Divided between Germany and Poland in the Baltic Sea, Usedom Island is home to beautiful beaches and charming towns exhibiting quintessential Resort-style architecture. It’s been nicknamed "Sun Island" as it receives more than 1,900 hours of sunshine each year and has been a popular holiday destination since the 19th century.
Things to do in Usedom
Spend a day relaxing on the wide beach of Ahlbeck, which is fringed by a breezy promenade lined with seafood restaurants and attractive villas. It’s just a stone’s throw from Heringsdorf, a seaside resort that’s famed for its spas and lengthy pier that is dotted with museums, restaurants and gift shops. Heringsdorf’s promenade connects west to Bansin, which was the preferred holiday destination for German Emperor Wilhelm II.
Overlooking the Swina River in the far east of Usedom Island is Świnoujście, a bustling port city that’s home to Prussian-built fortifications and several fine museums. Admire the model ships and 18th-century Pomeranian trunks on display at the Museum of Sea Fishery, then climb to the observation deck of the brick-built Świnoujście Lighthouse for sweeping views across the Baltic Sea.
If you’re interested in the region’s World War II history, don’t miss a visit to the Peenemünde Historical Technical Museum, which occupies a former power station and observation bunker. Learn about the rockets and missiles that were developed here while getting up close to a replica V-1 flying bomb. You can also hear about Wernher von Braun, who designed the Saturn V rocket used by NASA to fly to the moon.
Getting around Usedom
Heringsdorf Airport is the main gateway to Usedom Island and has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Trains travel across the island and connect to Züssow in mainland Germany while most of the towns are compact enough to explore on foot.