Heringsdorf-Usedom Usedom Island Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
At the foot of the seaside resort, in north-eastern Germany, on the Baltic coast of Usedom Island. The Seebrücke, a 508-metre pier carried on white pavilions, is the landmark every visitor uses.
The trio of Heringsdorf, Bansin and Ahlbeck, the imperial baths where Prussian aristocracy came to take the waters in the 19th century. The emperors left their name; the white villas with their ornate verandas left the architecture.
Walk a stretch of the seafront promenade, go out on the Seebrücke, wander the villa streets set back from the shore, and continue to Ahlbeck if time allows. In summer the beach alone happily fills half a day.
Yes, in summer. Baltic water here is barely salty and has no significant tides, and the beach is wide with a gentle slope that families appreciate. Off season people walk it barefoot rather than swim: the water stays cold.
A continuous seafront of about 12 kilometres linking the three resorts and running on past the Polish border to Świnoujście. Covering it during a port call is out of the question: one stretch is plenty to get the idea.
Yes, about half an hour's walk to the south-east. Ahlbeck has Germany's oldest pier, recognisable by its four green turrets. A small tourist train and buses also connect the three resorts for anyone who would rather save their legs.
The euro. Hotels, tea rooms and seafront restaurants generally take cards, but fish kiosks and beach-basket rentals often prefer cash.
Very much so. The gentle slope of the shore reassures parents, the wicker beach baskets amuse children, and bicycle rentals sit right by the seafront. This is a beach resort, not a monument trail.
Herring, which gave the place its name: smoked, pickled or as a Fischbrötchen, the fish roll sold from seafront kiosks. The villa tea rooms serve cakes and coffee in a setting of porcelain and white woodwork faithful to the 1900s.
June to September, when swimming is possible, summer concerts liven the pier and terraces are open. Off season the promenade keeps its charm, but the Baltic wind turns biting.
