Prerow: Maritime History and Nature on the Darß

Prerow brings together traces of its maritime past and experiences in nature. The town is located in Vorpommern Lagoon Area National Park. Culture, landscapes and activities on the water offer different focal points for a stay. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider which of these interests will shape your trip.

Maritime History and Culture in Prerow

The centrally located Darß Museum is within walking or cycling distance. Its topics range from maritime history and the lives of fishers and seafarers to regional architecture. The flora and fauna of Vorpommern Lagoon Area National Park are also among the subjects covered in its exhibitions. At the museum, you can explore both the region’s cultural history and its natural environment.

The Seamen’s Church is the oldest church on the Darß and was built in 1726/28. In addition to religious services, it hosts exhibitions, talks and concerts; individual programmes vary. Another visible reference to seafaring in the townscape is Prerow’s carved and brightly painted house doors, which preserve its maritime heritage.

Landscapes and Wildlife Watching at Darßer Ort

The coastal region associated with Prerow encompasses the Baltic Sea, lagoon waters, dunes, coastal forests and salt marshes. Along the Darßer Ort circular hiking trail, viewing points offer opportunities to watch red deer, wild boar and a variety of birds. The viewing points also provide views of the new land formations at Darßer Ort. Sections of boardwalk pass through alder carr forests and dune landscapes: along the way, wet woodland habitats and open dunes provide contrasting defining landscape impressions.

The NATUREUM is about five kilometres west of Prerow. From Prerow, it can be reached by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or on foot. If you plan this outing, check the trail conditions before setting off.

Enjoying the Water and Planning Excursions

Kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding are possible at Prerow Beach. Local zoning and safety rules may apply to these activities. The Prerow pier is designed with limited accessibility and can be reached from the town centre on foot or by bicycle. Along with beach activities, the pier and its design are also worth considering as separate stops when planning your trip.

Passenger boats for excursions on the lagoon waters and to Hiddensee are based at the harbour on the Prerow Strom. Schedules vary by season, so check in advance which trips are available during your visit.

Vorpommern-Rügen as a Wider Destination

Beyond Prerow, you can also explore the wider destination of Vorpommern-Rügen: the area is known, among other things, for the Störtebeker Festival. There are an estimated 60 or so museums in the district. These regional attractions complement the cultural and natural themes you can discover in Prerow itself.

Discover more destinations: Wieck Am Darß, Dändorf, Dierhagen, Wustrow, Born Am Darß, Ahrenshoop

Return to the wider travel overview: Amt Darß/Fischland.