Groß-Stresow: Bodden Trails and Prussian History

Groß-Stresow is located on Stresow Bay, part of the Rügischer Bodden. When choosing a destination, you’ll find a coastal landscape, hiking and cycling trails, and sites commemorating Prussian history all in one place. The routes vary in length and course: one follows the bay, while another connects Putbus with Groß-Stresow and combines a ride on a narrow-gauge railway with a walk. This makes it easy to view the area in terms of its landscape, outdoor activities, or history.

The Bay, Views, and Nature

From an elevated spot, you can look out over Stresow 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. The view across the bay and the distant views from the coastal route are from different locations.

Nearby, the “Quellsumpf Ziegensteine bei Groß Stresow” nature reserve is part of the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve. There is a small rest area at Ziegensteine. The reserve and rest area thus add a distinct connection with nature and a convenient place to stop to the coastal landscape.

Compare Hiking and Cycling Trails

The 13-kilometer, easy “Mönchgut – Großsteingräber und Bodden” hiking route passes through Groß-Stresow with little elevation gain. It follows Stresow Bay, where there are many opportunities to swim. When planning this route, take into account both its length and gentle incline, as well as the coastal section. Trail conditions and markings can change, so check them before setting out.

Another option is the approximately 8.5-kilometer hiking route from Putbus to Groß-Stresow. It combines a ride on the historic “Rasender Roland” narrow-gauge railway with a walk from the “Seelvitz” stop toward Groß-Stresow. The stated distance therefore refers to a combination of a train ride and a walk, not a walking route alone. By comparison, the 13-kilometer route is described as an easy hike with little elevation gain.

There is also a cycling route through the village: the “Auf Fürst Maltes Spuren” cycling trail passes through Groß-Stresow. There is a place to stop for refreshments along this section. If you choose this route, check the conditions before your trip.

Prussian Columns and the Verräterhaus

The column in Groß-Stresow bore a statue of Frederick William I made of Saxon sandstone, measuring over three meters. The column was erected on a raised area paved with natural stone. The Stresow Prussian Column is 15 meters high. It was dismantled in 1991 due to the risk of collapse; in 2014, the last of the two Prussian columns was re-erected.

The Verräterhaus recalls the battle between Prussia, Denmark, and Sweden near Groß-Stresow 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 with the history of the Prussian columns, the Verräterhaus brings the village’s historical themes to life without requiring you to follow a particular route.

Putbus as a Cultural Destination in Its Own Right

Putbus itself also offers a cultural and historical focus. In 1810, Prince Wilhelm Malte zu Putbus planned Putbus as a purpose-built residential town centered around the castle. In Putbus, a classical ensemble of whitewashed residential and commercial buildings frames the Circus. The Orangery in Putbus hosts changing exhibitions by the Rügen Cultural Foundation; the exhibition program may vary. These Putbus attractions add a distinct focus to Groß-Stresow’s local history within the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Güstelitz, Pastitz, Lauterbach, Vilmnitz, Neuendorf, Lonvitz, Kasnevitz.

Back to the main travel overview: Putbus.