Cycling around Usedom - Baltic Coast Cycle Route for families

This is where your journey begins. From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, you'll travel by Regionalexpress with bicycle transport towards Usedom.

The seaside resort of Zinnowitz lies on the narrow middle stretch of Usedom between the Baltic Sea and the Achterwasser, with a long, flat sandy beach. On arrival day, a first stroll along the beach and an ice cream on the promenade is plenty. The spa architecture with its white villas makes a lovely photo subject.

Family-friendly hotel near the beach and promenade with a lockable bicycle room. A good starting point for the first stages along the coast.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A small lake right behind the coastal forest near Loddin, a quiet resting spot along the cycle route. The narrow strip of land between the lake and the Baltic Sea invites a short break. There's shallow water and a playground nearby for children.

Ückeritz is the quietest of Usedom's seaside resorts, surrounded by forest and with one of the island's widest, most natural beaches. Ideal for swimming away from the bustle of the imperial spa towns. The gently sloping entry into the water is perfect for children.

Cosy guesthouse near the beach with bicycle storage and a homely breakfast. A quiet, green setting with a short walk to the sea.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A mile-long, wide natural beach with dunes and gently sloping water. Ideal for sandcastles, shell-hunting and hours of splashing about. Little development, but plenty of peace and space.

The sheltered lagoon side of Usedom, with calm water and abundant birdlife. A short cycling detour is worthwhile to watch the reed beds and herons. A lovely contrast to the open Baltic Sea.

Bansin is the westernmost of the three imperial spa towns, with grand white villas and a long pier. The wide beach and lively promenade offer plenty of variety for children. From here, the continuous beach promenade runs all the way to Ahlbeck.

A historic pier reaching far out over the Baltic Sea. A walk along the planks with a view of the sea is part of the imperial spa town experience. For children, it's exciting to see the water beneath their feet.

Family-friendly holiday flat in a spa villa, just a few minutes from the beach, with secure bicycle storage. Its own kitchen makes it ideal for self-catering families.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Heringsdorf is the most glamorous of the imperial spa towns, with the longest pier in Germany and elegant villas. The wide waterfront promenade invites a leisurely stroll. There are ice cream parlours and a lovely stretch of beach for the children.

Ahlbeck lies at the far eastern end of the island, right on the Polish border, and is famous for its historic pier with its four little turrets. The flat, wide beach is ideal for swimming. A lively seaside resort with a family-friendly feel.

Centrally located hotel near the pier and beach with a bicycle room and family rooms. Short distances to the promenade and the water.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Just across the border lies the Polish town of Świnoujście, with one of the widest beaches on the Baltic Sea and the striking Stawa Młyny lighthouse. A cycling excursion without border controls takes you there along the promenade. It's exciting for children to stand on the same beach in a different country.

The tallest lighthouse on the Baltic Sea offers a sweeping view over the sea, the island and the harbour entrance after the climb. A worthwhile destination for a short detour. The many steps are a little adventure for the children.

One last swim on the flat beach at Ahlbeck before heading home. With the historic pier behind you and the calm water ahead, it's a lovely way to finish. The children can gather a few more shells to take home.

From Ahlbeck station, you'll travel by the Usedomer Bäderbahn and then the Regionalexpress back to Berlin - the end point of your relaxed cycling holiday.