Altefähr: Beach, Water and History

Altefähr combines a beach on the Strelasund with water sports, cycling routes and maritime history. This mix is useful when planning your trip: you can focus your holiday on swimming and activities on the water, set off by bike or discover traces of the town’s history. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether the beach, water sports, cycling or the connection to Stralsund should shape your stay.

Beach and Water Sports on the Strelasund

The beach in Altefähr lies directly on the Strelasund. The 35-metre-wide natural beach section has a gently sloping bathing shore with shallow water and is also suitable for small children. A bathing ramp allows wheelchair users to access the water. The beach is supervised by the DLRG; seasonal operating hours may vary. If you are planning a visit to the beach, check the current situation in advance.

From Altefähr, you can sail, surf, go motorboating or explore the island from the water by kayak. Kayaking lets you explore the island from the water; sailing, surfing and motorboating are other options. The Altefähr surf spot is right next to the Hanseatic city of Stralsund.

Exploring by Bike

Altefähr is connected to the Baltic Sea Cycle Route. The Rügen Circular Route also starts and ends here. These offer two different points of reference for your planning: one route connects to Altefähr, while the Rügen Circular Route has its starting and finishing point in the town. If you enjoy cycling, these routes may be an important consideration when deciding whether Altefähr fits your travel plans.

Ferry Connection and Getting Your Bearings

A passenger ferry connects the Hanseatic city of Stralsund with Altefähr on Rügen. The crossing over the Strelasund takes 15 minutes. The ferry connection links the two places in a practical way for your travel planning; services follow seasonal timetables and may change if the operator makes changes. So check the current timetable before travelling.

The Altefähr Tourist Information Office is located right at the harbour. It offers brochures, town maps and maps for hiking, water and cycling routes. This can help you find your way around the various options for days on land and on the water.

Historic Ship, Church and Festivals

The historic ship ERNA was built in Holland in 1904. Today, it is based at the seaside resort of Altefähr, where it has a permanent berth. St. Nikolai Church adds an older historical connection to this maritime history: parts of the church date from the 15th century. It is open to visitors free of charge from Pentecost until the Harvest Festival; check the visiting dates before your trip.

Traditions are also part of the annual calendar in Altefähr. Festivals are held every year, including the Herring Festival on 1 May. Check the specific event dates for the year in question if you would like to plan your trip around them.

In the wider destination of Vorpommern-Rügen, the cultural offerings extend beyond Altefähr: the district is known, among other things, for the Störtebeker Festival. Vorpommern-Rügen has an estimated 60 or so museums. This regional perspective can complement your travel plans, while the beach, water activities and cycling routes shape your stay in Altefähr.

Discover more destinations: Neuenkirchen, Dreschvitz, Ummanz, Samtens, Rambin, Schaprode, Trent, Hiddensee Island.

Go to the main travel overview: Amt West-Rügen.