Gollwitz: Baltic Sea Beach and Birdlife

At Gollwitz’s Baltic Sea beach, shallow water, an offshore sandbar and views of the protected bird island of Langenwerder come together. The beach and nature-watching define the area; near the beach, a lighthouse also tells of the maritime navigation in Wismar Bay. If you are planning a stay on Poel Island, Gollwitz offers a clear coastal focus that you can combine with other island attractions.

Beach and Birdlife in Gollwitz

The water at the beach is shallow; the first sandbar lies about 100 metres offshore. Beach facilities include a pirate ship adventure playground and a volleyball net, as well as a kiosk and sanitary facilities. Alongside coastal views, there are opportunities for play and exercise. The kiosk and sanitary facilities may vary seasonally. From Gollwitz, you can look out towards Langenwerder, a protected bird island that provides a habitat for wading birds, waterbirds and migratory birds. Guided visits to the island with knowledgeable guides are available; access and tour availability are seasonal, so check before travelling.

Lighthouse and Maritime History

The lighthouse is a short walk from the beach. Since 1929, it has helped improve navigation in Wismar Bay. Gollwitz therefore brings together three distinct coastal perspectives: the shallow Baltic coast and its sandbar, views of a protected bird area, and a structure with a maritime function.

More to Discover on Poel Island

On Poel Island, the island church adds a cultural dimension. Built of brick in the Romanesque-Gothic style in the first half of the 13th century, its 47-metre-high tower is a landmark visible across much of the island. In addition to church services, the church is available for guided tours and visits, as well as numerous concerts; check the relevant dates for a visit or event. The Poel Erratic Boulder Garden offers a very different perspective: it displays rocks found exclusively along the coasts or in the fields of Poel Island and offers insight into around two billion years of Earth’s history. Architectural history and geological time spans thus offer two different starting points for exploring the island.

Explore Actively and Plan Your Stay

Almost all places on Poel Island can be reached on foot or by bicycle via signposted country lanes. Bicycles can be rented in Gollwitz, Kirchdorf, Am Schwarzen Busch, Kaltenhof and Timmendorf-Strand; check current providers before making plans. From May to October, a six-hour kayak trip around the island takes place on Thursdays along the coast of Poel Island and neighbouring islands. Equipment and an experienced skipper are provided for the group trip around Poel. Check current dates and providers in advance. The beaches also differ: Gollwitz combines shallow water with views of Langenwerder, while Timmendorf beach on Poel Island offers opportunities for water skiing, kitesurfing and surfing during the bathing season. Providers and conditions may vary.

Discover more destinations: Timmendorf, Wangern.

Return to the main travel overview: Poel Island.