Top 20 Natural Monuments around Altefähr
Best natural monuments around Altefähr are primarily defined by the Strelasund and its surrounding green landscapes on the island of Rügen. This region offers significant natural appeal for nature enthusiasts. The area features coastal stretches, forests, and various green spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. These natural features contribute to the tranquil and inspiring atmosphere of Altefähr.
Best natural monuments around Altefähr
- The most popular natural monuments is Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve, a nature reserve that features a remarkable landscape with great views. A circular hiking trail leads around the island, allowing visitors to explore its moraine landscape with small bodies of water, moors, and grasslands.
- Another must-see spot is Puddeminer Wiek Nature Reserve, an interesting nature reserve with a wonderful natural landscape. Visitors can expect easy-to-drive paths and a very nice bike path through this area.
- Visitors also love Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area, a rewetting project that created a shallow sea bay. This area serves as a resting and feeding ground for migratory and resting birds, offering opportunities for peaceful hikes in nature.
- Altefähr is known for its nature reserves, lakes, and forests. The variety of natural monuments to see and explore includes coastal areas, rewetting projects, and diverse green spaces.
- The natural monuments around Altefähr are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 250 photos and over 250 upvotes.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
In the past, the area was used for military purposes and today many locals and tourists enjoy the remarkable landscape and great views. The landscape has its own "gardeners". Many sheep graze here and thus preserve the special forest-free moraine landscape with small bodies of water, moors and grasslands.
There is a parking lot at the “entrance” to the peninsula. A beautiful circular hiking trail leads around the island and you walk between the sheep.
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Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area
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de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mellnitz-%C3%9Cselitzer_Wiek
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Cormorant Colony Near Niederhof
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Slavic Hillfort Garz
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The hilltop castle, built in the mid-12th century, underwent several test excavations and soundings as early as 1725, uncovering, among other things, Slavic ceramics and a large number of iron finds. The excavation results, as well as written records, prove that the West Slavic Rans had a princely seat here. However, this castle, built as a timber-and-earth structure, is far less important than the Karenz Temple Castle near Venz. With the re-construction of a castle on the site of the former Slavic ring wall, Garz, as a princely seat and young town, only gained greater power and influence on Rügen around 1300.
auf-nach-mv.de/reiseziele/a-slawischer-burgwall-garz
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Knieper Pond, Stralsund
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Tips from the Community
Here, environmental protection becomes "tangible", great that DEGES made this possible as compensation for the "new" Rügen Bridge. Definitely take binoculars with you...
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The fountain is always a good idea to take a few minutes to enjoy the view 🙏
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As one of the three city ponds in Stralsund, the Knieperteich also served as part of the city's fortifications. The ponds were artificially expanded in the 13th century, giving the old town an island location that was easier to defend. Today, we can stroll, hike, and cycle wonderfully here in the beautiful park. Rowing boats are also allowed in the northern part. The view across the water is simply picturesque all year round from many spots.
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Wonderful nature to relax and enjoy.
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It was really nice to walk through
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The Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek is a landscaped area in the south of the island of Rügen near Poseritz. After the construction of the new Rügen Bridge over the Strelasund between Stralsund and Altefähr, the German Unity Highway Planning and Construction Company (Deges) undertook to re-wet the Wiek as a compensatory measure to make amends for environmental damage. Before it was drained, the Wiek was last recorded as a body of water on a Prussian survey map from 1830. It had open access to the Puddeminer Wiek and covered an area of 32 hectares. With the construction of a dike around the middle of the 20th century, the breach was closed and the area was drained using a pumping station. Since then, the reclaimed area, which was about two meters below the water level of the Greifswald Bodden, was used for agriculture until 1990. Deges planned to re-wet the lake in 2012. In 2010, a flood structure was built on the neighboring Puddeminer Wiek. Two automatically controlled flood gates with a total width of 12 meters were installed to regulate the water exchange, as well as two scooping and pumping stations. The area was flooded from August 19, 2011. The Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek is two meters deep at its deepest point after flooding and covers an area of 124 hectares; the entire renaturation area measures 240 hectares. The area has now developed into a nationally important migration and resting area for water and wading birds as well as cranes. Thousands of ducks such as wigeons, mallards and tufted ducks as well as grey geese rest here. At low water, wading bird species such as lapwings and golden plovers rest in the Wiek. A large cormorant colony has established itself in the southwestern part of the Wiek. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mellnitz-%C3%9Cselitzer_Wiek
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One of the Stalsund ponds that surround the old town and is a great place to take a walk.
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The Garz castle wall is a reminder of the former settlement by Slavs. The hilltop castle, built in the middle of the 12th century, was subjected to several test excavations and soundings from 1725 onwards, which revealed Slavic ceramics and a large number of iron finds, among other things. The excavation results, as well as written records, prove that the West Slavic Ranen had a princely seat here. However, this castle, built as a wood-earth construction, disappears far behind the importance of the Karenz temple castle near Venz. With the renewed construction of a castle on the site of the former Slavic ring wall, Garz, as a princely seat and young town, only gained more power and influence on Rügen around 1300. https://www.auf-nach-mv.de/reiseziele/a-slawischer-burgwall-garz
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main natural attractions to experience in Altefähr?
Altefähr's natural appeal is primarily centered around the Strelasund and its coastline, offering stunning views and water-based activities. The village is also surrounded by lush forests and green spaces, perfect for peaceful hikes and cycling. These areas collectively form the region's significant natural features.
Are there any specific nature reserves worth visiting near Altefähr?
Yes, several notable nature reserves are in the vicinity. The Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve features a unique moraine landscape with small bodies of water and grasslands, and a circular hiking trail. Another is the Puddeminer Wiek Nature Reserve, known for its wonderful natural landscape and pleasant bike paths. You can also visit the Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area, a rewetting project that serves as an important resting and feeding ground for migratory birds.
What kind of wildlife can I observe in the natural areas around Altefähr?
The Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area is a significant spot for birdwatching, attracting thousands of ducks, geese, and wading birds. Additionally, the Cormorant Colony Near Niederhof is home to thousands of cormorant pairs, offering a unique opportunity to observe these birds in their natural nesting environment.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities in Altefähr?
Many natural areas around Altefähr are suitable for families. The Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve, Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area, and Puddeminer Wiek Nature Reserve are all categorized as family-friendly. The local beach in Altefähr also offers a barrier-free ramp for easy access, making it enjoyable for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
Altefähr is an excellent starting point for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing along the Strelasund. The surrounding forests and green spaces are ideal for hiking and cycling. For specific routes, you can explore options like the easy hikes around Altefähr, road cycling routes, or running trails that lead through diverse landscapes.
Are there any circular hiking trails around Altefähr's natural areas?
Yes, the Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve features a beautiful circular hiking trail that allows you to explore its unique moraine landscape. Additionally, many of the routes listed in the easy hikes around Altefähr guide are designed as loops, such as the 'Sundial on Rügen – Seaside Promenade loop from Altefähr'.
What is the best time of year to visit Altefähr for its natural beauty?
Altefähr's natural beauty can be enjoyed year-round. The coastal areas along the Strelasund are particularly pleasant in warmer months for water activities and sunsets. The surrounding forests are especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color, offering a serene backdrop for hikes and nature photography.
Can I find any unique or lesser-known natural spots in the Altefähr region?
Beyond the well-known reserves, you might find the Old Wooden Bridge and Pomeranian Menhir interesting. This spot features a weathered wooden bridge and a large stone obelisk, offering a unique blend of natural and historical elements along an overgrown path between reeds and fields.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments around Altefähr?
Visitors frequently praise the remarkable landscapes and great views, especially at the Devin Peninsula Nature Reserve. The peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for relaxing hikes in beautiful nature, such as at the Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek Nature Restoration Area, are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the easy-to-navigate paths and wonderful natural scenery found in areas like the Puddeminer Wiek Nature Reserve.
Are there opportunities for water sports along the Strelasund in Altefähr?
Yes, the Strelasund is a relatively shallow body of water, making it suitable for various water sports. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The local beach in Altefähr provides direct access to the water for these activities.
Where can I find information about the annual Sundschwimmen event?
The annual Sundschwimmen, where over 1,000 athletes swim 2.3 km from Altefähr to Stralsund, is a notable event. For more details on this and other local attractions, you might find information on regional tourism sites like visit-mv.com.
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