First mentioned in 1786 as “Hammelstall” (meaning “mutton stable”), it began as a sheep enclosure to protect flocks from flooding
Renamed Trassenheide in 1908, tourism began shortly after, and it became an independent municipality in 1928
Heavily damaged in August 1943 during a bombing of the nearby Peenemünde rocket facility; many forced labor camp victims perished
Rebuilt post-war, tourism grew and in 2006, it formally earned the title “Ostseebad” (Baltic seaside resort)
Description & Nature
A small but picturesque coastal village, awarded the Blue Flag for clean water and beaches
The beach stretches about 4?km of fine white sand, shallow and stone-free—excellent for families and children. It includes designated zones for sports and dogs
Backing onto an old coastal forest, it’s ideal for walks and nature exploration. The area enjoys nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine annually
Extensive hiking and cycling trails link Trassenheide to the island’s scenic countryside
Typical Food & Shopping
Culinary offerings center around fresh local seafood, especially herring dishes and fish sandwiches. Many beachfront cafés and kiosks along the promenade serve ice-cream and regional snacks
On Wednesdays, the weekly market at the festival meadow offers organic local produce—including baked goods, honey, sausages, eggs, and game products
Activities & Attractions
Family-Focused Experiences
Schmetterlingsfarm Trassenheide, one of Europe’s largest butterfly farms, features a 2,600?m² tropical hall with around 2,500 butterflies from about 60 species, plus insects, reptiles, and educational exhibits
Kinderland (Piraten-Insel) adventure park offers pirate-themed play areas and mini-golf tailored for kids
Wildlife Usedom (Indoor wildlife zoo) features a petting zoo, live animal exhibits, an indoor playground, café and souvenir shop—great rainy-day fun
Unique & Cultural Spots
The famous Upside-Down House, built in 2008, is Germany’s first inverted house—designed to flip everyday objects upside down inside and out—pure tourist fun and Instagram gold
The Local History Museum offers insights into the area’s past, from fishing roots to wartime history
Nearby, there’s the Memorial at Karlshagen, commemorating victims of WWII forced labor camps and bombing. It stands just outside Trassenheide
Festivals & Events
The annual Ostseebadfest (Seaside Bath Festival), usually mid-July, includes live music, children’s entertainment (e.g. Sem Seifert), rock concerts by cover bands like The Ballbreakers, and a feuershow—free with a UsedomCard
Spring sees a traditional herring/fishermen’s festival, celebrating local maritime heritage and fresh seafood
Regular concerts and theatre productions take place during summer on the promenade and in cultural venues
Weekly Wednesdays market runs from April through October
Trassenheide combines pristine coastal scenery, family-friendly entertainment, local history and vibrant festivals—making it an ideal seaside destination on Usedom.