| In the following pages we have compiled an A
to Z index for an exciting vacation. It is a selection of
the broad variety of offers for sights, events and
specialties of the Kaiserbaeder (emperor’s spas) of Ahlbeck,
Heringsdorf, Bansin as well as Heringsdorf, Bansin and its
surroundings. The seaside resorts are also a good address
for health and rehabilitation treatments. Because of the
great importance of the emperor’s spas as a source of
health and because of the variety of therapy possibilities,
we recommend that potential visitors to a spa read our
special health-brochure. For further information, the spa
administration offices are at your disposal. |
 ACHTERWASSER
UND PEENESTROM |
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BACKWATER AND PEENE STREAM
The water areas between mainland and island are a real
paradise for friends of nature, of water sports, and for
people who like fishing. Here you can still find a broad
reed belt - a place highly attractive for waterfowls and a
source of income for an old trade, the roof thatchers. The
bird protection islands of Baemke and Werder in the Balmer
lake, a scenic bay in the backwater near Neppertin, are
views especially beautiful for friends of nature. |
| FISHING |
| Further information is provided by the spa
administration offices. A fishing license is required. |
| ARRANGEMENTS |
We offer interesting and varying
off-season-arrangements for the health conscious and friends
of nature: hiking, cycling, beach runs, swimming in the
sub-tropic pool paradise, spinal cord training and much
more.
Get out of the everyday routine and have some fun – your
body and soul will be grateful! |
| SWIMMING |
| The sandy beach of the island, about 42 kms long,
white and without pebbles knows virtually no competitor.
Along the seaside resorts Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin,
you can enjoy about 12 kilometers of pure splashing fun.
Parts of the beaches in each of the resorts are guarded and
have life rescue stations. Depending on the waves, the beach is up to 70
meters broad. An ideal place to sunbathe and relax. |
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| WATER QUALITY |
 |
WATER QUALITY
During the bathing season - mid May to mid September –
probes of the water are taken and examined every other week
by the State Hygiene Institute. Proof of the very good water
quality at the beaches of the emperor’s spas is the award
of the Blue European Flag as a symbol of the environment by
the European Foundation for Environmental Education in 1998.
The tree resorts received this award for the third time in a
row. |
| BOAT
RENTALS |
| Boat rentals
are established on the beaches at the resorts and the
backwater as well as on some of the picturesque lakes. |
 |
| FISH |
|
|
Fish lovers can choose from a wide
selection of fish from the Baltic Sea, such as herring,
pike-perch, perch, eel, flounder, and salmon. Many
restaurants have freshly caught fish on their menu. |
| NUDE BEACHES |
| The emperor’s spas have a heart for friends of
nudism, specially designated parts of the beach are reserved
for this purpose. At the "textile beach", however,
nudism is not appreciated. |
| FLYING |
| The island seen from above – a special experience
for young and old. Spectacular scenic flights can be booked
at Heringsdorf Airport. Public transportation to the airport
is scheduled during the Summer months. Charter flights are
also available. |
| FORUM USEDOM |
| Cultural center of the emperor's spas is the Forum
USEDOM in Heringsdorf with a casino and the festivity hall
for various artistic events. |
| ART GALLERIES/ EXHIBITIONS |
| To visit an art gallery or an
exhibition in the emperor’s spas is not just a bad
weather-alternative, it rather is a highly cultural leisure
for amateurs of different types of arts. The Usedom Art
Cabinet, for example, has permanently changing exhibitions
of pictures and sculptures of artists from Germany and from
abroad. Places like the art gallery in the House of the
Guest and the memorial atelier "Rolf Werner" in
Bansin, the art gallery cafe "Moeve" in Ahlbeck,
the art pavilion in Heringsdorf or the "villa
Irmgard" provide, with their broad repertoire of
continuous and changing exhibitions, an insight into to the
high-call creation of local, national and international
artists .... |
| HEALTH STUDIO |
| The health studio at the Ostseetherme USEDOM offers
individual programs to improve the well-being and physical
potential. You can shape up under the guidance of therapists
in a bright and pleasant atmosphere, using state-of-the-art
equipment. Afterwards, relax your muscles in the pool. |
| GOLF
COURSE |
| One of the most beautiful golf courses of Germany
is awaiting your visit near to Balm, in the centre of a
scenic landscape. The facilities have an 18-hole par 72
master’s golf course, a 6-hole short course, a driving
range and a golfer’s school. |
| CHURCH SERVICES |
| Protestant and catholic services take place on a
regular basis in the churches of the emperor’s spas and of
the church communities in the countryside. In addition to
that, there are a variety of offers during the Summer months. |
| DOGS |
| Each of the three seaside resorts has its own beach
for dogs. Access is not allowed for dogs at the public
beach. Why not take your dog on a day trip to the backland
with a stunning scenery? Your dog will be thankful and you
will enjoy the exclusive variety of the island’s nature as
well. |
| ISLAND TRAIN (Usedomer
Baederbahn) |
| Since
the end of May 2000, the train goes from Züssow through
Wolgast along the coast to Ahlbeck/ border. Passengers going
to Trassenheide, Karlshagen or Peenemünde switch trains in
Zinnowitz. In the interest of the environment, we thank
every guest who leaves his car at home. For people arriving
by car, the train offers an exciting alternative to travel
along the coast. |
| ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN |
| There is a wide selection of activities for
our little guests, such as building sand castles,
handcrafting, puppet theatre, creative design and a lot more... |
| CHURCHES |
| With the
churches in Benz and in Zirchow, the friend of art will
discover two outstanding examples of Early Gothic
architecture, which have been aggrandized in later years. |
| CLIMATE |
| The coastal climate, characterized
by a mild bracing climate with changing bio-physiological
intensity, represents a decisive factor for cures and
recovery in our spas. Throughout the year, there are
possibilities for an individual, medically assessed dosing
of the bracing factors, which have a regulating impact on
many diseases (for example chronic diseases of the
respiratory tracts, heart-circulatory-diseases, chronic skin
ailments). Thanks to a higher proportion of sea winds in the
winter season, the therapeutic effects of the climate are
even better during this time of the year for certain
diseases than during the warm season. |
| CONCERTS |
 |
At the traditional concert places,
we have the popular health resort concerts in all three
medical sea resorts. Furthermore, in Heringsdorf musical
events take place in the art pavilion and in the villa
"Irmgard". Musical entertainment is also offered
in the "house of the guest" in Bansin. Church
concerts and small concerts in some hotel restaurants are
highly popular. |
| HEALTH CURES |
| A health cure on the Isle of Usedom
is recommended especially in case of chronic diseases of the
mobility apparatus, diseases of the respiratory tract, of
the skin, in case of allergies, disturbances of heart and
circulation, vascular diseases, psycho-vegetative syndromes
and for post cancer- treatment. Both in- and out-patient
treatments are practized in spa institutions and in modern
specialized clinics, private cures are possible as well.
Either prevention or rehabilitation, either on your own or
accompanied – the health sea resorts can correspond to all
those wishes. Experienced medical doctors and therapists,
modern diagnostic instruments and therapeutic methods as
well as local natural remedies – sea water and Heringsdorf
iodine-brine – will help you to stabilize or restore your
health. We have great success, for example, with our
specific methods of seawater-therapy and with mud-packages
and –baths. Experience the advantages of an unspoiled
nature and of the inspiring powers of the sea! |
| HEALTH AND WELLNESS FACILITIES |
-
Ostseetherme USEDOM,
Kurmittelhaus, Seebad Ahlbeck
- rehabilitation
clinic of Sachsen and Wuerttemberg state insurance companies
in Ahlbeck sea resort
- "USEDOM" rehabilitation clinic, Heringsdorf sea
resort
- "Haus Kulm" rehabilitation clinic, Heringsdorf
sea resort
- "Haus Gothensee" rehabilitation clinic,
Heringsdorf sea resort
The bed capacity of the health institutions of the emperor’s
spas is 710. |
| ICE-ARENA |
| The spot on the boardwalk where the Chapeau
Rouge stands from May to August, turns into a skating arena
during the cold season. - an attractive alternative
for young and old guests. |
| ART SEMINARS |
| The calendar of events of the "Imperial
3"offers creative courses such as silk painting. |
| HAY RIDES |
| Especially hay ride to the backland are much
appreciated. Touring companies are established in all three
of the resorts. |
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|
FASHION
EVENT |
|
|
Heringsdorf goes Fashion
-under this title,
Heringsdorf becomes the venue for a fashion spectacle rare
in Germany each Spring and Fall. Leading German and
international fashion houses come to the restored spa rooms
to present their collection on a high-quality fashion show
with an unforgettable choreography... |
| MUSEUMS |
| Visit the museum of local history
in Ahlbeck and the "Villa Irmgard" in Heringsdorf.
While the Ahlbeck museum leads you into the past of the
former small fishing village, in the "Villa
Irmgard" you learn a lot about important personalities
which have stayed in Heringsdorf in former times – for
example the Russian poet Maxim Gorki, who during his stay at
the sea resort in 1922 lived in this house. Furthermore the
villa constantly houses changing exhibitions and invites to
a series high-level cultural events. Friends of painting
should not fail to pay a visit in the memorial atelier
"Rolf Werner" in the Bansin sea resort. |
| MUSSELS |
| You will find mussels in great quantities
not only at the beach. The shell-museum, on the pier of
Heringsdorf, has amazing samples of shells on show. |
| MUSIC FESTIVAL |
| Every year in September, the podium
for the world elite of the young generation in music is a
high-level cultural highlight in the three emperor’s
resorts. |
| NATURE PRESERVATION |
The entire Isle of Usedom is a unique nature
park. In the backland of the three resorts, you will find
the nature reserves Muemmelkensee (near Bansin).
Gothensee and Thurbruch (near Heringsdorf) as well as the
Golm nature reserve, near Ahlbeck.
|
 |
Treat these areas carefully when entering
...
... so that the sea
eagle still breeds on Usedom tomorrow, so that the wind can
blow the wool-grass and the badger hibernates undisturbed.
...so that man can still enjoy this extraordinary scenery
tomorrow... |
| OSTSEETHERME USEDOM |
As an attractive alternative to the sea, the
emperor’s spas present all year round the o t h e r
bathing experience at Usedom: A sub-tropic bathing paradise
with swimming centre, a slide inside a grotto, warm basin
with air sparkling bath, Roman steam baths, Finnish saunas,
cafeteria with juice and salad bar, resting zones, restrooms
... In the well equipped spa rooms you may get special
massages, medical baths, warm packages and hot air
treatment.
The well-known Heringsdorf iodine-brine is used in all areas
of the Thermal Baths. |
| BOARDWALK |
| The promenade from to Ahlbeck via
Heringsdorf to Bansin, some 8 km long and well tended, is an
invitation both to linger and walk on. Well kept flowerbeds,
shady pine trees and particular bushes display, in
combination with the light facades of the hotels and
pensions, a unique harmony. |
| CYCLING |
| There is a huge choice of
possibilities for cycling tours. Here just one example:
Along the coast, a cycling trail leads you from Peenemuende
to Ahlbeck. You then may continue through forest and meadows
to the fishing village of Kamminke at the "Small
Haff". Bicycles can be rented in all three sea resorts. |
| FERRIES |
| Boat trips to the Baltic Sea are possible
from the harbours of Wolgast, Karlshagen, and Peenemuende
and from the piers. The Polish port of Swinemuende is also a
destination for ships from the piers. From Kamminke, ships
depart for the highly popular tours of the "Stettin
Haff". Other popular boat trips go to the neighboring,
foreign countries and to the Isle of Ruegen. |
| PIERS |
 |
Each of the three sea resorts has its own
pier. The Ahlbeck pier celebrated its 100-year jubilee in
1998. Bansin opened its pier in the summer of 1994.
In Heringsdorf, the "Kaiser-Wilhelm-pier", 500
meters long, fell victim to an arson attack in 1958. Newly
erected in 1995, the largest of the three buildings now
prevails as the longest sea pier of continental Europe. |
| LAKES |
| The island is rich with large and small
scenic inland lakes, rich with fish. The largest lake is the
"Gothen" Lake in the hinterland of the three sea
resorts. |
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| SLAVIC
SETTLEMENT |
| Nearby in the picturesque village of Balm,
remnants of a Slavonic settlement and a conserved fortress
wall can be visited. |
| BRINE |
A 4% iodine-containing brine is extracted
from 408 meters depth in front of the Heringsdorf sea pier
as a healing water.
With its natural minerals’ and valuable trace elements’
contents, like about 2.5 mg iodide per kilogram, this brine,
when applied in medical full and part-body baths, has
excellent therapeutic results for a variety of different
indications. |
| HOURS OF SUNSHINE |
| According to measurements by the German
Weather Service, Usedom is, with 1.906 hours of sunshine per
year, the sunniest holiday region in Germany: Cap Arkona on
Ruegen has, with 1825 hours of sunshine, place 2, followed
by the Allgaeu region (Bavaria) with 1791 hours of sunshine
per year ... |
| CASINO |
 |
Friends of the games of luck like
roulette or black jack will enjoy the Heringsdorf casino in
the "Forum Usedom". |
| SPORTS |
| With our broad variety of sports
you will easily keep fit whatever you choose: Water sports,
beach volley ball, tennis, soccer, golf, mini-golf and more
... |
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| MAGALITHIC AND HILL GRAVESITES |
| Documents of times long past are scattered
throughout the isle of Usedom, such as mysterious megalith
and hill gravesites. Especially recommended for a visit: the
great megalithic grave near Luetow. |
| OBSERVATORY |
| The observatory located in the dunes of
Heringsdorf offers tours after sunset in case the weather is
clear. |
| STORK'S NEST |
| The "stork's father" Eggebrecht
lives in Gothen, a part of Heringsdorf. Since 1963 he has a
stork’s nest on the roof of his barn. For 30 years –
until 1993 – it has been inhabited by one and the same
stork couple. From a small park, the nest of the storks can
be observed. Showcases provide information about their life.
At the barn’s gable, the stork’s father records the
storks’ arrivals and departures, the number of chicks and
much else. Since 1994, a new stork couple occupies the nest. |
| STOERTEBEKER |
| The most famous pirate of the Baltic Sea is
supposed to have had his headquarters on the isle of
Usedom. His legendary treasure is still being hunted for up
until today ... |
| WICKER BEACH CHAIR |
| Between Ahlbeck and Bansin, anybody can rent
the wicker beach chairs directly on the beach or from a
local lesser. |
| THEATRE |
Chapeau Rouge (Theatre Tent)
The West Pomeranian Theatres Anklam stage guest appearances
from May until August in the red theatre tent at the
promenade in the sea resort of Heringsdorf.
The high-level and inspiring tent theatre of the island
offer special programs for children and young people as well
as theatre pieces, varieté theatre and concerts. |
| ANIMALS
AND PLANTS (protected) |
insects:
dragonflies etc.
birds:
great Bittern, Kingfisher, Curlew, scarlet Rose finch,
red-backed Shrike, Ospreys
mammals:
Otters, Water Bats
amphibians:
various frog and taut species
reptiles:
small harmless snakes
plants:
wool-grass, orchids, and many other plants unique
to this region |
| TRAIL-NETWORK |
| The trail-network is established
throughout the resorts and trails are well-signposted.
Detailed information are available at the resorts
administration and wellness facilities. |
| TROPICAL HOUSE |
| Exotic animals and plants have
found a home in the Tropical House in Bansin, the smallest
zoo in the world. |
| CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
| The emperor’s resorts publish a monthly
calendar of events, which can be obtained free of charge at
the resort administration offices. Besides cultural events,
this calendar also informs about protestant and catholic
services, addresses and business hours of cultural
institutions and much more ... |
| HIKING |
| Marked trails will lead you –
passing old wind mills and young cattle – through the
scenic Hinterland of the three seaside resorts. The main
trail (white square with blue crossbeam) runs from the
Ahlbeck pier along the coastal line and then across
Mecklenburg until Thuringia. You may get to know the eastern
part of the island on the area trail (white square with red
crossbeam) leading from Ahlbeck via Korswandt towards the
Haff coast and to the town of Usedom. The trail which then
leads across the bascule bridge near Zecherin to the
mainland can be recommended for cyclists too. Hiking maps
can be obtained from the resort administration offices ... |
| WEATHER |
The weather forecast for our region
can be obtained nationwide under:
Tel. 01 90 / 27 06 47. |
| WIND POWERED- WATER WORKS |
| This interesting technical monument can be
seen in the brook valley meadows near Kachlin. Erected in
1920, it has served up to the 60s for the drainage of the
green land. The Scooping works have been reconstructed in
1995.Right up to the top of the tower, the works are 11.75
meters high. The diameter of the wind wheel is about 8.45
meters. The water is elevated some 1.5 meters with the help
of a winding snail. However, it has no practical use today
any more. ... |
|
| WINTER
ARRANGEMENT |
The cold season offers distinct recreation.
Take time for an extended tour around the island. Enjoy
walking on the deserted beach and the view of the vast sea,
which may be frozen over.
The island is recovering from the turbulent summer – only
the cry of the seagulls never ends.
Let yourself be spoilt
in one of our comfortable hotels. Enjoy the events arranged specially
for you and enjoy the balanced Christmas program.
Enjoy the unique bathing experience in the Baltic Sea
Thermal Baths and gain new strength in the modern equipped
spa rooms.
Now is the time of tranquility, where restorative holidays
are especially recommended.
But whoever wants liveliness and fun ought come for New
Years Eve or for the traditional carnival in Bansin and
Ahlbeck. |
| WINDMILLS |
| The Bock windmill between Benz and Pudagla
and the Dutch windmill near Benz are worth seeing. |
| |
