Explore Usedom: The Ultimate 48-Hour Travel Plan

Seas the day in this Baltic Coast hidden gem

From serene beaches and scenic bike trails to delicious local food and charming seaside towns. This idyllic weekend getaway on Germany’s Baltic Coast is waiting to surprise you.

First Impressions and Surprises

black and white selfie photo of vanlavita man and woman with sunglasses on at Usedom
Upon arrival at Usedom - happy faces at the seaside! 😄

As a Brit, I admit I initially had a chilly perception of the Baltic Coast. The term "Baltic" is often used colloquially to describe frigid weather in the UK: "Bloody hell, it's Baltic outside!" You get the gist.

So, when I was encouraged to visit Usedom, I imagined moody skies, cold seas, and a brisk breeze—not exactly enticing. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! Usedom turned out to be a sunny, vibrant island with charm and warmth I hadn’t expected.

Use-Who? Where Is Usedom?

Located in Germany’s far northeast, Usedom is known affectionately as "Sun Island."

Though it’s a summer hotspot for German tourists, Usedom remains relatively unknown internationally, making it a bit of a hidden gem. Visitors are drawn here for its wide stretches of white-sand beaches, tranquil nature trails, and scenic seaside towns.

Yes, white-sand beaches—the kind you’d expect to see in tropical destinations, not northern Europe!

red and white beach baskets on white sandy beach
Photo by Patrick Stadler / Unsplash

And it’s not just a small beach: the sands stretch over 42 meters and are wide along all sections, offering plenty of space even during peak season.

Getting There

Wolgast Bridge in Usedom with blue metal structure
Photo by Waldemar / Unsplash

Usedom lies about 240 km from Berlin and 300 km from Hamburg, making it easy to reach by car or train. You can drive onto the island by crossing either the Zecheriner Bridge to the south or the Peene Bridge (Wolgast Bridge) to the west.

I arrived with my trusty campervan, Alma, driving a scenic route from Berlin through the forested areas of Brandenburg.

🤩 Fun Fact: Usedom shares its southern border with Poland, with around 15% of the island—including the town of Świnoujście—falling within Polish territory. You can even cycle across the border and experience two countries in one day!
van life vanlavita picture of Usedom sandy beach

Where to Stay

The island’s seaside resorts, like Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin, each boast wide, sandy beaches, charming town centres, and ample hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

For my stay in Alma, I opted to venture off the beaten track to Peenemünde, a peaceful village at Usedom’s northern tip. This area features quieter beaches and lush pine forests, with footpaths to neighbouring Karlshagen lined by thatched cottages offering cosy rentals during the summer.

black statue on gray concrete floor
Photo by Waldemar / Unsplash

If you're arriving in a camper van, there’s a large parking lot on Ostseestraße for only €5 per 24 hours (or €5.75 with the EasyPark app). Overnight parking is tolerated as long as you’re parked in designated spots and avoid “camping behaviours” (e.g., setting up tables). This spot is just a short 500m stroll to the beach via a pedestrian walkway with great views and amenities nearby, including a fantastic restaurant called Dune 74.

What to Do on Usedom

The Beach Experience

Long and wide sandy beach with blue sky and blue sea
Yes, this is Germany! (Peenemünde beach)

Usedom’s beaches are a revelation.

They’re long, wide, soft, and incredibly clean—ideal for sunbathing, beach games, or leisurely walks. The waters are shallow, making them safe for swimming, though as the Baltic Sea lives up to its name, the temperature can be bracing. I found it refreshing for a quick dip, though not warm enough for a long swim.

Certain stretches of the coast are less serviced (no toilets or lifeguards), and these are often quieter nudist areas, which I enjoyed more for their calm vibe.

The more popular beach spots, frequented by families, offer convenient amenities and iconic two-seater “Strandkörbe” (beach baskets) for rent.

van life vanlavita feet in beach sand with bottle of German beer and sausages
German beer and sausages - perfect beach snacking (Peenemünde beach)

Cycling Adventures

Usedom is a cyclist’s paradise, with over 200 km of scenic paths winding through lush forests, along pristine beaches, and past quaint villages. Bike rentals are readily available, and we started our ride at 10 AM, setting out from Karlshagen toward Zinnowitz. The first part of the route takes you through tranquil pine forests, a cool retreat on warmer days, with picnic benches for coffee and cake stops along the way.

Black bicycle resting next to railway crossing in Zempin
Scenic cycle paths along railway lines and nature reserves (Zempin, Usedom)

As the path opened onto a scenic beachfront promenade in Zinnowitz, we were greeted by lively cafes, unique gift shops, and even a jazz band playing at the promenade’s bandstand.

In Zinnowitz, bike racks are abundant, so it’s easy to safely lock up and explore on foot. For a sweet treat, head to Gelatoni, a five-minute walk from the beach. This cafe offers indulgent sundaes with beach-basket seating for a quintessential seaside vibe.

From Zinnowitz, the cycling path leads you to Zempin, a picturesque village known for its thatched cottages and scenic lagoon views. We took a break at Inselhof Vineta, enjoying a refreshing beer on their terrace overlooking the lagoon. Although we didn’t dine there, their seafood menu looked enticing.

Sunny outdoor terrace with white seating overlooking lagoon in Zempin
Waiting for guests to arrive.... 😉(Inselhof Vineta, Zempin)
💁‍♀️Tip: I used the Komoot app to find the best hiking and cycling routes and points of interest, like cafes and scenic lookouts. Komoot lets you filter trails based on difficulty and surface type, making it ideal for planning an adventure that suits your pace and skill.

Beach Bars Along the Way

vanlavita woman and man enjoying cocktails on sunny white sand beach in Usedom
Cycling, sand and caipirinhas 🍸

After a long bike ride, nothing hits the spot like a cold drink. Usedom’s coast has several beach bars tucked along the cycle path from Karlshagen to Zempin. Securely park your bike, take off your sneakers and stroll barefoot along the sandy path until you reach the beach bar.

I recommend Surfbox Usedom or Surfbox 2.0 for deck chair seating, cold drinks, and live music or DJs on weekends. You can't beat drinking a delicious cocktail with your feet in the sand watching the waves!

Food on Usedom

Two German sausages with mustard in bread buns in Karlshagen
Delicious Krakowska sausage in Brötchen - a classic German snack (Karlshagen, Usedom)

From upscale seafood restaurants to street-food stands serving German specialities like sausages and Currywurst, Usedom has dining options for all tastes.

It was here that I tried my first ever Fischbrötchen, a traditional German fish sandwich. I was expecting something like the classic British fish-finger sandwich, which it was. And so much more! This simple seasonal treat, especially in the island sunshine, was delicious!

Breaded fish fillet in bread roll with tartare sauce and salad
This is not just a fish finger sandwich (Karlshagen, Usedom)

For a more indulgent dining experience, visit Dune 74 in Peenemünde. Here, you can dine al fresco in a wildflower garden with cosy beach-basket seating. The atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant, making for a memorable evening.

Enjoy a G&T or Aperol Spritz aperitif and then indulge in their diverse menu of local flavours, with fresh seafood sourced directly from nearby fishermen.

vanlavita woman enjoying drink and sitting in a beach basket in sunny garden at Dune 74 restaurant
Aperitifs in Dune 74's wonderful garden

Exploring South Usedom

I didn’t get to explore southern Usedom on this trip, but I know it comes highly recommended, particularly its "Three Imperial Spas"—Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin. Each has its own charm and can be reached by cycling paths, a 12 km promenade, or public transport. This would be an ideal section to explore if you have more days on the island.

people on beach during daytime
Photo by Waldemar / Unsplash
  • Ahlbeck is famous for its historic pier, beautiful promenade, and elegant villas that evoke a bygone era.
  • Heringsdorf offers a blend of elegance and relaxation with luxury spas, boutiques, and stunning architecture.
  • Bansin is family-friendly and ideal for a quieter experience, with ample beach space and scenic views.

In Summary

I really enjoyed the time I spent in Usedom. With its beautiful beaches, scenic bike paths, and charming towns, Usedom is an ideal 48-hour escape.

Whether you’re travelling in a camper van or booking a seaside hotel, with friends, family or flying solo, it caters for all. This hidden gem on Germany’s Baltic Coast is sure to surprise and delight you, just as it did me!

Thanks for reading! Leave a comment below with any feedback, questions or your own recommendations, I'd love to hear from you 😄