On Poel Island, there is a wide range of things to explore, from birdwatching and water activities to architectural and geological history. The island church is a brick church in the Romanesque-Gothic style, built in the first half of the 13th century. Its 47-metre-high tower is a landmark visible from far across the island.
Birdlife and Geological Traces
The Langenwerder bird sanctuary provides suitable living conditions for waders and waterbirds; migratory birds use it as a resting place. Gollwitz Beach is close to the offshore island and offers the chance to watch rare bird species from a beach chair.
Outside the breeding season, from July until probably October, weekly guided tours are offered through a nature reserve. The tours are led by an ornithologist; visitor numbers are limited to 25 per tour. Check the specific dates before your trip.
The Poel Erratic Boulder Garden displays rocks found exclusively on the coasts or in the fields of Poel Island. The garden also offers an insight into around two billion years of geological history.
Water and Trails on the Island
During the bathing season, Timmendorf Beach offers numerous water sports, including water skiing, kitesurfing and surfing. These activities are explicitly available only during the bathing season.
From May to October, a six-hour kayak tour around the island takes place on Thursdays, along the coast of Poel Island and nearby islands. Equipment and an experienced skipper are provided for the group tour around Poel. Check the date and offer details before your trip.
Almost all places on Poel Island can be reached on foot or by bicycle via signposted country lanes. Bicycles can be rented in Gollwitz, Kirchdorf, Am Schwarzen Busch, Kaltenhof and Timmendorf-Strand. Check the current availability of rental services before your trip.
Culture and Island History
In addition to church services, the island church is open for guided tours and visits; numerous concerts are also held there. Check the relevant times for specific visits and concert dates.
In Kirchdorf, the castle rampart of the former fortress complex with its castle is now used for events and markets, as well as an open-air stage. You can check individual event dates in advance.
The Kaltenhof Maritime Collection displays historic ship lanterns dating from 1906 to the present, as well as numerous old nautical instruments used for navigating ships. As access arrangements may change, check them before visiting. In Vorwerk, a replica of the “Poel Cog” floats on a fire pond.
A memorial in the village of Am Schwarzen Busch and a small permanent special exhibition in the island museum commemorate a disaster in Lübeck Bay. In the Malchow district, the University of Wismar’s show garden serves students as a hands-on research site for biotechnology and renewable raw materials; it is open to visitors free of charge. Check visitor arrangements before travelling there.
Getting There and Harbours
The Poel Causeway, with its bridge, crosses the strait known as the “Breitling” and provides access to Poel Island.
The larger harbours of Timmendorf, Kirchdorf and Niendorf offer numerous berths for visiting sailboats and motorboats, along with service and supply facilities. As individual berth services may change, check the facilities relevant to you in advance.
Discover more destinations: Gollwitz, Wangern, Timmendorf, Gressow, Amt Dorf Mecklenburg-Bad Kleinen, Amt LĂĽtzow-LĂĽbstorf, Frauenmark, Demern.
See the overview of the wider travel region: Northwest Mecklenburg.
