Overlooking the Baltic Sea, Heringsdorf is a seaside resort town on the island of Usedom, just a stone’s throw from Germany’s border with Poland. It was a popular spa destination for the German emperor Wilhelm II in the early 20th century and exhibits several period villas and mansions in the distinct Bäderarchitektur style. Heringsdorf attracts visitors thanks to its breezy promenade, long pier and natural history museums.

Things to do

Admire the Neoclassical architecture of Villa Irmgard, a former spa building that’s been transformed into a museum celebrating one of its most prominent guests, Maxim Gorki. The Russian writer sought recovery from tuberculosis here in the 1920s, with several of the rooms furnished in the style of the period. Changing art exhibitions and concerts regularly take place at the villa.

For a taste of Heringsdorf’s historic spa culture, you can enjoy a soak at the OstseeTherme Usedom, which encompasses several swimming pools, saunas and an observation tower with sweeping views across the town. A sandy beach stretches along the length of Heringsdorf and is an ideal place to cool off in the summer months.

If you’re interested in the region’s natural history, don’t miss a visit to the Heringsdorf Shell Museum, which is located on the town’s 508-metre-long pier. This Heringsdorf Pier is also home to a cafe, several shops and a restaurant featuring 360-degree views across the Baltic Sea coastline.

Getting around

Heringsdorf Airport is a 20-minute drive from the centre of Heringsdorf and has seasonal flights to destinations across Germany. Berlin and Berlin Brandenburg Airport are around three hours’ drive from Heringsdorf. Regular trains connect Heringsdorf to towns and cities across Germany’s north while buses travel throughout Heringsdorf.