Greifswalder Oie, Baltic Sea Coast Travel Guide

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Discover Greifswalder Oie: A Baltic island sanctuary with a historic lighthouse, diverse birdlife, and fascinating military past. Nature awaits!

Greifswalder Oie, a small island in the Baltic Sea, is a nature reserve known for its striking lighthouse, diverse birdlife, and fascinating history as a rocket testing site. Day trips offer a glimpse into its unique environment and past.

A brief summary to Greifswalder Oie

Kröslin, DE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Greifswalder Oie.

Book your ferry tickets in advance, as the number of daily visitors to the island is limited.
Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the island's trails.
Respect the nature reserve by staying on marked paths and following the guide's instructions.

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Explore Greifswalder Oie on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Greifswalder Oie, mapped for you.

Getting There

Ferry

The primary access to Greifswalder Oie is by ferry from Peenemünde or Freest. From Peenemünde: Ferries operated by Apollo GmbH Fahrgastreederei depart regularly. A round trip to Greifswalder Oie, including a 2-hour stay on the island, costs approximately €39 for adults, €18 for children (ages 5-11), and €114 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children). There is also a special tour available with a 3-hour stay on the island for €41.50 for adults, €20 for children, and €123 for a family. Lighthouse entry is an additional €3 for adults and €2 for children, payable onboard. From Freest: Apollo GmbH Fahrgastreederei also offers ferry services from Freest. Prices are the same as from Peenemünde. Note: It is essential to book tickets in advance due to the limited number of visitors allowed on the island each day.

Discover more about Greifswalder Oie

Greifswalder Oie, often called the 'Heligoland of the Baltic,' is a 54-hectare island located approximately 12 kilometers off the coast of Usedom. This small island boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a vital role as a bird sanctuary.Originally named 'Swante Wostroe' (Holy Island), the island was first mentioned in 1282. It later came under the ownership of Greifswald in 1291, hence its current name. For centuries, the island served as a base for fishing and offered refuge to those in maritime distress. The island's landscape features forests, bush areas, beach sections and a striking steep coast on its eastern side, reaching up to 19 meters high.The island's 38.6-meter lighthouse, constructed in 1855, remains the most powerful on the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern coast, with its light reaching 50 kilometers. Uniquely, it is the only lighthouse in the Baltic Sea with a left-turning light. Visitors can climb the lighthouse during the summer months for panoramic views.Between 1937 and 1945, Greifswalder Oie was used as a rocket testing site, including the launch of A3, A4, and A5 rockets. After the Second World War, the island served as a military observation post. Today, the island is a protected nature reserve, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is a crucial resting spot for migratory birds, with around 25,000 birds being captured, tagged, and released annually for research. Visitors can explore the island on guided tours, with a maximum of 50 visitors allowed per day to protect the delicate ecosystem.