What's the real difference between Prerow's Nordstrand and Weststrand?
The Nordstrand (North Beach) is the town's main beach, known for its fine white sand, calm and shallow waters, and amenities like beach chair rentals (Strandkörbe), cafes, and a long pier. It's very accessible and ideal for families. The Weststrand (West Beach) is a completely different experience; it's a wild, natural beach inside the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park. Known for its rugged beauty, windswept trees ('Windflüchter'), and untouched nature, it's only reachable by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage through the Darß Forest.
Is Prerow a good place for a family beach holiday?
Yes, Prerow is considered very family-friendly. The main Nordstrand is particularly suitable for children due to its stone-free, fine sandy beach and shallow, calm waters which are supervised by lifeguards (DLRG). The town also has playgrounds and many holiday apartments geared towards families. The gentle bay provides a safe environment for swimming and playing.
How do you actually get to the Weststrand? Can you drive there?
No, you cannot drive a car to the Weststrand. It is located within a national park and is intentionally kept remote. The most common ways to reach it are by a 5 km bicycle ride or hike through the scenic Darß Forest. Alternatively, you can take a horse-drawn carriage or the 'Darßbahn,' a tractor-pulled tourist train, which takes you part of the way.
Are there nudist (FKK) beaches in Prerow?
Yes, Prerow has a long and established tradition of FKK (Freikörperkultur, or Free Body Culture). There are large, clearly designated nudist sections on both the Nordstrand and the wild Weststrand. In fact, Prerow is home to one of Germany's largest FKK beach areas. These sections are for naturism, and clothed individuals are expected to use the textile beach areas.
Are there hotels or holiday homes right on the Weststrand?
No, there is no accommodation directly on the Weststrand. The beach and the surrounding Darß Forest are part of a protected national park, so no development is permitted there. To stay near the Weststrand, you would book accommodation in the village of Prerow and then travel to the beach by bike or on foot through the forest.
Can you actually swim in the sea at Prerow? How cold is the water?
Yes, you can swim in the Baltic Sea at Prerow, but the water is refreshing. The main swimming season is during the summer months of July and August. During this peak time, water temperatures typically range from 17°C to 22°C (about 63°F to 72°F), which is suitable for comfortable swimming on warm days.
Should I stay in Prerow or Zingst for a beach holiday?
Both Prerow and Zingst offer beautiful, long sandy beaches and are popular choices. Prerow is often seen as quieter and more focused on nature, with its direct access to the wild Darß Forest and the remote Weststrand. Zingst is generally considered a bit livelier, with a larger pier, more shops, and a well-known focus on photography. The choice depends on whether you prefer a more tranquil, nature-centric holiday (Prerow) or a slightly more bustling resort town atmosphere (Zingst).
Can I bring my dog to the beach in Prerow?
Yes, Prerow is dog-friendly, but with specific rules. During the main season (May to September), dogs are only allowed on specially marked dog beaches ('Hundestrände'). From October to April, the rules are relaxed, and dogs are permitted on the entire beach. In all cases, dogs must be kept on a leash within the town and on the beaches.
What is the 'Kurtaxe' and do I have to pay it?
The 'Kurtaxe' is a mandatory local visitor's tax that all overnight guests must pay. You will typically pay this to your accommodation provider, who will then issue you a guest card ('Kurkarte'). The revenue is used to maintain tourist infrastructure, including beach cleaning, lifeguard services, public restrooms, and free access to certain local events. The guest card also provides discounts at local attractions.
What are the 'Windflüchter' everyone talks about?
'Windflüchter' (literally 'wind escapers') are the iconic, dramatically bent trees found along the Weststrand. These are typically pines and beeches that have been permanently shaped by the strong, persistent winds coming off the Baltic Sea. Their unique, sculptural forms are a famous symbol of the Darß peninsula's wild and natural landscape.
Is the beach in Prerow sandy or pebbly?
The beaches in Prerow, both the Nordstrand and the Weststrand, are famous for their very fine, white, and stone-free sand. The quality and expanse of the sand are considered among the best on the entire German Baltic coast, often compared to Caribbean beaches on sunny days.
When is the best time of year for a beach holiday in Prerow?
The peak season for a classic beach and swimming holiday is from June to August, when air and water temperatures are warmest. However, the shoulder seasons of May, September, and early October are also popular. During these months, the weather is often pleasant for long walks on the beach, cycling, and enjoying nature with fewer crowds, though it may be too cool for swimming.
