Karlshagen: White Sandy Beach, Harbour and Experiences

Karlshagen is defined above all by its beach: fine white sand and a width of up to 80 metres shape the town. There are also designated areas for different beach activities, a harbour, and natural and local history. If you’re looking for accommodation, start with the main focus of your holiday: do you want to centre your stay around the beach, are you especially interested in water sports, or would you also like to explore nature and culture?

Beach and Water Sports

The supervised bathing beach stretches for a total of 1,200 metres. The Baltic Sea water at Karlshagen beach is awarded the Blue Flag. Separate sections of the beach are designated for naturism, dogs and sports; their use may be regulated seasonally. Seven permanent volleyball courts offer another specific option for active beach days.

Windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding are possible at the sports beach. Lessons and rentals may depend on the season. Depending on your interests, you can plan your beach day in different ways: with activities on the water, volleyball, or time in one of the designated beach areas.

Beach Events

The Karlshagen Chalk Painting Festival takes place every summer on the beach forecourt and attracts several hundred participants. The USEDOM-BEACHCUP also has a special connection to the town: it was first held in 2000 and originated in Karlshagen. The annual tournament attracts around 1,500 players and is played on approximately 100 courts. The scale may vary from one edition to another; check specific event dates before your trip.

Enjoy Nature and Explore the Trails

The Karlshagen Nature Conservation Centre shares knowledge about Usedom’s nature and birdlife. Its visitor offerings include a natural history exhibition and a range of themed guided tours. This offers a way to explore the island’s natural attractions in addition to the beach.

The cycling and hiking trails around Karlshagen lead towards Peenemünde and, via Zinnowitz, towards Koserow, and are considered suitable for families. You can check trail conditions and signage locally. These directions help you choose a route based on your destination and available time without combining them into a single tour.

Harbour and Boat Trips

Excursion boats depart from Karlshagen harbour for the Peenestrom. Trips depend on the season and operator, so check current dates if you’re planning a tour. The harbour also has modern pontoons, pier berths and a slipway. Motorboats can be launched for a fee.

There is also specific information to help with navigation: the harbour entrance branches off from the Peenestrom channel at the PN32/Kr2 navigation mark. With a water depth of 3 to 4 metres, the harbour is navigable even for vessels with a deep draught. An excursion trip and using your own boat are therefore two different ways to include the Peenestrom in your travel plans.

Local History and Regional Cuisine

Using historical documents and information panels, the local history museum tells the story of Karlshagen’s development, including the founding of the town and the beginnings of tourism. Karlshagen Church offers another perspective on local history: it was built in 1912, completely destroyed during the turmoil of war, rebuilt in 1953 and later extensively renovated.

There are different options when it comes to food, too. Restaurants at the harbour and near the beach on the beach forecourt serve Pomeranian home-style cooking, Italian cuisine and freshly caught fish. This lets the beach, harbour, nature and local history each shape your stay, rather than making every day of your trip feel the same.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Karlshagen is accessible by train: from Zinnowitz, one transfer brings you directly to the seaside resort of Karlshagen. As services and operators may change, check the timetable before departure. Decide which aspects of Karlshagen matter most to you, then look for accommodation in Karlshagen.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Peenemünde, Zinnowitz, Trassenheide, Mölschow.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Amt Usedom-Nord.