones and clotted cream, but also fancy with a mint cream cheese sandwich. Accompanied by aromatic teas and fine snacks from the pastry shop. Reservation at the reception or under 038393 - 66 50 until 13:00 at the latest.

      Read more: "Afternoon Tea"
    • © Julia Schwendner

      BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Music with Tom Klose

      • Date: 3/25/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Tom Klose is a man of contrasts: always accompanied by his faithful guitar, he sings sometimes with a delicate, fragile head voice, sometimes with a hard, powerful chest voice.

      Read more: "BLUE WEDNESDAY at "Clara + Jo": Music with Tom Klose"
    • © Galileum Fehmarn GmbH

      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"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      In the footsteps of Konstantin Hahnel

      • Next date: 4/17/26
      • All dates: 4/17/26 to 4/24/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Walk with us in the footsteps of the former princely district forester Konstantin Hahnel and discover the ‘sacred halls’, as he called the forest area in Prora.>>> An offer of Wanderfrühling Rügen

      Read more: "In the footsteps of Konstantin Hahnel"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Holy Mass

      • Date: 4/4/26
      • Klünderberg, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Holy Mass

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

      Bird Walk across the DBU Natural Heritage Site Prora

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

      Guided bird excursion. Experience the diversity of Prora

      Read more: "Bird Walk across the DBU Natural Heritage Site Prora"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Happy Sounds at the Heimaat

      • Next date: Today
      • All dates: Today to 3/28/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      Music and good entertainment.

      Read more: "Happy Sounds at the Heimaat"
    • © Foto Steffi Deickert

      Guided hike on the Path of Leisure & Knowledge in the Goor Forest

      • Date: 4/25/26
      • Fürst-Malte-Allee, 18581 Putbus

      Experience the Goor Forest with its impressive trees, burial mounds, history and development in a very individual way. Steffi Deickert, landscape ecologist and creator of the trail, will tell you interesting facts about this specially protected forest. Perception exercises and meditative elements allow you to experience nature in depth and let the forest be a source of strength.

      Read more: "Guided hike on the Path of Leisure & Knowledge in the Goor Forest"
    • © Landesarchiv Berlin, F Rep. 290 (01) Nr. 0097153

      Special exhibition: Hidden...

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

      Special exhibition: Hidden...

      Read more: "Special exhibition: Hidden..."
    • © Arne Nagel

      A-ROSA Kurhaus Binz

      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Binz

      You don't have to travel far to find something special - the A-ROSA Kurhaus Binz welcomes you directly on the beach promenade and its famous pier, where you can enjoy top gastronomy, a stylish ambience and a feel-good wellness area, combining modern comfort with traditional charm.

      Read more: "A-ROSA Kurhaus Binz"
    • © Jiyang Chen

      Late Night

      • Date: 3/16/26
      • Fürst-Malte-Allee, 18581 Lauterbach

      Chamber music

      Read more: "Late Night"
    • © Liquid Soul

      Liquid Soul Duo - Music from air & water

      • Date: 6/22/26
      • Bahnhofstraße, 18609 Binz

      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"
    • © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

      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"
    • © Erlebnis Akademie AG/NEZR

      NatureWorkshop: Flotsam and jetsam

      • Next date: 4/1/26
      • All dates: 4/1/26 to 4/29/26
      • 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"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Roger C. Wade & The Houserockers - Blue Wave Festival - OPEN AIR

      • Date: 6/12/26
      • 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: "Roger C. Wade & The Houserockers - Blue Wave Festival - OPEN AIR"
    • © Theater Vorpommern

      I don't need no doctor

      • Date: 4/24/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Dr. Blues & Friends have been an integral part of the an integral part of the Rostock music scene. With great skill, the Rostock doctor and doctor and musician always brings an interesting mixture of musicians on stage who jam and jam and make music together.

      Read more: "I don't need no doctor"
    • © 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"
    • © Biosphärenreservat Südost-Rügen

      Spring cleaning in the biosphere reserve: Meeting point Binz parking lot Klünderberg

      • Date: 3/28/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Clearing nature of garbage and litter together.

      Read more: "Spring cleaning in the biosphere reserve: Meeting point Binz parking lot Klünderberg"
    • © Ronald Lechtenberg

      Blue Wave Festival Binz · STREET PARADE · Beat 'n Blow

      • Date: 6/12/26
      • Schmachterseestraße, 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. In many corners and places there will be plucking, drumming, swinging and singing that will make New Orleans pale with envy. The festival kicks off with the legendary street parade. It starts at Schmachter See and goes along Schmachter-See-Straße and Hauptstraße to the pier forecourt. If you don't run and sway along, you're missing out!

      Read more: "Blue Wave Festival Binz · STREET PARADE · Beat 'n Blow"
    • Udo-Jürgens-Music - einfachich & Band, © Dietmar Henke

      Udo-Jürgens-Music

      • Date: 3/25/26
      • Markt, 18581 Putbus

      Songs and chansons by Udo Jürgens - einfachich & Band

      Read more: "Udo-Jürgens-Music"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Bike tour in Prora

      • Next date: 4/1/26
      • All dates: 4/1/26 to 4/29/26
      • 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"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      Blue Wave Festival · OPEN AIR · Waking drums

      • Next date: 6/12/26
      • All dates: 6/12/26 to 6/14/26
      • Strandpromenade 27, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      IIt's blues time: musicians from the international blues scene will be visiting Binz this year from 12 to 15 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: "Blue Wave Festival · OPEN AIR · Waking drums"
    • © Binzer Bucht Tourismus

      NatureWorkshop Amber grinding

      • Next date: 3/16/26
      • All dates: 3/2/26 to 4/20/26
      • Forsthaus Prora, 18609 Ostseebad Binz OT Prora

      Grinding of raw amber for the production of individual pieces of jewellery

      Read more: "NatureWorkshop Amber grinding"
    • Signpost, © 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"
    • © Gabriele Hofer

      Art:Open in Vorpommern 2026

      • Next date: 5/23/26
      • All dates: 5/23/26 to 5/25/26
      • Circus, 18581 Putbus

      gh Abstrakt design is "there" Kunst:Offen in Vorpommern 2026 As usual, Kunst:Offen will take place over the Whitsun holidays again this year.

      Read more: "Art:Open in Vorpommern 2026"
    • © Andy Ewert

      An evening with Sarah Barelly

      • Date: 10/10/26
      • Strandpromenade, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

      "Hits, flirts & other un-acceptable things!" Look forward to an evening with Sarah Barelly - cheeky, musical, uninhibitedly charming.

      Read more: "An evening with Sarah Barelly"
    • © Burwitz

      LISTEN AND STROLL

      • Date: 5/24/26
      • Alleestraße, 18581 Putbus

      Music in the park and in architectural gems An event as part of the PUTBUS-FESTSPIELE 2026 Organizer: Förderverein Theater Putbus e. V.

      Read more: "LISTEN AND STROLL"

    Content is loaded

    Content is loaded

    You might also be interested in

    Content is loaded

    back