Baltic Sea Coast: Stralsund – Usedom

This self-guided six-day tour follows Germany's Baltic Sea coast from the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic town of Stralsund to the island of Usedom, known locally as the "bathtub of Berlin." Riders follow well-marked cycle paths and quiet side roads through Greifswald, past cormorant colonies at Brandshagen, and across the Strelasund to reach Usedom's northern shore.

On Usedom, the route threads dike forests and lakes rich in birdlife before reaching the island's 40 km beach and the three grand imperial spa resorts of Bansin, Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck, connected by a coastal promenade. The return leg passes through quiet back-country before a train transfer from Anklam back to Stralsund.

Terrain is mostly flat with occasional gentle hills on Usedom, and accommodation is a mix of mid-range to comfort-class hotels and guesthouses throughout.

Highlights:

• Explore Stralsund's UNESCO-listed old town, including the Nikolaikirche and St. Johannis monastery
• Cormorant colonies near Brandshagen and the university town of Greifswald
• Cycle Usedom's dike forests, lakes and biotopes, home to grey herons and otters
• Stroll the coastal promenade linking the three imperial spas of Bansin, Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck
• Visit the historic sea bridge at Heringsdorf and the Streckelberg, Usedom's highest point
• Scenic train transfer from Anklam back to Stralsund along the return leg

Surface and terrain:

Mostly dedicated cycle paths and quiet side roads, with occasional hiking trails and rare country lanes. One short cobblestone alley on Day 1 (avoidable). Mostly flat, with gentle hills on Usedom.

Weather:

Baltic coastal climate typically means mild summers and a chance of coastal wind; best cycling conditions are generally spring to early autumn.

Suitable for:

Riders of all abilities seeking an easy-to-moderate, self-guided coastal tour; well suited to nature lovers, small-town explorers and those wanting relaxed cultural stops. Optional routes each day.