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Holidays on the island Poel
Located in the Bay of Wismar, the Island of Poel is the largest Baltic Sea island in Mecklenburg. It is a quiet, idyllic destination known for its "slow" pace, maritime traditions, and unspoiled nature.
History
Poel has a turbulent history due to its strategic location between the Hanseatic cities of Wismar, Rostock, and Lübeck.
Early Settlements: First mentioned in 1163, it was initially inhabited by Slavic tribes (Obotrites) before German settlers arrived in the 13th century.
The Fortress: In the early 17th century, a massive star-shaped fortress was built in Kirchdorf. However, it was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. Today, only the impressive earthen ramparts (Schlosswall) remain.
Swedish Rule: For a long period (1648–1903), the island was under Swedish sovereignty as part of the Wismar territory.
Maritime Tragedy: During WWII, the island became a somber site when bodies from the bombed prisoner ship Cap Arcona washed ashore. A memorial in the local history museum commemorates this event.
Description & Geography
The island is roughly 36 km2
and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It is characterized by:
Kirchdorf: The main village and cultural hub, featuring a historic harbor and a landmark 13th-century church with a 47-meter tower.
Timmendorf: Known for its active harbor and the iconic Timmendorf Lighthouse (built in 1871).
Coastal Variety: The north features steep cliffs (Schwarzer Busch), while the south and west offer shallow, family-friendly sandy beaches.
Typical Foods
Poel’s cuisine is defined by the Baltic Sea and the island's fertile farmland.
Fresh & Smoked Fish: A staple. Look for Fischbrötchen (fish rolls) at the harbors or visit the Poeler Forellenhof for smoked trout and eel.
Labskaus: A traditional sailor's dish made of salted meat or corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot, usually topped with a fried egg and herring.
Rote Grütze: A classic North German red berry compote served with vanilla sauce or cream.
Sea Buckthorn (Sanddorn): Often called the "lemon of the North," this vitamin-rich orange berry is found all over the island and served in teas, juices, and liqueurs.
Activities & Festivals
Poel is an "active" island without the loud bustle of larger resorts.
Outdoor Sports: Popular for cycling (a 25km loop around the island), kitesurfing, and horseback riding.
Fishing Trips: You can join traditional fishing cutters departing from Timmendorf or Kirchdorf.
Kultursommer: A summer-long series of classical concerts and theater performances held in the island's historic church and at the fortress ramparts.
Annual Events:
Kite Festival: Held on the beaches of Schwarzer Busch.
Kirchdorf Harbor Festival: Celebrating maritime culture with boat parades and music.
Nature
Much of the island is protected to preserve its unique ecosystems.
Salt Marshes: Significant areas of the island are salt marshes, which provide a rare habitat for specialized flora.
Bird Sanctuaries: The nearby small island of Langenwerder is one of Germany's oldest bird sanctuaries. While you cannot enter the island freely, guided bird-watching tours are available from Gollwitz.
Cliffs & Dunes: The steep banks at Schwarzer Busch are home to nesting sand martins, a bird species that tunnels into the soft earth of the cliffs.
History
Poel has a turbulent history due to its strategic location between the Hanseatic cities of Wismar, Rostock, and Lübeck.
Early Settlements: First mentioned in 1163, it was initially inhabited by Slavic tribes (Obotrites) before German settlers arrived in the 13th century.
The Fortress: In the early 17th century, a massive star-shaped fortress was built in Kirchdorf. However, it was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. Today, only the impressive earthen ramparts (Schlosswall) remain.
Swedish Rule: For a long period (1648–1903), the island was under Swedish sovereignty as part of the Wismar territory.
Maritime Tragedy: During WWII, the island became a somber site when bodies from the bombed prisoner ship Cap Arcona washed ashore. A memorial in the local history museum commemorates this event.
Description & Geography
The island is roughly 36 km2
and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It is characterized by:
Kirchdorf: The main village and cultural hub, featuring a historic harbor and a landmark 13th-century church with a 47-meter tower.
Timmendorf: Known for its active harbor and the iconic Timmendorf Lighthouse (built in 1871).
Coastal Variety: The north features steep cliffs (Schwarzer Busch), while the south and west offer shallow, family-friendly sandy beaches.
Typical Foods
Poel’s cuisine is defined by the Baltic Sea and the island's fertile farmland.
Fresh & Smoked Fish: A staple. Look for Fischbrötchen (fish rolls) at the harbors or visit the Poeler Forellenhof for smoked trout and eel.
Labskaus: A traditional sailor's dish made of salted meat or corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot, usually topped with a fried egg and herring.
Rote Grütze: A classic North German red berry compote served with vanilla sauce or cream.
Sea Buckthorn (Sanddorn): Often called the "lemon of the North," this vitamin-rich orange berry is found all over the island and served in teas, juices, and liqueurs.
Activities & Festivals
Poel is an "active" island without the loud bustle of larger resorts.
Outdoor Sports: Popular for cycling (a 25km loop around the island), kitesurfing, and horseback riding.
Fishing Trips: You can join traditional fishing cutters departing from Timmendorf or Kirchdorf.
Kultursommer: A summer-long series of classical concerts and theater performances held in the island's historic church and at the fortress ramparts.
Annual Events:
Kite Festival: Held on the beaches of Schwarzer Busch.
Kirchdorf Harbor Festival: Celebrating maritime culture with boat parades and music.
Nature
Much of the island is protected to preserve its unique ecosystems.
Salt Marshes: Significant areas of the island are salt marshes, which provide a rare habitat for specialized flora.
Bird Sanctuaries: The nearby small island of Langenwerder is one of Germany's oldest bird sanctuaries. While you cannot enter the island freely, guided bird-watching tours are available from Gollwitz.
Cliffs & Dunes: The steep banks at Schwarzer Busch are home to nesting sand martins, a bird species that tunnels into the soft earth of the cliffs.
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