Things To Do
in Wolgast

Wolgast is a historic Hanseatic town on the Peene River estuary, just inland from the Baltic coast. Its brick Gothic architecture, winding lanes, and harbor atmosphere reveal a centuries-old trading heritage. The town serves as a gateway to Usedom and the Bodden coast, with easy day trips to beaches and nature.

Visitors enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with riverside views and compact streets perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Wolgast and check into your chosen accommodation. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around the charming town center, where you can admire the beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Don't forget to stop by the local bakery to sample traditional German pastries.

afternoon
:

Visit the Peenestrom River, where you can rent a bicycle and explore the picturesque bike paths along the waterfront. This area offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch. As you explore, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional German restaurant, sampling local dishes such as currywurst or schnitzel. After dinner, take a serene walk along the riverbank as the sun sets, creating a picturesque view of the town. End your evening with a drink at a cozy bar, mingling with locals.

day 2
Historic Landmarks
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the iconic Wolgast Castle, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. Guided tours are available to provide in-depth knowledge about the castle's significance and its stunning architecture. Explore the surrounding gardens for a peaceful morning experience.

afternoon
:

Head to the St. Peter's Church, a striking example of Gothic architecture, and climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the town. After your visit, savor lunch at a nearby café, indulging in freshly brewed coffee and delicious cakes. Spend some time exploring the local art galleries showcasing works from regional artists.

evening
:

Join a cultural event or concert at one of the local venues to experience Wolgast's vibrant arts scene. Enjoy the atmosphere, often filled with both locals and visitors who appreciate the arts. Afterward, find a quaint pub to relax and reflect on the experiences of the day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🍽️Lunch at mid-range restaurant$12-25
🏨Budget hotel or hostel per night$60-90
🚆Public transit day pass$4-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming Hanseatic town with waterfront character
  • Good base for exploring Usedom and the Bodden coast
  • Limited nightlife outside peak tourist season
  • Smaller town feel with fewer big-city amenities
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Vielen Dank" - Many thanks

Places to Visit in Wolgast

Visit one of these nice places.

St. Marienkirche and Old Town Gate

Iconic brick Gothic elements framed by narrow lanes—perfect for architectural photography.

Alter Hafen (Old Harbor)

Colorful boats and calm water with reflections at golden hour.

Schloss Wolgast on Schlossinsel

A castle silhouette across the river, with water and trees giving a scenic vantage point.

Peene River Promenade at Sunset

Wide river views, wind turbines, and boats—excellent for landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Wolgast

Wolgast lies at the Bodden coast where fresh fish is a focal point; expect hearty, simple dishes that celebrate seasonal produce and sea flavors.

Wolgast Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fischsuppe Bodden

A hearty fish soup featuring Bodden catch, potatoes, and dill.

Must-Try!

Matjesfilet mit Bratkartoffeln

Young herring served with fried potatoes, a regional spring and summer favorite.

Boddenfischplatte

Assorted smoked or grilled Bodden fish with rye bread and seasonal vegetables.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Wolgast Wochenmarkt

Weekly market in the Old Town square offering regional produce, bread, cheeses, and snacks.

Fischbrötchen am Hafen

Freshly prepared Fischbrötchen sold at harbor stalls; try Bodden fish varieties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Wolgast experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Expect sea breezes, moderate rainfall year-round, and relatively high humidity due to proximity to the Baltic. Average summer highs are in the 20s C (low 70s F), and winter temperatures often hover around freezing, occasionally dipping below.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and formality

Greet with ‘Guten Tag’ or a simple ‘Hallo.’ Use Sie for strangers and du only with friends or when invited to do so. Punctuality is appreciated in appointments and meals.

Quiet hours

Be mindful of quiet hours at night in residential areas and after 10 pm in many neighborhoods.

Public transport and queues

Queue patiently and offer seats to elders or pregnant travelers; keep voices considerate in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft in crowded areas and protect valuables when near the harbor. Use well-lit routes at night and follow local guidance during severe weather or floods.

Tipping in Wolgast

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% as a tip is common in restaurants and bars if you’re satisfied with service.

Payment Methods

Cash (EUR) is widely accepted, but debit/credit cards and contactless payments are increasingly common in restaurants and shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Longer daylight, blooming trees, and comfortable temperatures; occasional showers—pack a light rain jacket.

Summer

Warm days with sea breezes and vibrant pier activity; peak crowds around Usedom often spill into Wolgast’s waterfront.

Autumn

Cooler but scenic; migrating birds around the Bodden and harvest markets add color and texture.

Winter

Cold and windy with a chance of snow; indoor cafés and pubs welcome visitors, and nearby towns host Christmas markets.

Nightlife Guide

Wolgast at Night

Wolgast offers a cozy, small-town nightlife with riverside pubs, intimate beer halls, and occasional live music in local venues. The atmosphere is relaxed, with most late-night options focused in the harbor area and Old Town during the warmer months. For a livelier scene, a short trip to Usedom or nearby Greifswald provides additional bars and clubs.

Hiking in Wolgast

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Peene River Riverside Trail

Flat, scenic trail along the Peene suitable for walking and biking.

Usedom Coastal and Forest Trails

Longer routes that connect dunes, woodlands, and seaside viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Wolgast by plane.

Heringsdorf Airport (BBI)

Closest Baltic coast airport on Usedom, with seasonal flights and some year-round connections.

Rostock–Laage Airport (ROA)

A major regional airport with regular domestic flights and some international links.

Getting Around

Walkability

Wolgast’s compact center is highly walkable, with most sights, eateries, and the harbor within easy reach on foot. Bicycle lanes and rentals make day trips to nearby villages and Usedom comfortable. The town is best explored on foot with occasional longer rides for bigger sights.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of long-time locals, families, and retirees, with a seasonal influx of visitors.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing

A natural fit for Wolgast’s harbor and nearby Bodden waters.

Cycling

Extensive bike routes along the river, coast, and into Usedom.

Transportation

Traffic

The town center is easy to navigate by foot and bike. Car traffic is moderate, with seasonal increases when ferry services to Usedom run. Buses connect Wolgast with Greifswald and other towns; parking is available near the harbor and market square.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Wolgast.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer salads, vegetable-forward dishes, and potato-based meals. Look for vegetable plates, soups, pasta, or ask for meat-free options and simple sides.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Wolgast via GP clinics and a local pharmacy network; for hospital-level care residents travel to Greifswald or Stralsund depending on need. Pharmacists (Apotheken) can advise on medications and minor ailments. Health insurance is standard for residents and typically covers routine care.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide