Kröslin Beaches

Overview

Kröslin offers a unique perspective on a German beach holiday. Situated on the tranquil Peenestrom strait, it provides a peaceful, nature-focused retreat rather than a classic seaside resort experience. While Kröslin itself doesn't have an open-coast beach, the charming fishing village next door is home to Sandstrand Freest, a serene local spot on the calm lagoon waters. For the quintessential wide, white-sand beaches the Baltic is famous for, a short and scenic ferry or car ride takes you to the renowned island of Usedom.

The island of Usedom is lined with spectacular beaches, each with its own character. Among the most celebrated are the so-called Imperial Spas. You can explore the iconic pier at Ahlbeck, experience the grand, bustling atmosphere of Strand Heringsdorf, or admire the dramatic forested cliffs bordering the sands at Strand Ückeritz. Another classic resort, Zinnowitz, is also famed for its beautiful pier and family-friendly atmosphere, showcasing the incredible variety available just across the water.

Choosing between Kröslin and a resort on Usedom comes down to your holiday preference. Kröslin serves as a quiet, relaxing base perfect for boating, cycling, and escaping the crowds, while the island offers vibrant promenades and a more traditional beach-town buzz. This guide highlights just a few of the area's top spots, from the most famous resorts to quieter natural shores. For more options, be sure to explore our complete list of beaches to find the perfect stretch of sand for your visit.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Does Kröslin have its own beach?

Kröslin is located on the Peenestrom, a strait of the Baltic Sea, and not directly on the open coast. The nearest sandy beach is in the neighboring fishing village of Freest, about 2 kilometers away. This beach is a natural, quieter beach on the Bodden (brackish lagoon). For the classic, wide, white-sand Baltic Sea beaches, you need to travel to the nearby island of Usedom.

Sandstrand Freest

How do I get to the Usedom beaches from Kröslin?

You can reach the famous beaches on the island of Usedom from Kröslin in a few ways. By car, you can drive via the bridge in Wolgast. A popular and scenic option, especially in summer, is to take the passenger and bicycle ferry that runs directly from the Kröslin marina to Peenemünde on Usedom. From there, you can use the island's well-developed network of cycle paths or the Usedomer Bäderbahn (UBB) train to reach seaside resorts like Karlshagen, Zinnowitz, and others.

Ostseestrand Karlshagen

Zinnowitz

Is Kröslin a good destination for a quiet family holiday or more for partying?

Kröslin is best suited for a quiet, relaxing holiday, especially for families and nature lovers. The atmosphere is peaceful, centered around the large marina and the surrounding nature. It is not a party destination. Visitors appreciate the escape from the mass tourism of the larger seaside resorts, enjoying activities like boating, cycling, and exploring the tranquil landscape of the Peenestrom.

Can you swim in the water at Kröslin?

Yes, you can swim in the waters of the Peenestrom near Kröslin and at the nearby beach in Freest. The water here is typically calmer and slightly brackish compared to the open Baltic Sea. The beaches have shallow entry points, which can be suitable for families with children. For the full Baltic Sea wave experience, the beaches on Usedom are recommended.

Sandstrand Freest

Are there accommodations right on the beach in Kröslin?

Since Kröslin's main feature is its large marina on the Peenestrom, the most unique accommodations are the floating houses and houseboats located directly on the water within the Baltic Sea Resort. There are also holiday apartments and homes nearby. However, for accommodation directly on a classic sandy Baltic Sea beach, you would need to look at the seaside resorts on the island of Usedom.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there dog-friendly beaches near Kröslin?

Yes, the Baltic Sea coast in this region is generally very dog-friendly. The nearby island of Usedom has numerous designated dog beaches (Hundestrände) in almost every seaside resort, including Karlshagen and Zinnowitz. While rules can vary, leashes are officially required on most beaches, though this may be less strictly enforced depending on the season. During the off-season (typically October to April), dogs are often allowed on all beaches.

Ostseestrand Karlshagen

Zinnowitz

What is the difference between staying in Kröslin versus a resort like Zinnowitz on Usedom?

Kröslin offers a quieter, more relaxed holiday focused on marina life and nature, serving as a base to explore the region. It has modern holiday accommodations but lacks the grand resort architecture and bustling promenades. Zinnowitz, on the other hand, is a classic German seaside resort directly on a wide Baltic Sea beach, featuring a long pier, a lively promenade with shops and restaurants, and more tourist infrastructure. The choice depends on whether you prefer a tranquil retreat or a vibrant beach town.

Zinnowitz

Do I have to pay a visitor's tax (Kurtaxe) to use the beaches?

Yes, a visitor's tax (Kurtaxe) is typically levied in coastal resort towns in this region of Germany, including the seaside resorts on Usedom. This fee supports the maintenance of beaches, promenades, and other tourist facilities. The amount varies by town and season. When you stay in registered accommodation, the tax is usually collected by your host.

Are there nudist (FKK) beaches in the area?

Yes, nudism (known as FKK in Germany) is common along the German Baltic coast. While Kröslin itself doesn't have a designated FKK beach, the nearby beaches on the island of Usedom have clearly marked FKK sections. Resorts like Zinnowitz, Karlshagen, and Koserow all offer dedicated areas for naturists.

Zinnowitz

Ostseestrand Karlshagen

Strand Koserow

What is the beach like in Freest?

The beach in Freest (Sandstrand Freest) is a natural, serene sandy beach located at the mouth of the Peenestrom. It is smaller and more tranquil than the large beaches on Usedom. It's known for being well-maintained and offers lovely views of the Bodden landscape and boats from the nearby fishing harbor. Its calm, shallow waters make it a good spot for families.

Sandstrand Freest