Groß-Stresow lies on Stresow Bay on the Rügischer Bodden. Three main themes shape the town when planning a trip: views of the bay, routes on foot and by bike, and the history of the Prussian columns. The routes differ in character: one hiking route includes a ride on a narrow-gauge railway, while another is an easy 13-kilometre tour. This lets you decide whether to combine a train ride with walking, choose an easy hike or get around by bike.
Views of the Bodden and routes by the water
From a rise, you can enjoy a view across Stresow Bay. On the coastal route near Muglitzer Ort, you can see the northern tip of Vilm Island, as well as Reddevitzer Höft and Zickersches Höft on the Mönchgut Peninsula. This view is specific to the coastal route near Muglitzer Ort. The “Mönchgut – Großsteingräber und Bodden” hiking trail runs along Stresow Bay, where there are many opportunities to swim. Here, the landscape and the route go hand in hand: the tour takes you around the bay as part of a hike and also passes through Groß-Stresow.
Hiking and cycling
The length is not the only difference when choosing a hike. The route from Putbus to Groß-Stresow is about 8.5 km long; it combines a ride on the historic “Rasender Roland” narrow-gauge railway with a walk from the “Seelvitz” stop towards Groß-Stresow. It should therefore be understood as a combination of train travel and walking, not as a standalone 8.5 km hike. The Rasender Roland timetable varies by season; check the service that suits your travel date.
The “Mönchgut – Großsteingräber und Bodden” route is 13 km long, easy and has little elevation gain. It passes through Groß-Stresow and along the bay. This makes it a different kind of outing: here, the hike itself is the main focus, while the route from Putbus combines rail and walking. Trail conditions and markings may change; check the latest information before setting out.
You can also include Groß-Stresow in a cycling tour. The “Auf Fürst Maltes Spuren” cycle route passes through the town; there is a place to stop for refreshments along the way there. As conditions on the route may change, it is a good idea to check the latest trail conditions before setting off. This lets you choose between a cycling route with a place to stop and the differently designed hiking routes without combining them into a single tour.
The Prussian Column and local history
The 15-metre-high Stresow Prussian Column was dismantled in 1991 because it was at risk of collapse; the last of the two Prussian columns was re-erected in 2014. The column in Groß-Stresow bore a statue of Frederick William I made of Saxon sandstone, measuring over three metres. The column was built on a raised platform paved with natural stone. These details provide several specific points of reference for the column’s history: its height, the statue’s material and the platform’s construction.
The “Verräterhaus” commemorates the battle between Prussia, Denmark and Sweden near Groß-Stresow during the Great Northern War. A statue of the Prussian King Frederick William I stands in front of the present-day museum. The historical focus therefore extends beyond the column and also includes the memory of the battle.
Natural surroundings near the Ziegensteine
The “Quellsumpf Ziegensteine bei Groß Stresow” nature reserve is part of the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve. There is a small rest area at the Ziegensteine. Together with the routes along the bay, this offers different ways to experience nature: views across the water, a hike along the coast and a place to rest at the Ziegensteine.
Discover more destinations: Neuendorf, Güstelitz, Vilmnitz, Lauterbach, Lonvitz, Kasnevitz, Pastitz.
Back to the main travel overview: Putbus.
