Discover Groß-Stresow: Bodden Landscapes and History

Groß-Stresow combines the landscape of Stresower Bay on the Rügischer Bodden with hiking and cycling trails and distinctive historical landmarks. The contrast between nature and local history offers different ways to shape your trip: views across the bay sit alongside paths through the landscape and traces of the Prussian Columns.

Bay, Views and Protected Nature

From a rise, you can enjoy a view across Stresower Bay. The coastal route near Muglitzer Ort offers a different perspective: from there, you can see the northern tip of Vilm Island, as well as Reddevitzer Höft and Zickersches Höft on the Mönchgut Peninsula. This way, the landscape experience ranges from views across the bay to the named landmarks on the horizon.

The “Quellsumpf Ziegensteine bei Groß-Stresow” nature reserve is also part of the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve. There is a small rest area at Ziegensteine. Stresower Bay is also a landscape for swimming trips: the “Mönchgut – Megalithic Tombs and Bodden” hiking trail runs along the bay, where there are many places to swim.

Hiking and Cycling with Different Highlights

A hiking route from Putbus to Groß-Stresow is about 8.5 km long. It combines a ride on the historic narrow-gauge railway “Rasender Roland” with a walk from the “Seelvitz” stop towards Groß-Stresow. Another option is the 13 km “Mönchgut – Megalithic Tombs and Bodden” hiking route, which passes through Groß-Stresow. It is rated easy and has a gentle incline. The Putbus route combines a train ride and a walk; the defining features of the 13 km hike are its length, gentle incline and easy difficulty rating.

There is also a cycling route through the village: the “In the Footsteps of Prince Malte” cycle route passes through Groß-Stresow. There is a place to stop for refreshments in Groß-Stresow along this route. Before setting off, check the current route and conditions, as they can change.

Prussian Columns and Remembrance of the Great Northern War

A column in Groß-Stresow once bore a statue of Frederick William I. The figure, made of Saxon sandstone, is over three metres tall; the column was erected on a raised area paved with natural stone. The 15-metre-high Stresow Prussian Column was dismantled in 1991 because it was at risk of collapse. In 2014, the last of the two Prussian Columns was re-erected.

The “Verräterhaus” (“Traitor’s House”) commemorates the Battle of Groß-Stresow between Prussia, Denmark and Sweden during the Great Northern War. A statue of the Prussian King Frederick William I stands in front of the present-day museum in the Verräterhaus. Together, the monument’s history and the commemoration of the battle give the local history a tangible connection.

A Distinctive Cultural and Railway Connection in Putbus

Putbus also has its own historical and cultural attractions. In 1810, Putbus was planned as a purpose-built residential town around the palace of Prince Wilhelm Malte zu Putbus. The orangery in Putbus hosts changing exhibitions by the Rügen Cultural Foundation. The Rasender Roland is a steam-powered narrow-gauge railway with a track gauge of 750 mm. It has been operating on Rügen since 1895, connecting Putbus with the Baltic seaside resorts of Binz, Sellin, Baabe and Göhren.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Interests

The different route lengths and the mix of nature and history themes offer practical criteria for planning your stay around the experiences that interest you most.

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