Lakes around Altefähr are primarily characterized by the Strelasund, a shallow arm of the Baltic Sea separating Rügen from Stralsund. This area offers views of the Stralsund skyline and is known for its calm, shallow waters. While the region is part of the island of Rügen, it also features smaller inland lakes and rewetting areas. The natural landscape includes forests, moraine landscapes, and coastal features.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
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Gravel biking around Altefähr
This lovely bathing spot offers everything you could wish for. It's not crowded, being small and easy to navigate. Furthermore, the lack of any restaurants or cafes in the immediate vicinity makes it relatively quiet and peaceful. It's also easily accessible via the cycle path. The bathing area is partially screened from view by vegetation along the cycle path. There's a nice little sandy beach at the entry point.
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A very relaxing walk into the city center. Magnificent views of the lakes and numerous waterfowl. Plenty of benches invite you to linger. A very nice spot.
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Wonderful nature to relax and enjoy.
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always open 😁
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Swimming area. Swim at your own risk.
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The Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek is a landscaped area in the south of the island of Rügen near Poseritz. After the construction of the new Rügen Bridge over the Strelasund between Stralsund and Altefähr, the German Unity Highway Planning and Construction Company (Deges) undertook to re-wet the Wiek as a compensatory measure to make amends for environmental damage. Before it was drained, the Wiek was last recorded as a body of water on a Prussian survey map from 1830. It had open access to the Puddeminer Wiek and covered an area of 32 hectares. With the construction of a dike around the middle of the 20th century, the breach was closed and the area was drained using a pumping station. Since then, the reclaimed area, which was about two meters below the water level of the Greifswald Bodden, was used for agriculture until 1990. Deges planned to re-wet the lake in 2012. In 2010, a flood structure was built on the neighboring Puddeminer Wiek. Two automatically controlled flood gates with a total width of 12 meters were installed to regulate the water exchange, as well as two scooping and pumping stations. The area was flooded from August 19, 2011. The Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek is two meters deep at its deepest point after flooding and covers an area of 124 hectares; the entire renaturation area measures 240 hectares. The area has now developed into a nationally important migration and resting area for water and wading birds as well as cranes. Thousands of ducks such as wigeons, mallards and tufted ducks as well as grey geese rest here. At low water, wading bird species such as lapwings and golden plovers rest in the Wiek. A large cormorant colony has established itself in the southwestern part of the Wiek. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mellnitz-%C3%9Cselitzer_Wiek
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Not really visible in the photo
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The primary water body is the Strelasund, a narrow arm of the Baltic Sea that separates Rügen from Stralsund. While there are smaller inland lakes and rewetting areas, the Strelasund is most prominent, known for its shallow bodden waters and scenic views of the Stralsund skyline. Notable specific areas include the Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve with its small bodies of water, and the Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area, a newly created shallow sea bay.
Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. The Strelasund beach in Altefähr features a playground and shallow, safe bathing areas. The Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve has a circular hiking trail suitable for families, where children can see grazing sheep. You can also enjoy pedal boating or rowing boats on the Knieperteich near the White Bridges.
The Strelasund is excellent for water sports like sailing, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Angling is also popular. For land-based activities, there are numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling along the shore and through nearby forests. You can find various routes, including road cycling, gravel biking, and running trails, by exploring guides like Road Cycling Routes around Altefähr, Gravel biking around Altefähr, and Running Trails around Altefähr.
Yes, the re-designed beach along the Strelasund in Altefähr is notably barrier-free. It includes a bathing ramp for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties, ensuring easier access to the water and promenade.
Yes, swimming is possible. The Strelasund offers a gentle bathing shore, particularly safe for small children due to its shallow areas. There is also a dedicated swimming area at Pütter See, though it's noted that the bank can be reedy and the bathing area weedy in parts.
You'll find diverse natural features. The Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve showcases a moraine landscape with small bodies of water, moors, and grasslands. The Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area is a shallow sea bay that serves as an important resting and feeding ground for migratory and resting birds. The Strelasund itself offers panoramic views and is characterized by its shallow bodden waters.
Yes, the White Bridges over the Knieperteich are a notable historical site. These two bridges, part of Stralsund's former urban fortifications, span the Knieperteich and offer views of St. Mary's Church. The Stralsund skyline, visible from Altefähr, also features historical brick churches and old warehouse buildings.
The summer months are popular for water activities and enjoying the beaches. July is particularly notable for the traditional Sundschwimmen event. For hiking, visiting when it's a little overcast and not too warm, especially outside of weekends, can offer a more peaceful experience, as suggested by visitors to the Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve.
Yes, the Strelasund beach in Altefähr includes designated areas for dog owners. Additionally, many of the hiking and walking trails around the natural areas, such as the circular trail at the Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve, are generally dog-friendly, though leashing rules should always be observed.
Parking is available at key locations. For instance, there is a parking lot at the entrance to the Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve. The Knieperteich Park also offers parking facilities, making it convenient for walks around the pond and into Stralsund's old town.
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning panoramic views, especially of the Stralsund skyline from the Strelasund. The calm and relaxed atmosphere, the shallow waters suitable for families, and the diverse recreational activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports are also highly valued. The natural beauty of areas like the Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve and the peaceful walks around the Knieperteich are often highlighted.


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