Altefähr combines a beach on the Strelasund with a harbor, water sports and cycling routes. When planning your stay, it is therefore important to decide which side of the town you want to include: swimming, activities on the water, a bike tour or the connection to Stralsund. The options also vary by season. Check that the timetable, beach lifeguard service, seasonal access to the church and specific event dates match your travel period.
Beach on the Strelasund
The beach lies directly on the Strelasund. A bathing ramp also enables wheelchair users to swim. The 35-meter-wide natural beach section has a gently sloping bathing shore and shallow water that is also suitable for toddlers. The beach is supervised by the DLRG; seasonal operations may vary. Before your visit, check whether lifeguard service is in place during your travel period.
Harbor, Church and Events
The historic vessel ERNA has a permanent berth in the harbor of Altefähr; today, it is based in the seaside resort of Altefähr. ERNA was built in Holland in 1904. St. Nikolai Church offers another historical connection: parts of the church date from the 15th century. It is open to visitors from Pentecost until the Harvest Festival; check the specific visiting dates before your trip. Traditional festivals are held in Altefähr every year, such as the Herring Festival on May 1. If a festival is a key reason for your trip, check its date for the year you plan to travel.
On the Water and by Bike
From Altefähr, you can sail, surf, go motorboating or explore the island from the water by kayak. The Altefähr surf spot is nearby, right next to the Hanseatic city of Stralsund. Cyclists have two different routes to connect to: Altefähr is linked to the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, and the Rügen Circular Route starts and ends in the town.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way
A passenger ferry connects the Hanseatic city of Stralsund with Altefähr on Rügen. The crossing over the Strelasund takes 15 minutes. This is the crossing time; the timetable is what matters for planning your day, as ferry services follow seasonal schedules and may change when operators change. So check the connection for your travel day. The Altefähr Tourist Information Office is located right in the harbor. There you can get brochures, town maps and maps of hiking, water and cycling routes. If you are planning to use a particular resource, check its availability in advance, as visitor materials may change.
Vorpommern-Rügen as a Wider Travel Planning Framework
Beyond Altefähr, Vorpommern-Rügen can also serve as a broader framework for planning your trip. The district has an estimated 60 or so museums; in addition to Rügen, the district includes the offshore islands of Hiddensee and Ummanz. The old town of the Hanseatic city of Stralsund is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar.” Cultural events Vorpommern-Rügen is known for include the Störtebeker Festival.
Discover more destinations: Neuenkirchen, Samtens, Dreschvitz, Kluis, Rambin, Schaprode, Gingst, Trent
For the wider travel overview: Amt West-Rügen.
