Gollwitz: Beach, Birdlife and Lighthouse

The Baltic Sea beach, birdlife and lighthouse shape the character of Gollwitz. If you are looking for a hotel in Gollwitz, you can first consider whether you want your stay to focus on the beach and nature watching or on other attractions on Poel Island.

Beach and Birdlife in Gollwitz

Gollwitz’s Baltic Sea beach is shallow; the first sandbank lies about 100 metres offshore. The beach has a pirate-ship-themed adventure playground, a volleyball net, a kiosk and sanitary facilities. Facilities may vary by season, so check whether the kiosk and sanitary facilities are available during your travel dates.

The beach is close to the offshore bird sanctuary island of Langenwerder and offers opportunities to observe rare bird species from a beach chair. From Gollwitz, you can look out towards the protected island. Waders and waterbirds use Langenwerder as a habitat, while migratory birds also use it as a stopover. Guided visits to the island with knowledgeable guides are available; access to the protected area and tours are seasonal. Check whether a guided visit is possible before your trip.

Lighthouse and Maritime History

Gollwitz Lighthouse stands just a few metres from the beach. Since 1929, it has helped improve navigation in Wismar Bay. The beach and lighthouse give the village two distinct points of interest: both the coastal landscape and maritime navigation take centre stage. This makes Gollwitz especially appealing if you would like to combine a beach stay with a historical connection to maritime traffic.

More to See on Poel Island

On Poel Island, the island church is a prominent landmark. The brick church was built in the first half of the 13th century in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Its 47-metre-high tower is a landmark visible across much of the island. In addition to church services, guided tours and visits are offered, and numerous concerts are held. If you are planning a visit or a concert, check the specific dates and visiting arrangements.

The Poel Erratic Boulder Garden displays rocks found exclusively along the coasts or in the fields of Poel Island, offering insights into around two billion years of Earth’s history. The Kaltenhof Maritime Collection offers a different perspective on seafaring: on display are historic ship’s lanterns dating from 1906 to the present, as well as old nautical instruments used for ship navigation. Access arrangements for the collection may change, so check before visiting.

Choosing a Beach and Things to Do

If you are weighing up different beach options, consider comparing Gollwitz with Timmendorf on Poel Island. Gollwitz beach is known for its shallow water and the sandbank about 100 metres offshore. During the bathing season, Timmendorf beach offers a variety of water sports, including water skiing, kitesurfing and surfing. The seasonal timing is important for planning; specific conditions and offerings may vary.

You can also explore Poel Island on foot or by bicycle: almost all the villages are accessible via signposted country lanes. You can rent bicycles in Gollwitz, Kirchdorf, Am Schwarzen Busch, Kaltenhof and Timmendorf-Strand. As rental availability may change, check current providers in advance. The Poel Causeway, with its bridge across the strait known as the “Breitling,” provides access to Poel Island.

For a longer excursion on the water, a six-hour kayak island-paddling trip takes place off the coast of Poel Island and neighbouring islands on Thursdays from May to October. Equipment and an experienced skipper are provided for the group circumnavigation of Poel. Check the date and provider details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wangern, Timmendorf.

Return to the main travel overview: Poel Island.