Schaprode between harbor, history and Hiddensee

Schaprode combines the coast, history and excursions on the water. The Schaproder Strom separates the village from the small private island of Öhe, creating a sheltered natural harbor. Passenger ferries take visitors from here to the car-free Baltic Sea island of Hiddensee. At the same time, the church and memorial sites tell the story of the village; a fine sandy beach adds to Schaprode’s maritime appeal.

Harbor, ferry connection and Hiddensee

Schaprode Yacht Harbor has 220 berths for long-term moorings and visiting boats at modern floating docks. The harbor also has a slipway and a boat crane. If you are factoring these facilities into your plans, check the operators’ latest information on berths and facilities in advance.

The ferry is about a seven-minute walk from Schaprode’s large car park; a shuttle service is also available. Passenger ferries take visitors to Hiddensee, which is car-free. Schaprode is the only place from which Hiddensee can be reached year-round. Departure times vary by season, so it is worth checking the timetable for your specific travel date.

Church history and remembrance

St. John’s Church in Schaprode was built as a basilica in the first third of the 13th century and reduced in size in 1450. The chancel with its apse has been preserved. The church played an important role in the Christianization of Rügen. Around 1500, it was a pilgrimage site where a figure of the Virgin Mary was venerated. The building’s history and religious significance come together here, spanning from its medieval origins to the pilgrimage around 1500.

The Schaprode atonement stone offers another connection to the village’s history. It is a murder memorial commemorating the slain knight Reynwart von Platen and his sons. While the church’s history is shaped by religious developments, this memorial focuses on the fate of people named in the historical record.

Beach, water sports and local history

Schaprode has a fine sandy beach not far from the ferry landing. The village is also home to the Wikingsurf surf and sailing school. Wikingsurf’s overview lists windsurfing, sailing, SUP and raft building as activities; check which courses are currently available before booking. The beach, water sports and ferry services offer different ways to enjoy a stay by the water.

North of Schaprode, at Stolper Haken, the Schwedenschanze fortification was built between 1700 and 1720 to protect the entrance to Stralsund. Its history adds a different historical context to the story of the church: the protection of the entrance to Stralsund.

Vorpommern-Rügen may also be of interest for a broader cultural perspective. The district of Vorpommern-Rügen is known, among other things, for the Störtebeker Festival. The district is estimated to have around 60 museums. These figures refer to Vorpommern-Rügen as a whole, not just Schaprode.

When choosing accommodation in Schaprode, you can focus on what matters most to your plans: the ferry connection, local history, or the beach and water sports.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gingst, Hiddensee Island, Altefähr, Kluis, Trent, Rambin, Dreschvitz, Ummanz.

Back to the main travel guide: Amt West-Rügen.