Travel Diary: 1 hour in Heringsdorf / Isle of Usedom

Usedom Island is Germany’s second largest island and one of Germany’s major holiday and recreation areas. Heringsdorf is a small town on the island which is especially loved by tourists, and locals. The Isle is located in the Baltic Sea and the Usedom is split between Germany and Poland. 373 square kilometres are german territory, 72 square kilometres polish. There is just a sign to let you know you’re crossing borders, of course, there are no border controls!

Driving around the Island by Car I really liked all the nature and, of course, the sandy beaches. Due to an annual average of 1906 sunshine hours per Year Usedom is the sunniest region of both Germany and Poland. Hence Usedom’s nickname is Sunny Island (German: Sonneninsel, Polish: Wyspa Słońca). During my visit to Kaiserbad Heringsdorf (Imperial Spa Heringsdorf) in April, the atmosphere was very relaxed. It was one of the first sunnier days of the year and so many people were enjoying it by the beach. Some even went for a quick swim. The beach I went to, right next to Seebrücke Heringsdorf, is accessible for everyone, free of charge. Just go there with your beach towel, go for a swim and relax. As it’s a very tourist-oriented area there are many hotels and bed and breakfast establishments, as well as some few shops and a Casino, Spielbank Heringsdorf.

I absolutely enjoyed my spontaneous Day Trip from Berlin to Heringsdorf! Even though I spent roughly one hour there I need to visit again, when the temperatures are higher and I’m able to dip in the water.