Cycling Holiday on Hiddensee, Rügen and Usedom

Your cycling vacation on Hiddensee, Rügen, and Usedom begins in the historic Hanseatic city of Stralsund, believed to have been founded in the 10th century. The city’s old town is renowned for its wealth of historic buildings, many of which are exemplary examples of brick Gothic architecture – truly a sight to behold! A visit to the maritime museum is also highly recommended. Housed in a former church, the museum offers a fascinating journey into the underwater world of the oceans, immersing visitors in the mysteries of the sea.

Today you'll visit two of the three islands  at the Baltic Sea. In the morning, board the ferry that will transport you across the Strelasund to the idyllic island of Hiddensee. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the island's iconic landmark, the 28-metre-high Dornbusch lighthouse, and take in the stunning views. Don't miss the local museum, where you can admire the sparkling gold treasure on display. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey by sea to Breege, located on the island of Rügen.

Cape Arkona, the northernmost point of Rügen, offers breathtaking views with its towering 45-metre-high cliffs. The area is a car-free zone, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The charming fishing village of Vitt, with its collection of traditional thatched houses, blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The village chapel, with its distinctive octagonal shape, is just one of the many sights worth exploring. To the south of Vitt, you can take in what is arguably the most beautiful view of the iconic Cape Arkona.

Today’s stage of your cycling vacation on Hiddensee, Rügen, and Usedom is dedicated to the beach, sand, and the refreshing Baltic Sea. Feel the soft sand beneath your feet, dive into the salty waves, or simply relax with a good book in one of the traditional beach chairs. The old captain’s houses in Breege serve as a charming reminder of the town’s seafaring heritage. A cycling vacation on Rügen offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation – truly a cosy, unforgettable experience!

You cycle along the Schaabe, a picturesque stretch that connects the Wittow and Jasmund peninsulas in a graceful crescent shape. Along the way, make sure to visit Spyker Castle, the oldest on the island, with its striking red façade that immediately catches the eye. Today’s destination, Sassnitz, has long been a source of inspiration for notable figures such as Kaiser Wilhelm and Theodor Fontane. Fontane famously wrote, "To travel to Rügen is to travel to Sassnitz," a testament to the town's enduring charm and beauty.

Covering 500 hectares of beech forests, moors, meadows, and tranquil lakes, the Jasmund National Park is a natural paradise in every sense. The island's iconic landmark, the chalk cliffs, features the towering 118-metre-high Königsstuhl. The cycle tour to the cliffs is short but can be quite strenuous. For a more leisurely experience, you can opt for the sea route to the cliffs (boat trip not included). Once you reach the beach, an old wooden staircase with 412 steps will take you up to the plateau, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape.

After departing Sassnitz, you will soon encounter the striking buildings of Prora on today’s stage of your cycling vacation on Hiddensee, Rügen, and Usedom. Just a few more kilometres down the road, the charming seaside resort of Binz, the largest on Rügen, awaits you. From Binz, you’ll cycle a bit inland, where you can take a detour to visit the Granitz hunting lodge, nestled in the woods and offering panoramic views of the island. Another highlight of the day is the nearly 400-metre-long pier in Sellin, perfect for a scenic stroll. A few kilometres further, you will reach Göhren on the Mönchgut Peninsula. Your overnight stay will be in either Sellin or Göhren, both offering a peaceful end to the day.

The Mönchgut Peninsula, surrounded by the Baltic Sea on three sides, is one of Rügen's hidden gems. The landscape is a vibrant tapestry of green, with rolling hills, heathlands, dunes, and forests shaping the southeastern part of the island. Today, you have the freedom to decide how to spend your time – whether it’s enjoying a leisurely day swimming on the beach or embarking on a refreshing walk through the dunes. The choice is yours, offering a perfect opportunity for relaxation or exploration in this serene and picturesque corner of Rügen.

At the start of today’s stage of your cycling vacation on Hiddensee, Rügen, and Usedom, you’ll experience a special highlight: the Rasende Roland, a historic steam locomotive dating back to the 19th century, will take you on a charming journey to Putbus. After cycling a few kilometres, you will board a ferry back to the mainland (ferry cost not included). The traditional Hanseatic town of Greifswald, with its rich history and beautiful architecture, will be waiting to welcome you!

Today, you will cycle along the Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route towards Wolgast, the gateway to the island of Usedom. The route takes you through enchanting landscapes of lakes, moors, and meadows, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Baltic Sea coastal scenery. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming old town of Wolgast, where you can admire the picturesque half-timbered and brick houses.

You cross the Peenestrom and arrive on Usedom, the final island of your cycling vacation on Hiddensee, Rügen, and Usedom. The route takes you near the Krumminer Wiek before reaching the Baltic seaside resort of Zinnowitz. From there, you’ll cycle along the picturesque wooded coast, with frequent opportunities to stop and swim at beautiful sandy beaches. Your overnight stay will be in either the charming Baltic seaside resort of Heringsdorf or inland in the peaceful village of Mellenthin, offering a relaxing end to your day.

Today, your cycling vacation on Hiddensee, Rügen, and Usedom takes you to the Szczecin Lagoon. After leaving the Baltic Sea behind, you’ll cycle through the southwest of Usedom, with a chance to take a longer break in the town of Usedom, which gave the island its name. Enjoy a relaxing walk around the town, followed by some downtime at Lake Usedom. Later, take the ferry across the Peene River from Karnin to Kamp. After crossing the river, you’ll cycle along the scenic shores of the Szczecin Lagoon, reaching your destination for the day, Ueckermünde, with little effort as the route is virtually flat.

After breakfast, your cycling vacation on Rügen, Hiddensee, and Usedom sadly comes to an end. However, if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the Baltic Sea, we would be delighted to extend your stay, allowing you to continue enjoying the stunning coastal beauty at your leisure.