Ummanz Beaches

Overview

Visitors exploring the island of Ummanz will discover a different kind of coastal experience. Instead of the wide, sandy shores found at Germany's main Baltic resorts, Ummanz offers a peaceful retreat with natural beaches along the shallow Bodden lagoon. These coastlines are often grassy meadows and pebble-strewn shores that lead to calm, shallow waters, making the island a perfect choice for those seeking tranquility and a holiday immersed in nature, away from the bustling crowds.

The island's most well-known spot is the natural beach near Suhrendorf, a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Its vast expanse of shallow water is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing, attracting both beginners and experts. While it's more of a grassy sunbathing area than a classic sandy beach, it's the heart of the island's active scene. For a quieter moment, a small and charming bathing area can also be found in Waase, offering a simple spot to enjoy the calm lagoon waters.

It is important to note how Ummanz's shores differ from those on the main island of Rügen. If you are dreaming of a classic seaside holiday with long, sandy promenades and bustling piers like those at Binz, you will want to head to the main island. The unique appeal of Ummanz lies in its serene and undeveloped coastline. For a closer look at all the quiet spots to discover, be sure to explore our complete guide to the island's beaches.

Top Beaches

Strand Suhrendorf

Located on Ummanz itself, this is the definitive spot for an active beach day, famous throughout Germany for its ideal kitesurfing conditions. The beach's reputation is built on having one of Germany's largest shallow-water areas, where the water often remains only knee-deep far from the shore. This makes it a perfect and forgiving playground for both beginners learning the ropes and experts perfecting their maneuvers. Instead of a typical sandy expanse, you'll find a natural landscape with grassy areas for sunbathing right behind the dyke. On windy days, the sky fills with the vibrant colors of countless kites, creating a dynamic spectacle. This relaxed, sporty atmosphere is set against the tranquil backdrop of the West Pomeranian Boddenlandschaft National Park, embodying the peaceful, nature-focused spirit of Ummanz.

FAQ

Are there any real sandy beaches on Ummanz?

Ummanz is not known for classic, long sandy beaches like the main resorts on Rügen. Instead, you'll find natural beaches, often with a mix of sand and pebbles, and grassy meadows leading to the water. The beach at Suhrendorf, for example, is a nature beach with some sandy areas, but it's primarily a meadow. A small bathing area with sand can also be found in Waase. For wide, fine sandy beaches, you would need to travel to the larger seaside resorts on Rügen's main island.

Is Ummanz a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Ummanz can be a great destination for families who appreciate nature and quieter surroundings. The water in the Bodden (lagoon) is very shallow, making it particularly safe for small children to splash around. The beach area near the Suhrendorf campsite is popular with families. However, if your family is looking for wide sandy beaches with full amenities like playgrounds and extensive gastronomy, the larger resorts on Rügen might be a better fit.

Can you swim in the water around Ummanz?

Yes, you can swim in the Bodden waters around Ummanz. The water is generally calm and warms up faster than the open Baltic Sea due to its shallowness. Popular swimming spots are in Suhrendorf and a small bathing area in Waase. The water quality is regularly monitored. However, be aware that the water is very shallow in many areas, which is great for wading but less so for serious swimming.

Is Ummanz more for relaxing or for active holidays?

Ummanz offers both. It's an ideal place for a relaxing holiday due to its tranquil, natural setting away from the main tourist crowds. However, it's also a premier destination for water sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to Germany's largest shallow water area ('Stehrevier') in Suhrendorf. So, you can choose to relax in nature or have a very active water sports vacation.

Can I find accommodation right on the beach in Ummanz?

Directly on-the-sand hotels are not the norm here. However, you can stay very close to the water. The most prominent option is the campsite in Suhrendorf (Regenbogen Suhrendorf), which is located right behind the natural beach and offers various types of lodging. There are also several holiday homes and apartments in villages like Waase or Mursewiek, which are just a short walk or bike ride from the Bodden shore.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

How do the beaches on Ummanz compare to the main beaches on Rügen?

The beaches are very different. Ummanz features quiet, natural Bodden beaches, which are essentially grassy or pebbly shores with very shallow water, ideal for nature lovers and watersports beginners. In contrast, the main beaches on Rügen, like in Binz or Sellin, are wide, fine-sand beaches on the open Baltic Sea with full tourist infrastructure, including promenades, piers, and beach chair rentals. Ummanz offers tranquility and nature, while Rügen's main resorts offer a classic seaside holiday experience.

Binz

Sellin

What is the beach at Suhrendorf like?

The beach at Suhrendorf is a natural beach located on the west coast of Ummanz, adjacent to a campsite. It's not a classic sandy beach but rather a grassy sunbathing area that transitions to a natural shoreline. It's famous for being part of Germany's largest shallow water area, making it an exceptionally popular spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers, from beginners to advanced. The water is extremely shallow for a long way out.

Do I have to pay a tourist tax (Kurtaxe) to use the beaches on Ummanz?

No, one of the advantages of staying on Ummanz is that there is no tourist tax (Kurtaxe) to be paid. You can access the bathing spots without this additional fee, which is common in the larger seaside resorts on Rügen.