Greifswalder Oie Travel Guide

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.