Best attractions and places to see around Schmollensee include natural landscapes and historical sites on the island of Usedom. This inland lake, the second largest on Usedom, is situated within the Usedom Island Nature Park. Its shores feature mixed deciduous forests, moorland, and reedy areas, providing habitat for seabirds. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural points of interest.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Partly bumpy and sandy path. Also hilly. You should have at least a trekking bike
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A quiet place, far from the tourist crowds. The roads here are a bit adventurous, but the town, the lake, and the small restaurant at the campsite have something...
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The Schmollensee is an inland lake on the island of Usedom in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is located in the east of the municipality of Pudagla. The eastern shore belongs to the municipality of Heringsdorf, the southern shore to Benz. The lake has an approximate length of around 3.7 kilometers, a width of 2.0 km and an average depth of 2.7 meters. With an area of five square kilometers, the Schmollensee is the second largest lake on Usedom after the Gothensee and one of the larger lakes in Western Pomerania. The lake has a larger and deeper northern basin and a smaller, shallower southern basin. There is a connection to the Achterwasser via the Groote Beek. The eastern shore of the lake is bordered by mixed deciduous forest, the northern shore merges into a moorland landscape. The shore is mostly covered with reeds. The lake is located in the Usedom Island Nature Park. Due to the shallow depth of the lake, it is slightly eutrophic. The lake shore offers many seabirds an ideal breeding and resting area. Its attractive landscape makes it a tourist attraction. Like most Pomeranian lakes, the lake was formed during the Weichselian Ice Age. The regions on the eastern and southern shores are terminal moraines, between which the meltwater created the two basins of the lake as the inland ice retreated.[2] Sediment studies have shown that the Schmollensee was a lagoon filled with brackish water until the early Holocene. It was not until around 1000 that permanent freshwater conditions developed as the coastline changed.[3] Due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea, salt water was repeatedly introduced into the lake during storm floods. Source https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmollensee
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A lovely little island village. In Sellin, you immediately get the feeling that "everything is alright here!"
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The primary natural attraction is Schmollensee itself, the second largest lake on Usedom. It's nestled within the Usedom Island Nature Park, featuring diverse shorelines with mixed deciduous forests, moorland, and reedy areas that serve as a habitat for seabirds. You can also find viewpoints like the Shelter on the Schmollensee Peninsula offering scenic vistas.
Yes, the nearby village of Benz offers significant historical sites. You can visit the Holländerwindmühle (Dutch Windmill) in Benz, a historic windmill from 1830 with panoramic views. Also, the St. Petri Church in Benz, a 15th-century brick church, is notable for its baroque altar and its connection to artist Lyonel Feininger.
The area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including a popular 18 km circular hiking trail around Schmollensee. For more options, explore the Hiking around Schmollensee guide. There are also routes for running and gravel biking, detailed in the Running Trails around Schmollensee and Gravel biking around Schmollensee guides.
Many attractions around Schmollensee are suitable for families. The lake itself offers natural exploration, and places like Sellin Village are described as quiet and good starting points for hikes. Shelters such as the Shelter on the Schmollensee Peninsula and the Picnic Shelter at Schmollensee provide convenient resting spots with views, ideal for family outings. Additionally, 'Gullivers Welt' in Pudagla is a point of interest for families.
For excellent views of Schmollensee, visit the Shelter on the Schmollensee Peninsula or the Picnic Shelter at Schmollensee, both offering scenic perspectives. An excursion to the 39-meter-high Glaubensberg can also provide fantastic views of both Schmollensee and the expansive Achterwasser.
Sellin Village is a quiet settlement, often described as a somewhat forgotten fishing village. It's an excellent starting point for hikes and features a well-laid-out rest area. It's known for being far from tourist crowds, offering a tranquil experience.
Yes, the village of Benz, near Schmollensee, has cultural significance. The St. Petri Church in Benz was frequently depicted by the German-American Bauhaus artist Lyonel Feininger. Next to the church, you'll find the Kunst-Kabinett Usedom in Benz, which further explores Feininger's artistic interpretations of the area.
The Picnic Shelter at Schmollensee offers direct lake access, making it a great spot to relax by the water. However, the Shelter on the Schmollensee Peninsula does not have direct lake access.
While many paths are suitable for cycling, some stretches, particularly on trails like the Trail Between Sottin and Neu Sallenthin, can be challenging. Some sections are described as having 'very deep terrain' or 'pitfalls,' making them less suitable for racing bikes or inexperienced cyclists, but generally passable for 'normal' cyclists who appreciate nature.
The Nandalee Campsite Beer Garden, located near the lake, is a great option. It's described as lovingly designed and offers excellent views of Schmollensee, perfect for enjoying coffee, cake, or a beer.
Schmollensee is located entirely within the Usedom Island Nature Park. This designation highlights the region's diverse flora and fauna and ensures its protection. The park provides a wider area for exploration and appreciating the natural beauty surrounding the lake, which itself is a significant natural attraction within the park.
Yes, Schmollensee is connected to the Achterwasser via the Groote Beek waterway. This connection offers opportunities to explore further natural waterways and understand the lake's historical transition from a brackish lagoon to a freshwater body.


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