Attractions Fischland-Darß-Zingst

Vacationing on the Darß and in Zingst at the German Baltic Sea can be so wonderful. We often forget how impressive our homeland is. We fly to distant countries and visit new continents, while the most beautiful places are right here. Vacation in Germany? Absolutely! Let's head to the Baltic Sea to Fischland-Darß-Zingst.

The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula is considered one of the most beautiful and diverse coastal regions of the Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The sea, the fine sandy beaches, and the diverse nature make this part of Germany the perfect vacation spot for all nature lovers and families. But it's also ideal for those like me who always yearn for the fresh sea air, offering many attractions and beautiful beaches.

We'll share everything you need to know: activities, the most beautiful places, and our opinion on the question: 'Where is it nicer: on the Darß or in Zingst?'

Enjoy your reading.

We have summarized the top attractions for you.

Zingst is located in the northeastern part of the peninsula. With around 3,000 residents, Zingst is the tourist center. I've been here twice. Once for the environmental photo festival >>horizonte zingst<< in a vacation apartment, and the second time in a camper van at a campsite right by the sea.

Zingst is particularly well known among professional and amateur photographers for the festival with its many workshops and exhibitions.

A special attraction and focal point is the Max Hünten House, a center for photography in Zingst. The 'Experience World Photography Zingst' is located here, and there are changing exhibitions. You can also borrow camera equipment or binoculars and print your favorite pictures directly on-site to take home as a souvenir.

Find information about photography workshops and exhibitions on the official website.

Zingst also offers some beautiful beaches and the famous pier. Here, the rule is: the further you move away from the pier, the quieter and emptier the beach becomes.

My tip: Bring your bike (or rent one from one of the many bike rentals) and head towards Hohe Düne in Pramort (a description follows in the highlights below).

Tip for campers: Campsite at the Surf School Zingst

The idyllic village of Ahrenshoop particularly impressed us. With only 640 residents, this place is mainly known as an artist colony. In the late 19th century, many artists were drawn here. New motifs attracted them, accommodations were cheap, and the seclusion was ideal for unleashing creativity. Today, however, it's anything but quiet-especially in the summer.

The thatched houses of the village are a popular motif for photographs. During the summer months, many Baltic Sea vacationers flock here. Nowadays, many high-end hotels and accommodations also invite guests to vacation in Ahrenshoop.

Wustrow on the Fischland peninsula is a former fishing village with only 1,200 residents. The village lies at the narrowest point of the peninsula between the Baltic Sea and the Saaler Bodden.

Wustrow is particularly popular with families, as the sandy beach is long and very peaceful.

Right behind the beach is a path where you can comfortably ride your bike to Dierhagen or along the cliffs to Ahrenshoop. Naturally, you can also jog close to the Baltic Sea or enjoy long walks.

Find information about Wustrow on the website

Especially the long and 80-meter-wide sandy beach attracts many visitors to Prerow. In addition to the North Beach, the West Beach of the Darß is highly recommended, which you can reach from Prerow or from a parking lot behind Ahrenshoop. A longer walk or a short bike ride is needed, but it's worth it!

Another popular highlight is the pier in Prerow and, of course, the 'Darßer Ort' lighthouse, which is the oldest still-active beacon in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern! Prerow itself has about 1,500 residents.

In my opinion, the most beautiful place is around the Darßer Ort lighthouse. Here you can walk for miles along the sea or relax in the sun.

The 170-year-old lighthouse is located in the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park. The German Sea Museum NATUREUM, an extension of the museum in Stralsund, is also located here.

Download the app to your smartphone and start the circular walking path at Darßer Ort.

During my visit in 2020, the exhibition was unfortunately closed due to COVID, but in the courtyard, you can enjoy a wonderful breakfast or lunch. We were lucky to snag a seat before it got crowded.

Read more tips for hiking under highlights point 4 below.

The Darßwald, with its many pines, oaks, and alders, is also beautiful and best explored by bike-here we definitely recommend mosquito spray in the summer, as we were completely bitten after just a few minutes!

Barth offers total peace and relaxation directly by the Bodden, as Barth itself is not located directly on the sea, and thus fewer tourists 'wander' here. However, the beautifully restored houses and medieval streets are definitely worth a visit!

Have you heard of Vineta? No? Vineta was allegedly a legendary city on the Baltic Sea coast of Pomerania. According to a legend, it sank during a storm surge. For a long time, there has been speculation about which city it could be...

The possible location of the sunken city in the Baltic Sea ranges from Arkona through Koserow/Damerow (Usedom) and Wollin to Barth. There are many theories and assumptions. But only in Barth can you find the Vineta Museum! In addition to the namesake exhibition, there are changing exhibits by contemporary artists. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to visit the museum, so we can't provide a personal opinion. If you make it there, feel free to tell us about your experiences.

To be precise, the Baltic Sea spa Dierhagen does not belong to Fischland as it is located right in front of it. We consider Dierhagen as the 'gateway' to the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, as we also found it particularly idyllic at the beach in Dierhagen.

Between the Bodden and the Baltic Sea, you will find a diverse landscape, and since the beach is very fine and a total of 7 km long, we can definitely recommend Dierhagen, especially for families with children.

1. Observing Cranes in Zingst

Up to 70,000 cranes stay in Zingst during the autumn migration (September - early November). That's about 3/4 of the total northern and eastern European crane population! Mostly gray cranes gather along the southern Bodden landscape of the peninsula before flying south for the winter.

Observation spots:

On the B105 federal road between Ribnitz-Damgarten and Stralsund, you can spot cranes at the field's edge.

At the bird observation point in Pramort, the eastern part of Zingst, there is a resting spot for the gray crane.

Meiningen Bridge and Crane Village Bresewitz: South of Zingst looking toward the island of Kirr, you can see cranes flying in large flocks.

Tip: Better pack your telephoto lens or binoculars to better observe the animals.

You can also book a crane safari on-site. But please always remember: Do not disturb the cranes and do not come too close. The birds need peace to gather enough food before the demanding flight continues.

2. Cliffs (Ahrenshoop - Wustrow)

The cliffs near Ahrenshoop are another popular destination. You can walk directly on the beach or along the path at the high bank.

Those who choose the beach should keep an eye on the weather! Depending on the wind direction, the water can reach the cliffs, and you might have to wade through shallow waters in places. Depending on the season, you can especially see many swallows that have built their nests directly in the rocks.

Every year, up to 10 meters of the cliffs break off due to coastal erosion. This is especially visible at the former DDR bunkers, which are now entirely submerged in the sea. Years ago, you could still reach them on foot, but they are now surrounded by water. Organizations and volunteers are committed to protecting the coastline; for example, groynes are planned to better protect the peninsula from further coastal erosion.

3. West Beach Darß

The West Beach at Darß is regularly chosen as one of the most beautiful beaches in Germany and even Europe! This is likely because it remains largely undeveloped for tourism.

Stretching over 14km, this particularly pristine beach has no beach chairs. No restaurants, cafés, or other entertainment options. Here you only find the beach and the sea.

The West Beach directly borders the Darßwald and is only accessible by bike or on foot. There is no access from a parking lot. If you seek solitude, this is definitely the place to find it.

4. Hiking to the 'Darßer Ort' Lighthouse

The lighthouse is, alongside the cranes, the most famous attraction on Fischland-Darß-Zingst. Next to Hohe Düne, it's my favorite spot. Just not in summer during peak travel times.

On a walk either on foot or by bike, you can reach the Darßer Lighthouse, which has been shining its light into the night for over 170 years!

The ideal starting point is Prerow, near which the lighthouse built in 1848 stands. Seize the chance to climb the 35-meter-high lighthouse for a great view of the Darßer West Beach and the Darßwald.

The best parking is at the Bernsteinweg parking lot; from there, it's another 5 km on foot. Alternatively, you can cover about half the distance on the Darß train.

More information about the lighthouse:

Note: You cannot reach the lighthouse by car. Only on foot, by bike, or (not recommended by us) by horse-drawn carriage.

Entry for the lighthouse: 5 Euros

Opening hours:

May, September, and October: 10 AM - 5 PM

June - August: 10 AM - 6 PM

November - April: Wednesday - Sunday from 11 AM - 4 PM

On foot from the Prerow parking lot: 8.8 km (tracked by us), about 1.5 - 2 hours walk

5. Zingst Pier

The 270-meter-long pier is one of the newer structures in Zingst. Its history only goes back to 1993 when the old dock had become too dilapidated and had to be replaced.

Here, tourists meet locals. Whether at the pier restaurant or at the sugar loaf, you can enjoy delicious food and watch the sunset.

If you plan to take photos, however, don't arrive too late: This impressive natural spectacle attracts many people, and tripods sometimes line up close together!

At the end of the Zingst pier, you'll also find the diving gondola from Zingst, where you can attempt a dive into the Baltic Sea. Up to 30 people can fit in the gondola, subject to sea conditions. A diving trip lasts 30-40 minutes and costs 9 Euros for adults. From the end of the pier directly in front of the diving bell, you can also enjoy a wonderful view of the beautiful coastal panorama.

6. Environmental Photography Festival >>horizonte zingst<<

Every year, the well-known Environmental Photography Festival >>horizonte zingst<< takes place starting at the end of May.

Particularly the large-format images displayed throughout the village convey touching stories behind the images, which deeply move: Pollution and endangered animals, but also wonderful nature shots.

In addition, there is a photo market where you can test cameras and lenses from all manufacturers and purchase any accessories directly.

For more information, visit the festival's website.

We have participated before, and besides lectures, we also conducted workshops and photo walks. Perhaps we'll see you here? The festival is worth attending not just for photography fans.

7. View from the Wustrow Church Tower

If you want to enjoy the view from above, you can do so not only at the lighthouse: The church tower in Wustrow is also perfect for this! At 18 meters high, you have a 360-degree view of the landscape, Wustrow, the Bodden, and the sea.

The church tower is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. If you also take a look inside the church, you will find three ship models hanging from the ceiling. This beautifully illustrates the connection to the sea.

Insider tip: Hohe Düne

Grab a bike and ride to Hohe Düne. The way from Zingst goes straight ahead, with the wind at your back. The return trip can be quite strenuous. However, the bike ride is worth it. The idyl is a dream even during the peak season! Because here (especially in the morning), only a few visitors come.

In this map for the Fischland-Darß-Zingst region, we have marked our attractions and highlights. Open the map on your smartphone in Google Maps and navigate to the individual locations.

You will find Fischland-Darß-Zingst in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, between Rostock and Stralsund. The best-known places are Zingst, Prerow (Darßer Ort), Ahrenshoop, Wustrow, Barth, and Dierhagen.

The Baltic Sea peninsula lies between the Bodden and the Baltic Sea. It mainly consists of the National Park 'Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft' and the former islands of Fischland, Darß, and Zingst.

In the 14th and 19th centuries, the flood channels were closed. As a result, three separate islands formed a peninsula measuring about 45 km in total. This makes it perfect for long walks or relaxed bike rides.

To help you better recognize where Fischland, where Darß, and where Zingst is, I have drawn you a map:

Whoever stays in a vacation apartment or house often cooks for themselves. Thus, in peak season, supermarkets open for a few hours on Sundays. You can stock up any time on fresh produce.

For those who still prefer to dine out and try local specialties, we have some restaurant tips, especially in the towns of Zingst, Ahrenshoop, and Prerow.

Pizza Garden (Zingst)

At Pizza Garden Zingst, you will find a cozy atmosphere. However, the places are in high demand! The pizzas are freshly made in a wood-fired oven and taste wonderful. The menu is quite small, and there are no alcoholic beverages, but the pizza can also be taken away. We love coming here during every visit.

Address: Klosterstraße 5, Zingst

Strandkate (Zingst)

We visited the small eatery in the center of Zingst on our last night. Searching for a good fish restaurant, this one came highly recommended.

At Strandkate, there is a lovely outdoor area. The menu is naturally fish-heavy, but vegetarians and meat-lovers will also find delicious options.

Our positive review for Strandkate: The mid-range prices are quite reasonable in our opinion. We definitely recommend the dessert 'Sturmsack'. The oversized cream puff filled with ice cream and whipped cream is truly worth the sin! During peak season, Strandkate does not accept reservations, so you have to stop by on a whim, but it's definitely worth it.

Address: Klosterstraße 8, Zingst

Zingster Stuben (Zingst)

Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the Zingster Stuben. But since it was a specific recommendation from a local, we assume you can't go wrong here.

We wanted to reserve a table for a larger group, which isn't possible here. Early planning for a maximum of six people is essential! The food is rather hearty, and the beer and 'Swatten Hasen Schnaps' are highly recommended to try. Please write to us if you manage to make it to Zingster Stuben!

Address: Strandstraße 36, Zingst

Teeschale (Prerow)

In search of something special, we stumbled upon the Teeschale in Prerow. In the old thatched house that once housed a grocery store, a lovely café has been established. The new owners have created a cozy atmosphere with much attention to detail.

As the name suggests and as is customary for a teahouse, tea is mainly consumed here. There are freshly baked cakes, hearty salads, and other small dishes on the menu. If you want to take a souvenir from Prerow home with you, you can choose from over 130 varieties in the adjacent tea shop.

Address: Waldstraße 50, Prerow

Mühle (Ahrenshoop)

A perfect destination for a bike tour is the Mühle in Ahrenshoop. Here you'll also find the mill café with a wonderful terrace that borders directly on a meadow. They serve tea, coffee, homemade sheet cakes, soups, and casseroles.

Unfortunately, all the seats were already taken during our visit, so we could only get a quick glimpse. Everything looked really delicious, and we will definitely try again when we are in the area next time.

For all drivers: Walk! Because there are no parking spaces at the mill itself.

Address: Feldweg 7, Ahrenshoop

Warning: Don't let yourself get 'pulled' into restaurant Hirsch in Zingst! The food is not good, and the boss promotes rum to everyone, which he then proudly charges 5 Euros per 'tester'. Better not 'cheers!', because: we had rarely eaten worse! Katrin's Flammkuchen was store-bought (we suspect Wagner) and reheated. The decoration was just some fresh spring onions on top. At 9.90 Euros, definitely not a bargain.

Most vacationers rent one of the many vacation apartments or even an entire vacation house. However, there are also campsites and motorhome spots in Prerow and Zingst that I can highly recommend.

Vacation Apartment or House

Most vacation apartments and houses on the Darß are still privately owned, which we find very positive. This way, private individuals also benefit from tourism.

We found our vacation apartment in Zingst through Airbnb. Two bedrooms with a large living room and kitchen were perfect for us. Four people had comfortable space here. Ideally, you should only stay in the apartment part-time.

When booking, be sure to check whether bed linen, towels, and a washing machine are provided or need to be brought. In our vacation house, for example, we had to book a cleaning package with dishwasher tabs, dishcloths, and dish soap. This was not enough for a week, and we had to buy various items at the supermarket again.

Additionally, internet on mobile often has poor reception. If high-speed internet is important to you on vacation, you should rather book accommodation with Wi-Fi.

Hotel

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, you can check into the Steigenberger Hotel directly at the pier in Zingst. Here, you can enjoy an oyster bar and have walking access to the pier. Even as non-hotel guests, you can book a treatment in the wellness area. Acquaintances of ours tested the wellness offerings and were extremely satisfied.

Campsite at Darß

The Regenbogen Prerow Campsite is located at the Baltic Sea spa Prerow directly on the long sandy beach. However, the site has quite a few pitches (1,200), which we generally like to avoid. Nonetheless, the direct location by the sea is ideal.

Especially amazing: You can stand directly on the wide, white beach at the dune. That's unique, which is why this campsite is very popular!

Right in Zingst, you will find Camping am Freesenbruch. The site is also by the sea and much smaller and cozier.

For campers, the atmosphere at the motorhome site at the Surf School Zingst is great. We felt very comfortable here. Due to its location on the outskirts of Zingst, the beach is not overcrowded, allowing you to enjoy the sunsets beautifully. I would definitely come back here any time.

The mild climate of the Baltic Sea makes the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula a recommendable travel destination from spring to autumn, particularly from May to October. However, due to its proximity to the sea, the weather can change rapidly and be hard to predict!

Therefore, it is advisable to pack warm clothing even in the summer. What begins as a rainy day can often end with bright sunshine. After sunset, it can get quite cool, especially right by the sea. The fresh breeze is simply a hallmark of the Baltic.

The main travel months along the German Baltic coast are definitely July and August during the national school holidays. After September, most vacationers, especially families, leave the island, and the beaches return to solitude. The sea is often still warm enough for swimming, and the hustle and bustle of vacationers is gone from the villages.

Autumn is particularly popular among nature photographers. From late September to early October, the first cranes arrive, providing a unique natural spectacle.

Those hoping to visit Zingst or the Darß in winter should do their research first. Many businesses and restaurants are then closed or have limited opening hours.

The municipalities on Fischland-Darß-Zingst charge a tourism tax - also known as a curative tax - during your stay. This allows you to visit many cultural institutions and events either for free or at discounted prices. Additionally, there is no fee required for beach access.

The fees vary by season and municipality. Upon arrival, you will receive a curative card from the owner of your accommodation. You should always carry this card with you. Note: A fee per day is also required for dogs.

By car

Getting to Fischland, Darß, or Zingst by car is easy. Either drive via the highway from Hamburg/Rostock or from the West via Stralsund. On the island itself, there is only the L21, the spa road, which connects the individual towns. Especially in peak season, there can often be traffic jams here. If you cross the Bodden via Meiningen Bridge, be sure to pay attention to the bridge opening times.

By bus & train

There is no train station on the peninsula itself. The final stop is Ribnitz-Damgarten West, from where a bus travels across the island. Bus line 210 serves all towns on Fischland-Darß-Zingst.

By long-distance bus

With Flixbus, you can travel from Berlin or Graal-Müritz to Zingst several times a week in peak season (March - October). The journey takes just 4.5 hours without transferring.

By plane

The nearest airport is Rostock-Laage. Especially from Munich, a flight can mean a significant time-saving. Depending on traffic, it takes another 1-2 hours to reach the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula from the airport. For environmental reasons, we always recommend taking the train or bus instead.

Anyone choosing to vacation on Fischland-Darß-Zingst will find a true cyclist's paradise. There are bike rentals in every town, as well as plenty of bike paths leading across the island.

Especially in peak season, we would recommend everyone leave the car behind and switch directly to the bike. Many attractions and excursion destinations can only be reached by bike or on foot.

We rented our bikes for €2.50 per day in Zingst and could comfortably explore the surroundings. Furthermore, the number of parking spaces, especially in front of restaurants and cafés, is often limited, so it really makes sense to prefer biking (especially in Zingst).

Before the trip, we purchased the small and compact travel guide DuMont Travel Guide Fischland Darß Zingst: With a large fold-out map. We were very satisfied and would recommend it to everyone.

Further travel guides that I have purchased and can recommend with each subsequent Baltic Sea trip:

The Big RV Book Germany: The best routes between Sylt and the Alps

52 Little and Big Escapes at the Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

DuMont Picture Atlas Baltic Coast Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Weekend Getaway- Great places along the entire Baltic Coast

You can find more useful information at the tourist information office in the respective vacation destination.

Zingst and Darß in the off-season

During our week on Fischland-Darß-Zingst, we fell a bit in love with the peninsula. Especially in the Baltic Sea spa Zingst and at Darßer Ort, we felt incredibly comfortable.

The small town is very peaceful during the off-season, the people are truly friendly, and you get the feeling that 'the world is still alright here.' I wasn't constantly worried about my bike being stolen, and even at night, I always felt very safe walking home alone.

The hustle and bustle of the big city is absent here, and you can just relax, lean back, and enjoy. There's plenty of time for a book, a walk on the beach, or simply to sleep in. And all of this without the constant feeling of missing out on something.

For families, travelers with dogs, or those seeking peace, I can absolutely recommend Fischland-Darß-Zingst and its attractions in the off-season.

Let the fresh breeze of the Baltic Sea carry you away and enjoy the tranquility. Vacation in Germany can be so beautiful. Whether in a vacation home, apartment, or hotel in the Baltic spa: here you will find your perfect accommodation.

Zingst and Darß in the high season? A different picture

A year later: Traveling in July. Summer vacation in Germany, COVID. Zingst? Totally crowded. There's no sign of distance. At Darßer Ort? Completely overcrowded by 11 AM. Idyllic peace is out of the question. Zingst itself resembles a construction site.

The peace of the previous year? Like it vanished. Large hotel complexes are springing up; the town becomes increasingly touristy year after year. Unfortunately, I do not like this development, especially as the culinary offerings are not growing alongside it.

Some places to relax remain the beaches outside the towns: From Zingst towards Hohe Düne and on the Darß somewhere between Darßer Ort and Prerow.

Ironically, many cafés for breakfast often open only at 11 AM. It's a shame because many tourists would be happy not to have to cook for themselves occasionally.

But the negative should not deter you now; I have to honestly point out that this beautiful region in Germany need not always be quiet and relaxing.