Kirchdorf on Poel: Harbor and History

Kirchdorf on the island of Poel brings together a harbor and a striking historic site. Cultural attractions and nature experiences on Poel can also play a role in choosing a destination. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider whether you are especially interested in the harbor, history, or activities on the island. The following points of reference can help you weigh these priorities.

Harbor and practical information

Kirchdorf harbor is one of the three larger harbors on the island of Poel. It offers numerous guest berths for motorboats and sailboats, as well as restaurants and cafés. Bikes can also be rented in Kirchdorf. The island tour is another option to consider when planning your day: after booking in advance, it starts at the harbor at 10:15 a.m. and travels via Kiekelberg, Neuhof, Seedorf, Wangern, Timmendorf, Timmendorfer Strand, Schwarzer Busch, Gollwitz, and Vorwerk before returning to the harbor. If you plan to take the tour, allow for the required reservation and confirm your preferred date in advance.

Church and history

The island church on Poel is a brick church built in the first half of the 13th century in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Its 47-meter-high tower is a landmark visible from far across the island. In addition to services, the church is used for visits, guided tours, and concerts. If you are planning a specific visit or concert, check the date and access arrangements in advance.

The castle rampart in Kirchdorf on Poel is part of a fortification built in 1614. The castle complex was shaped like a five-pointed star; a star-shaped spur resembling a hornwork can still be seen from the air. The castle rampart is used for events and markets, as well as an open-air stage. If a market or event will influence your stay, check the specific date.

Island museum and natural history

The Poel Island Museum has a permanent exhibition on the life and work of painter Karl Christian Klasen. Its extensive collection on natural history and local heritage focuses exclusively on the island of Poel and covers more than 250 square meters. Outside the museum are a boulder garden and a model of the former Poel fortification. Art, island nature, and the history of the former fortification are presented there as distinct themes.

The Poel Boulder Garden is devoted to the island’s rocks, which have been found exclusively along its coast or in its fields. The garden provides an insight into approximately two billion years of Earth’s history. For nature enthusiasts, this adds a geological perspective to the cultural and historical view—one that is also explicitly part of the island of Poel.

More options on the island of Poel

The Poel Causeway, with its bridge, crosses the strait known as the “Breitling” and provides access to the island of Poel. Almost all places on the island can be reached on foot or by bike via signposted country lanes. In addition to Kirchdorf, bikes can be rented in Gollwitz, Am Schwarzen Busch, Kaltenhof, and Timmendorf-Strand. As rental providers may change, check current availability before your trip.

The island of Poel offers further opportunities for observing nature: the bird sanctuary of Langenwerder is a habitat for wading and water birds, and migratory birds also use it as a resting place. Gollwitz beach is right next to the island. There, you can watch rare bird species from a beach chair.

Seasonal water activities also vary by location and time of year. During the bathing season, Timmendorf beach offers water sports such as water skiing, kitesurfing, and surfing. From May to October, a six-hour kayak tour around the island also takes place on Thursdays, along the coast of Poel and nearby islands. Equipment and an experienced skipper are provided for the group circumnavigation of Poel. If you plan this tour, check the date and the organizer’s current information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Dorf Mecklenburg-Bad Kleinen Municipality, Barendorf, Frauenmark, Groß Schwansee, Teschow, Gadebusch Municipality, Hundorf, Wedendorf.

Back to the main travel overview: Northwest Mecklenburg.