In Gollwitz, shallow Baltic Sea waters and an offshore sandbar shape the beach: the first sandbar lies about 100 metres from the coast. There is also a pirate ship adventure playground, a volleyball net, a kiosk, and restroom facilities. This brings together a beach landscape, play, and activity without limiting your stay to just one pursuit.
Beach, Lighthouse, and Bird Island
These facilities add practical options for a beach break or some exercise to the natural setting. Facilities may change seasonally. So when planning your stay, it is worth keeping an eye on the current situation locally.
The Gollwitz lighthouse stands just a few metres from the beach. Since 1929, it has helped improve navigation in Wismar Bay. This connects the coastal views with a tangible maritime theme: the lighthouse represents navigation on the water and is also part of the region’s history.
From the beach, you can look towards Langenwerder. The protected bird island provides a habitat for wading and water birds; migratory birds use it as a resting place. Expert-led island visits are available. Access to the protected area and tour options vary seasonally, so check the conditions before your trip. When planning, it makes a difference whether you view the bird island from the beach or are considering a guided visit: seasonal conditions and tour availability are key for visiting the island.
Culture and Nature on Insel Poel
On Insel Poel, the island church is another destination for those interested in culture. The brick church was built in the first half of the 13th century in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Its 47-metre-high tower is a landmark visible from far across the island. In addition to church services, guided tours and visits, as well as numerous concerts, are possible there. If you are planning a visit or concert, check the dates and access options in advance.
The Poel Erratic Boulder Garden offers a different perspective: it displays rocks found exclusively along the coasts or in the fields of Insel Poel, and provides insights into approximately two billion years of Earth’s history. The church and the boulder garden have different focuses—architecture and history in one case, rocks and geological time in the other.
There is also a practical way to get around Insel Poel: almost all places can be reached on foot or by bicycle via signposted country roads. Both modes of transport are therefore options to consider when planning your time on the island.
Water Sports and Longer Activities
During the bathing season, Timmendorf Beach on Insel Poel offers water sports such as water skiing, kitesurfing, and surfing. This differs from Gollwitz, where the shallow beach, sandbar, and views of the bird island define the character of the area. If water sports are important to your trip, you can take these activities into account when choosing your destinations on the island.
From May to October, a six-hour kayak trip around the island takes place on Thursdays off the coast of Insel Poel and neighbouring islands. Equipment and an experienced skipper are provided for the group circumnavigation of Poel. The duration makes the paddle trip a separate planning consideration; check the date and the provider’s information before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Timmendorf, Wangern.
Return to the main travel overview: Insel Poel.
