Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Wolgast Beaches

Overview

While the historic port town of Wolgast is located on the Peenestrom strait, it is famously known as the "Gateway to the Island of Usedom" ("Tor zur Insel Usedom"). This means visitors are just a short and simple journey by bridge or local railway from one of Germany's premier coastal destinations. Wolgast provides a charming base for exploring the 42-kilometer stretch of fine, white sand that makes Usedom's Baltic Sea coast a beloved holiday spot.

The island's coastline offers a wonderful variety of beach experiences. You can immerse yourself in the grandeur of the 'Imperial Spas' at beaches like Strand Heringsdorf, known for its magnificent pier and elegant architecture. Nearby, Ahlbeck captivates visitors with its famous historic pier, offering a truly classic seaside atmosphere. For those seeking more dramatic natural scenery, Strand Koserow presents a stunning landscape where the sandy shore meets beautiful forested cliffs.

Beyond these highlights, Usedom caters to every preference, from lively resorts to quieter stretches of sand. Families with children will appreciate the wide shores and calm, shallow waters at Ostseestrand Karlshagen, which is celebrated for its family-friendly environment. Whether you seek the bustling promenades of the main resorts or the peaceful dunes of a more secluded spot, the island has a perfect beach waiting. For a complete look at all the options, be sure to explore our longer list of Usedom's best beaches.

FAQ

Does Wolgast have its own beach on the Baltic Sea?

No, Wolgast is located on the Peenestrom, a strait of the Baltic Sea, not on the open coast. However, it is famously known as the 'Gateway to the Island of Usedom' ('Tor zur Insel Usedom'), and the island's renowned long, sandy beaches are just a short drive, train, or bike ride away across the Peene Bridge.

How do I get from Wolgast to the beaches on Usedom?

You can easily reach Usedom's beaches from Wolgast. The most common way is by car, crossing the Peene Bridge (Peenebrücke). Alternatively, the Usedomer Bäderbahn (UBB), a local railway, connects Wolgast directly with the major seaside resorts along the coast, such as Zinnowitz, Heringsdorf, and Ahlbeck. Cycling across the bridge is also a popular and scenic option.
Zinnowitz
Zinnowitz
Strand Heringsdorf
Strand Heringsdorf
Ahlbeck
Ahlbeck

Is it better to stay in Wolgast or directly on Usedom for a beach holiday?

This depends on your priorities. Staying in Wolgast can be more budget-friendly and offers the atmosphere of a historic port town away from the main tourist hubs. Staying directly in one of Usedom's seaside resorts like Ahlbeck or Zinnowitz places you right on the beach with more holiday amenities, but it is often more expensive and crowded, especially in summer.
Ahlbeck
Ahlbeck
Zinnowitz
Zinnowitz

Which beach on Usedom is best for families with small children?

Most beaches on Usedom's Baltic coast are excellent for families due to their fine, white sand and very shallow, calm waters. Resorts like Trassenheide, Karlshagen, and Zinnowitz are particularly popular with families, known for being very child-friendly with gentle slopes into the sea, lifeguard services, and nearby amenities.
Trassenheide Strand
Trassenheide Strand
Ostseestrand Karlshagen
Ostseestrand Karlshagen
Zinnowitz
Zinnowitz

Can you swim in the sea at Usedom and what is the water temperature like?

Yes, you can definitely swim in the Baltic Sea at Usedom during the summer. The water is generally calm, clean, and has a low salinity, making it gentle on the skin and eyes. In peak summer months like July and August, water temperatures typically range from 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), which is refreshing for a swim on a hot day.

Are there dog-friendly beaches (Hundestrände) on Usedom?

Yes, Usedom is very welcoming to dogs. Every major seaside resort has clearly marked, designated dog beaches ('Hundestrände') where your dog can run and swim. You can find these official dog-friendly sections in Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, Bansin, Zinnowitz, Karlshagen, and Trassenheide, among others.
Ahlbeck
Ahlbeck
Strand Heringsdorf
Strand Heringsdorf
Bansin
Bansin
Zinnowitz
Zinnowitz

What does 'FKK' mean and are there nudist beaches on Usedom?

'FKK' stands for 'Freikörperkultur,' which means Free Body Culture and refers to nudism. Nudist sunbathing is a long-standing tradition and is widely accepted on Germany's Baltic coast. Usedom has numerous designated FKK beaches (FKK-Strände), which are always clearly signed. You can find FKK sections at nearly every major beach, including in Ahlbeck, Bansin, Koserow, and Zinnowitz.
Ahlbeck
Ahlbeck
Bansin
Bansin
Zinnowitz
Zinnowitz

Do I have to pay to access the beaches on Usedom?

While the beaches are physically open, visitors staying in the seaside resorts must pay a local tourist tax called the 'Kurtaxe'. This fee supports the cleaning, maintenance, and safety of the beaches and public facilities, including lifeguard services. You typically pay this tax through your accommodation provider and receive a 'UsedomCard,' which you should carry with you as proof of payment.

People Also Ask

Usedom or Rügen: Which island is better for a beach holiday?

Both islands offer beautiful beaches but have different characters. Usedom is known for its 42-kilometer continuous stretch of fine, sandy beach and the elegant 'Kaiserbäder' (Imperial Spas) with their grand 19th-century architecture. Rügen, Germany's largest island, is more geographically diverse, featuring not only sandy beaches but also dramatic chalk cliffs, lagoons, and more rugged coastlines. The choice often comes down to preferring Usedom's classic, elegant resort feel versus Rügen's wilder, more varied landscapes.

What are the quieter, less crowded beaches on Usedom?

To escape the crowds of the main 'Kaiserbäder' (Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, Bansin) in high season, consider the beaches at Ückeritz, Zempin, or the northern resorts of Karlshagen and Trassenheide. For a completely different and often very peaceful atmosphere, you can also explore the small swimming spots ('Badestellen') on the Achterwasser, the calm backwater lagoon on the inland side of the island.
Strand Ückeritz
Strand Ückeritz
Strand Zempin
Strand Zempin
Ostseestrand Karlshagen
Ostseestrand Karlshagen
Trassenheide Strand
Trassenheide Strand

What are those wicker beach chairs and can I rent one?

Those iconic hooded wicker chairs are called 'Strandkörbe' (beach baskets). They are a classic feature of German beaches, offering excellent protection from wind and sun. You can rent them for a day or a week from numerous providers located directly on the sand in all the main resorts. Renting one is considered an essential part of the authentic German beach experience.

Is it easy to find parking near the beaches on Usedom?

Finding parking close to the main beaches, especially in the popular resorts like Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf, can be difficult and costly during the high season (July and August). While there are public parking lots, they fill up quickly. Many visitors find it easier to use the Usedomer Bäderbahn (UBB) train, public buses, or bicycles to travel between towns and access the beaches.

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Nudist Beaches in Wolgast

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Wolgast: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
Today is not ideal for the beach in Wolgast. Expect some rain and a good amount of cloud cover. The maximum air temperature will be 10.3 °C. It will be breezy, with strong gusts of wind. The sea temperature is 11.5 °C. With such brisk conditions, it's not really a day for swimming.
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Air

Low / High5.8°C/10.3°C
Feels Like (High)6.5°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature11.5 °C
Wave Height0.4 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance88%
Rainfall5.7 mm
Rain Duration8 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:52/17:45
Sunshine Hours3.3 hrs
UV Index1.25
Cloud Cover78%
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Wind

Speed23.5 km/h
Gusts42.8 km/h
DirectionSW

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