Hiddensee Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions, food and drink scene, where to stay, and how to get around of Hiddensee with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Hiddensee

Hiddensee is a beautiful island located in the Baltic Sea, off Germany’s coast in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It’s a small island that measures only 16.8 km², which makes it easy to explore and discover the island’s natural beauty, local culture, and history.

Hiddensee has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the Baltic Sea. It has been a popular destination for artists, writers, and thinkers for centuries. Moreover, the island is referred to as the “Island of Poets,” a nickname given to it for its poetic and natural beauty.

This comprehensive tour guide will take you through the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs and culture, and how to get around in Hiddensee.

List of Places to Visit in Hiddensee

When it comes to things to do and attractions to visit in Hiddensee, you have multiple options, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gerhart Hauptmann Haus. This attraction is dedicated to Gerhart Hauptmann, the famous German writer and dramatist who lived in Hiddensee in the early 20th century.
  • Hans Schack Museum. This museum houses artworks from some of the most prominent artists who resided on Hiddensee, including Ernst Barlach and Lyonel Feininger.

Natural Attractions of Hiddensee: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dornbusch Lighthouse. An iconic lighthouse built-in 1889 stands at 43 meters tall that offers panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and the island.
  • Vitte Village. Known as the largest village on Hiddensee, visiting the local fishermen’s houses are a must. It also offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and an excellent place for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Beach of Hiddensee. A 14km long white sand beach that stretches along the whole island, which offers the best swimming opportunity for visitors.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hiddensee

Hiddensee’s extensive network of hiking and cycling paths makes it easy to explore the island’s natural beauty, ranging from the dunes on the Baltic coast to tree-covered hills inland. Taking a cycling tour around the island is highly recommended as the island is car-free and it is a great way to explore it thoroughly. You can rent a bike from local service providers the charges vary depending on the season.

Best Things to Do in Hiddensee: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tour Around the Island. Take a boat trip around the island and discover the island’s natural beauty from the sea. The tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide insight into the island’s history and natural background.
  • Visit the Sandbar of Hiddensee. The best times to visit the sandbar are during low tide, and it is easy to reach by foot or bike. It is a great spot for bird watching and exploring the Baltic Sea and the island’s natural beauty.
  • Swim in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea is an excellent place to swim and sunbathe. Several popular beaches and bays are spots you will love and attract plenty of tourists.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hiddensee

Here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip to Hiddensee:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival and Tour of the Island
Day 2 Visit the Dornbusch Lighthouse and explore the north of the island
Day 3 A cycling tour around the island
Day 4 Relax on the beach and go swimming in the Baltic Sea
Day 5 Boat tour around the island
Day 6 Visit museums and historical places
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Hiddensee

Hiddensee offers excellent seafood and locally brewed beers as local food. The restaurants on the island are known for their fresh seafood, and some of the must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smoked Fish. The fish is prepared fresh and smoked right on the island, served with bread, butter, and a side dish.
  • Fish Soup. A delicacy that comes in many flavors but typically contains fish, potatoes, and vegetables.
  • Fish Rolls. A popular dish that is mainly consumed during the summer months and consists of fresh fish wrapped in before fried flour pastry dough.

Local Beverages

  • Hiddenseer Inselbrauerei. A brewery located in Vitte Village produces its beer, sold in nearby bars and restaurants.
  • Hiddensee Vodka. A locally produced vodka that is sold in several shops on the island.

Where to Stay in Hiddensee: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hiddensee offers many accommodation options, from luxury hotels to guesthouses and camping grounds. Staying on the island in one of the guesthouses offers the opportunity to live like the locals and explore Hiddensee’s culture. Some of the popular hotels on the island include:

  • Hotel Godewind. A luxury hotel located in Vitte with a spa and wellness facilities.
  • Inselhotel Hiddensee. The hotel is located in Neuendorf and is one of the best places to stay on the island and offers excellent views of the island.

What to Buy in Hiddensee: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hiddensee offers many local products and souvenirs that make great gifts to bring home. Some of the popular local products on the island include:

  • Amber. Beautiful stones washed ashore that make a perfect souvenir to bring home.
  • Pottery Souvenirs. Several shops sell locally made pottery.
  • Lighthouses and Sailing Boats. Dating back to the island’s deep maritime history, these models serve as an excellent memento of the island.

Local Culture and Customs of Hiddensee

Hiddensee has a rich cultural and historical heritage, which can be seen in its architecture, museums, and traditional customs. Fishing remains the main occupation of the locals on the island, and visitors are encouraged to respect the local customs by being respectful and courteous.

Best Time to Visit Hiddensee

Hiddensee is an excellent place to visit during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. The months between May and September are the peak tourist season but, visiting in April and October can be pleasant too, as the island is less crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hiddensee

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the island’s beautiful natural scenery.
  • Enjoy locally brewed beer and freshly prepared seafood.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disturb the local wildlife.
  • Ignore rules and regulations on the island.
  • Enter restricted or private areas without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hiddensee

Hiddensee is considered a safe place for tourists. The island is not heavily populated, and crime rates are low, making the island a perfect, safe destination for tourists.

Health in Hiddensee

The island has a medical center that can provide primary medical care when needed. Visitors must be aware of the COVID-19 situation before visiting and abide by the local rules and guidelines accordingly.

Getting to Hiddensee: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to reach Hiddensee:

Airports Near Hiddensee

The nearest airports to Hiddensee are Rostock-Laage Airport and Berlin Tegel Airport, from where you can take a shuttle bus to reach the island.

Bus Stations Near Hiddensee

There are regular bus services from Rostock and Stralsund to Schaprode, from where you can take a ferry to Hiddensee.

Other Options

You can also travel to Hiddensee by train to Stralsund or Bergen auf Rügen and then transfer to a bus.

How to Get Around in Hiddensee

As mentioned earlier, Hiddensee is a car-free island; visitors can explore the island on foot or by bike. Bikes can be rented from several local providers.

Where to Go Next from Hiddensee: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations near Hiddensee that you can visit:

  • Rügen Island. Located near the island, Rügen Island is one of the most popular destinations in the region and offers vast sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes.
  • Greifswald City. This city is located on the mainland and offers visitors a chance to experience its rich history, including a Gothic brick cathedral and a traditional market square.

Conclusion

Hiddensee is an island with a charming history and picturesque beauty that is perfect for a refreshing vacation away from the hectic bustle of big cities. Its natural beauty, local cuisine and drinks, historical significance, and popular spots make it an excellent destination to visit repeatedly.