Kamminke is one of the oldest fishing villages on the island of Usedom and was first mentioned in a document in 1253. The village lies directly on the Szczecin Lagoon in the eastern Achterland. If you are looking for somewhere with a distinctive, historically shaped character for a getaway, you will find it here in the fishing cottages, steep streets, winding lanes and characteristic thatched roofs that shape the village. History and landscape are closely connected with Kamminke and nearby Golm.
Fishing Village Character on the Lagoon
The houses and lanes give Kamminke a different character from a stay focused mainly on individual attractions. The village is defined by its historic buildings and steep streets; thatched roofs are also part of this picture. These features can be appreciated together as the character of the village, rather than as separate places to visit. Its location directly on the Szczecin Lagoon provides the geographical setting.
Golm rises not far from Kamminke. At 71 metres, it is the highest elevation on the island of Usedom. From there, the sweeping view extends across the Szczecin Lagoon to Świnoujście; visibility depends on the weather. This places a distinctive fishing village and a prominent viewpoint close to each other, although they offer different focal points for a visit: in Kamminke, the village takes centre stage; on Golm, the hill and the view over the surrounding area.
Remembrance and Educational Work on Golm
Golm is also a place of remembrance. The German War Graves Commission holds an annual commemoration there on 12 March and on Germany’s National Day of Mourning, remembering those who died in the 1945 bombing raid. Since 1984, the site has been home to the statue “The Freezing Woman in a Soldier’s Coat,” created by Bansin sculptor Rudolf Leptien. If you would like to combine your trip with one of these commemorative dates, check the specific event arrangements for the relevant date.
The history of the area also includes the Golm International Youth Meeting and Education Centre in the fishing village of Kamminke. The German War Graves Commission opened it on 12 March 2005. Its peace education programmes are aimed primarily at schools and international youth exchanges. The focus is German-Polish, and the programmes are offered in German and Polish. Individual programmes may vary. If a particular educational format is important to your trip, ask about the current programme.
A Hike to Golm and the Harbour as Practical Planning Options
The approximately 9-kilometre Golm hike is a circular route from Garz via Kamminke and Golm, returning to Garz. The route is clearly defined: Kamminke and Golm are along the way, and Garz is both the starting and finishing point of the circular route described. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before setting out. On the Golm hike, the path to Kamminke Harbour via Bergstraße has a 12 percent gradient. This is a specific point to consider when planning this section.
Kamminke Harbour has around 30 berths; capacity may change when harbour works are underway. There is seating on the landing stage with an unobstructed view of the fishing boats on the Szczecin Lagoon. If you plan to take a break there, bear in mind that harbour facilities may change and check the current situation if needed. The trail and harbour offer different points of interest: the circular route passes through several named places, while the harbour offers another local point of orientation on the lagoon.
Kamminke in the Wider Travel Destination of Vorpommern-Greifswald
The wider travel destination of Vorpommern-Greifswald can also be taken into account when choosing a trip. Three nature parks cover almost 40 percent of the district’s area. Other distinct cultural destinations in the district include the Pomeranian State Museum in Greifswald and the Juliett U-461 in Peenemünde Harbour. The state museum displays the Croy Tapestry from 1554, a cultural and historical artefact from the Reformation era; the Juliett U-461 can be explored on a tour. These examples add further nature and cultural themes to the picture of the region, while Kamminke’s own character is shaped by its fishing village, its location on the lagoon and nearby Golm.
Discover more destinations: Dargen, Pudagla, Benz on Usedom, Rankwitz, Koserow, Zempin, Mellenthin, Ückeritz.
See the wider travel overview: Amt Usedom-Süd.
