Rankwitz combines a harbour with insights into the history of Usedom’s Achterland. The wider municipal area also includes the Lieper Winkel peninsula, paths close to the shore and cultural sites. If you are considering Rankwitz as a destination, you can first decide whether boating, local history or days spent cycling and walking should be the focus of your trip.

Rankwitz Harbour: boating stop and fish

Rankwitz Marina offers boaters a place to take a break or stay overnight. It has 27 berths: 15 in the harbour and 12 at the floating dock. For your sailing plans, check the current number again, as it may change. The harbour is also a rest stop for waterway travellers, with sanitary facilities and electricity and water supplies. Check the operating information before your trip. The rest stop also includes a tower sauna with a roof garden called “Zum Leuchtturm” (“At the Lighthouse”); if you plan to visit, check its current operating status in advance.

At Rankwitz Harbour, fish is smoked fresh daily using traditional methods; much of it comes from local fishermen. “Zur Alten Fischräucherei” (“At the Old Smokehouse”) at the harbour serves regional or seasonal dishes, freshly caught fish and homemade specialities from the traditional smokehouse.

Local history museum and heritage

The Lieper Winkel local history museum displays finds from a Slavic settlement excavated in 2014 on the steep bank of the Peenestrom in Rankwitz. The museum also covers traditional working and living conditions in Usedom’s Achterland. Its focus spans the 18th century to 1950, before fishing boats, agricultural machinery and workshops were motorised.

Guided tours are available during opening hours. Groups can arrange tours outside opening hours by prior agreement. If you plan to take a guided tour, check the opening hours or make arrangements in advance.

In the village of Liepe, Liepe Church is considered the oldest church building on Usedom. Remains of late medieval wall paintings were uncovered in niches in the east wall of St John’s Church in Liepe. They depict the Crucifixion and Resurrection and are believed to date from when the church was built, towards the end of the 15th century. The Lieper Winkel was first mentioned in a document in 1187.

Lieper Winkel: Shoreline paths and views

The Lieper Winkel is a peninsula of around 20 km² between the Peenestrom to the west and the Achterwasser to the north and east. Walking and cycling paths connect the villages of the Lieper Winkel and loop around the peninsula, often running right along the shore. Cyclists can plan breaks along reed-fringed shores, at small harbours and at bathing spots. The paths thus link villages and stretches of shore, while these suggested places to stop offer possible additional destinations for an outing.

Jungfernberg is the highest point in the Lieper Winkel. From Jungfernberg near Rankwitz, you can enjoy a panoramic view across the Lieper Winkel, the Peenestrom and the Achterwasser. The viewpoint lets you take in the peninsula’s landscapes without presenting the individual shoreline paths as one fixed route.

Other places in the municipality of Rankwitz

There are also destinations elsewhere in the municipality. The cliff-lined coast on the Peene shore at Quilitz is a popular attraction for visitors. In Suckow, the Suckow Oak stands on an ancient megalithic tomb. It is estimated to be 700 to 1,000 years old and is among Usedom’s oldest natural monuments. The Reestow Lieper Winkel studio has an exhibition space in a former stable; sculptures and other three-dimensional artworks are displayed at various spots outdoors.

If a guided tour or harbour service is important to your stay, check the relevant information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Usedom, Ückeritz, Mellenthin, Loddin, Koserow, Dargen, Stolpe auf Usedom, Zirchow.

For the wider travel overview: Amt Usedom-Süd.