The charm of a Usedom yacht charter lies in the variety that the area offers: from the Greifswalder Bodden, which connects the area with the island of Rügen, the fish-rich Peenestrom forms the access to the waters south of the island. The Achterwasser as a protected, shallow Bodden water is very popular with sailors, because it is well buoyed, protected from strong winds and therefore also recommended for beginners and families with children. Beautiful beaches and various mooring possibilities contribute their part to the attractiveness.
The Stettiner Haff is a somewhat bigger sailing challenge, but certainly worth it. Schön is the entrance through the Ueckerkopf to a visit in Ueckermünde, idyllic nature awaits them at the Küsten on both sides of the border. The leg from here through the Kaiserfahrt to the open Baltic Sea is certainly one of the highlights of a Usedom yacht charter. The canal leads to the Polish base Swinemünde. If you want, you can walk from here along the gorgeous Baltic Sea beach to the three Kaiserbädern.
Climate: with temperatures from 13 to 20 degrees
. Winds: north/northwest, easterly winds, cape effect
Sailing season: June to September
Yacht charter Usedom
The Peenestrom - best conditions also for sailing beginners
For beginners in sailing, a start from Kröslin offers a particularly attractive area. The mouth of the Peene River, the backwater and the Szczecin Lagoon are completely sheltered from the Baltic Sea, so it is easy to gain experience here. Nevertheless, there is no lack of interesting places to visit. In Wolgast, the Peene Bridge connects the mainland and the island. It is a bascule bridge, which is opened about five times a day for 15 minutes for shipping traffic. Find out about the opening times beforehand so that you can avoid long waiting times.
When you stop in Wolgast, don't miss the open-air museum "Museumshafen". Historic ships are moored here, including the rail ferry "Stralsund", which began service in 1890 and is the oldest steam ferry in Europe.
Shortly after Wolgast, the Peene River widens. On the coast of Usedom there are some beautiful and decidedly quiet natural harbors, such as Krummin. If you have a bicycle on board, you can start an excursion across the island from here. Following the federal road 111, the ambience might seem familiar. The lime trees planted here form an avenue, which is considered the most beautiful lime tree avenue on the island of Usedom and often serves as a postcard motif.
The Achterwasser - lagoon with picturesque natural harbors
Via the Peene River you reach the Achterwasser, which is located between the mainland and Usedom. Here, at the so-called southern tip of Gnitz, there is a nature reserve. If you stop in Lütow, you can walk the circular trail across the southern tip of Gnitz from here along steep banks, dunes and beaches. A little further on you reach the steep cliffs "Weißer Berg", which offer a beautiful view over the Achterwasser.
If you moor in Koserow, you can lie in the backwater, but still enjoy the Ostee with a short walk. The island is only about 2 kilometers wide here. In Ückeritz, on the other hand, you can - if you want to - go high up. The local climbing forest offers exciting climbs on courses of varying difficulty. If you prefer it a bit quieter and want to keep the ground under your feet, visit the rock garden in Ückeritz. Here, rocks from the last 13,000 years of history are on display, which found their way to the island during the last ice age. Towards the south the Achterwasser becomes very shallow. For deeper lying keel yachts it therefore becomes difficult further south.
To reach the Szczecin Lagoon, you have to follow the Peene River again, past Rankwitz and under the Zecherin Bridge (again, observe the bridge opening times to avoid waiting times). Shortly after the bridge, the Peene also flows from the mainland into the Peenestrom.
The Koserow pier, opened in 2021 after a long renovation, offers a lot to discover with its modern design © stylefoto24/AdobeStock
Szczecin Lagoon - Discover the Polish part of Usedom
The Szczecin Lagoon belongs partly to Germany and partly to Poland. Arrived in the German Small Lagoon, the first destination is already waiting. If you moor in the natural harbor of Stolpe, you can visit the castle in the village of the same name. The old manor house is privately owned, has been faithfully restored and is open to visitors. It also offers a cultural program. Readings, concerts and exhibitions take place here.
The village of Kamminke, with its small harbor, is one of the oldest places on the island. It is also located on the German-Polish border, which divides the island. The place is praised for the peace and quiet it exudes. Maybe you will be lucky and spot one of the white-tailed eagles, which are native to the island. Nowhere else in Germany is the population as large as on Usedom.
Crossing the Swine River in the Polish part, you will reach Swinemünde, the largest city on the island, and with it the Pomeranian Bay in the Baltic Sea. It is not necessary to clear in and out.
Stolpe Castle from the 12th/13th century is a good place for an afternoon excursion. It can be visited and a cultural program is offered. © Blickfang/AdobeStock
The Baltic Sea - popular sailing area with manifold sailing destinations
It is not only on the water that things get a bit busier once you reach the open Baltic Sea, but also the towns that line the east coast of the island offer a well-developed tourist program and a contrast to the tranquil towns on the west coast. Swinemünde was one of the largest German Baltic seaside resorts until the Second World War and, along with Bansin, Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck, is still referred to as the fourth Kaiserbad. Koserow, nestled in pristine nature, is ideal for hiking or cycling tours. From a culinary point of view, it is interesting to note that the best herring is said to be served here, and the ice cream parlor in town has made a name for itself throughout the entire island. Zinnowitz is praised for its particularly beautiful fine sandy beach and, with 1200 hours of sunshine a year, is the sunniest region in Germany. Karlshagen is located almost in the very north of the island. Here the sandy beach extends to the Peenemünder Haken nature reserve. Perfect for long walks on the beach.
A circumnavigation of the island is quite feasible for a cruise of one week length. Be aware of the sometimes not so easy sailing conditions, such as the shallows in the area of the Szczecin Lagoon.
If the Baltic Sea appeals to you as a sailing area, but you perhaps already know Usedom, then discover the island of Rügen with a start from Breege. The Mecklenburg Bay can best be explored with a start from Großenbrode or Warnemünde and around the Danish island of Fyn is also quite suitable for sailing novices. Especially the sheltered waters of the Little Belt offer relaxed sailing in front of a beautiful coastline.
Yacht charter Usedom - set sail with 1a Yachtcharter!
Dec 9, 2020
