Timmendorf: Beach, Harbor and Lighthouse

Timmendorf shows its maritime side with a beach, harbor and lighthouse; water sports and excursions are also among the options. This gives you a range of interests to choose from during your stay: days on the Baltic Sea beach, activities on the water and a glimpse of the rural landscape in the part of the village closest to the mainland. Which of these aspects appeals to you most may also shape your choice of accommodation.

Beach, Harbor and Experiences on the Water

Timmendorf Beach combines a bathing beach around 700 meters long with a harbor and lighthouse in a maritime setting. The white, fine sandy Baltic Sea beach slopes gently down to the water. Here, beach scenery and distinctive coastal features come together, while Timmendorf’s character is not limited to any one perspective.

Activities include pedal boating, water skiing, kitesurfing and surfing. The Manfred Sommer Catamaran Center also offers sailing trips and white-water rides on the Baltic Sea; its activities depart from Timmendorf Beach on Poel Island. You can also take excursions on a passenger ship from Timmendorf. This gives you a choice of different activities on the water in addition to spending time at the beach.

Lighthouse, Season and Cycling

After 60 years, Timmendorf Lighthouse was extended to its current height of 21 meters. Its height and long history are part of the story of this distinctive feature of the coastal landscape. The season is also relevant when planning a beach visit: during the summer months from June to September, the beach is supervised by the German Life Saving Association (DLRG). Check the current status of this seasonal beach supervision before your visit.

You can rent bicycles at Timmendorf Beach. On Poel Island, almost all places can be reached on foot or by bicycle via signposted country roads. When planning, you can weigh up beach activities against exploring the island along the designated country roads, without having to commit to a particular route.

Accommodation and Landscape

In the part of Timmendorf closest to the mainland, many holiday apartments and holiday homes offer expansive views of the rural landscape. You can also decide how much of your stay to focus on the beach, harbor and water sports. These two perspectives can help you match your interests to the part of the village that suits you, without inferring other accommodation features from the landscape view.

On Poel Island: Culture and Nature

Poel Island also offers distinctive cultural and natural experiences. The island church is a brick church dating from the first half of the 13th century, built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Its 47-meter-high tower is a landmark visible from far across the island. In addition to church services, the church is open for guided tours and visits, as well as numerous concerts; check visiting hours in advance.

The Poel Erratic Boulder Garden displays rocks found exclusively on the coasts or in the fields of Poel Island, offering insights into around two billion years of Earth’s history. The bird sanctuary island of Langenwerder offers a different perspective on nature: it provides suitable living conditions for wading birds and waterbirds and also serves as a resting place for migratory birds.

For a longer excursion on the water, a six-hour island kayaking trip takes place on Thursdays from May to October off the coast of Poel Island and neighboring islands. Equipment and an experienced skipper are provided for the group circumnavigation of Poel. Given its duration, this activity is best considered a major part of your itinerary; check the date and the provider’s information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wangern, Gollwitz.

For the overview of the wider area: Poel Island.