Pudagla: Water, Trails and Windmill History

Pudagla lies between the Achterwasser and Schmollensee lakes in Usedom Nature Park. Water, hiking trails and a viewpoint give the village its distinctive character: there is a bathing beach on the Achterwasser, as well as numerous hiking trails. If you walk uphill, you’ll reach the 38-metre-high Glaubensberg and enjoy a sweeping view over Lake Schmollensee.

Water, Trails and Views

The attractions vary in character: the bathing beach focuses on the water, while the hiking trails offer space for exercise and exploring on foot. The Glaubensberg adds a specific viewpoint to the mix. If you’re planning a trip with varied interests, you can weigh up whether water, hiking or the view over Lake Schmollensee is the deciding factor.

Pudagla post mill also stands on the western shore of Lake Schmollensee. It is the only mill of its type in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern that has been preserved at its original location. Following restoration in 1997, it was made operational again; since 2001, it has been open to the public with the support of a friends’ association. The historic building and its lakeside location offer a different focus from the beach and hiking trails.

Mill, Castle and Historical Connections

Pudagla Castle includes a vaulted cellar. Together with the post mill, it offers a glimpse into architectural and technological history, while the bathing beach and Glaubensberg appeal to other interests. When looking for accommodation in Pudagla, you could first consider which themes matter for your stay: water and outdoor activities, or the mill and castle as cultural points of interest.

Hikes and Getting Your Bearings

The hiking options have different landmarks to guide you. Route 15 is marked with a yellow triangle. The hike to Teufelsstein goes around Konker Berg and through Schäfermoor; its route crosses Pudagla between the Achterwasser and the main road. Teufelsstein is protected as a natural monument. This allows you to choose a route based on its landmarks and landscape features without confusing the different trails.

You can also combine your journey with a walk: Pudagla can be reached by train to Schmollensee, followed by the “Around Lake Schmollensee” hiking trail. Check train connections and trail conditions before your trip. There is public bus service in Pudagla; routes and timetables may change, so it’s a good idea to check before travelling.

Vorpommern-Greifswald as the Wider Travel Region

The wider destination of Vorpommern-Greifswald offers further nature and cultural attractions. The district’s three nature parks cover almost 40 percent of its area. For cycling trips, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, part of the EuroVelo EV10 route, passes through the district. The Stettiner Haff Circular Route and the Northern German Romanticism Route are also among the regional cycle routes for exploring Vorpommern-Greifswald. Check the current route and signage when planning your trip.

For culture, the Pomeranian State Museum in Greifswald offers a different focus: it houses the Croy Tapestry from 1554, a unique cultural and historical artefact from the Reformation era. In Anklam, the Otto Lilienthal Museum, a technical museum dedicated to a historical figure, focuses on aviation pioneer, mechanical engineer and humanist Otto Lilienthal, who was born in the city. These regional examples complement Pudagla’s attractions without equating the different places and their distinct features.

Discover more destinations: Garz, Korswandt, Zempin, Zirchow, Dargen, Loddin, Koserow and Rankwitz.

See the wider travel overview: Amt Usedom-Süd.