Ueckermünde - attractions right on the Polish border at the Szczecin Lagoon

Ueckermünde is a charming, historic port town in north-eastern Germany, in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, right at the mouth of the Uecker River to the Szczecin Lagoon. Today, it impresses with its colourful buildings, peace and beautiful nature and holiday atmosphere, but its history dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, it played an important role as a trade and craft centre, being influenced by the Pomeranian dukes of the Griffin dynasty. Check out our guide to Ueckermund and discover the city's strengths!

Ueckermünde - name, location, access and parking

Ueckermünde is located in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, right at the mouth of the Uecker River to the Szczecin Lagoon. This is where the name of the place came from. The Uecker River is Wkra in Polish (although do not confuse it with our Narew tributary, it is a different river) and Ueckermünde translates as Wkryujście. The easiest way to get to Ueckermünde from Poland is by car. It is only about 50 km from Szczecin. You can also get there by bike, using well-marked routes around the Lagoon, or by public transport, e.g. by train. It's a great destination for a day trip or a quiet weekend. In the heart of the city, there is a free parking lot Ückermünde Parkplatz Freilichtbühne, at Am Ueckerdamm, near the fish shop Fischladen Ueckermünde FG "Haffküste".

Things to do in Ueckermünde What to see in Ueckermünde

Currently, Wkryujście attracts tourists with its atmospheric old town, port and seaside character, which can be felt here at every step. In addition, it offers a beach, proximity to nature and well-prepared cycling routes. Here are the top attractions of Ueckermünde!

Pommernkogge "Ucra" - Ucra ship - Maritime Museum

The Ucra ship is a curiosity and a showcase of the city. It usually moors by the river, although in summer it sails on tourist cruises several times a week. It is a replica of the Hanseatic koga from the 15th century. The name Ucra is the Latin equivalent of the Uecker River, in Polish Wkry. Although Ueckermünde did not belong to the Hanseatic League, drops of its wealth flowed into the city.
Address: Neues Bollwerk

Ueckermünde Schloss - Griffin Castle

The Griffin Castle in Ueckermünde is one of the few surviving residences of this dynasty. They ruled over the city and Pomerania from the 12th to the 17th century. Initially, it was a hunting castle, then an extensive mansion with 4 wings. The historical turmoil left only the tower and one wing, currently under renovation, but we visited its tower from the Haffmuseum. Anna Jagiellonka, the daughter of the Polish king, once lived here. She married Bogusław X of the Griffin family. It was a happy marriage, but at the age of 27 and already eight children, she came to this castle painted white and soon died. It was said that it was the bleaching vapors that poisoned her, although pneumonia or tuberculosis are now more often considered the cause of death.
Address: Am Rathaus 3

Marienkirche - St. Mary's Church

Behind the castle there is a gothic St. Mary's church with a high tower. Interestingly, the call of the Virgin Mary has survived, although the temple is currently guarded by Evangelicals, of whom there are more in these areas. The interior, although Protestant, is beautiful and rich. Due to the good organ and good acoustics, concerts are held here, also of secular bands.
Address: Schulstraße 10

Marktplatz Seebad Ueckermünde - Market Square

The Market Square is a pleasant square with colorful tenement houses. Hotel Am Markt und Ueckermünder Brauhaus Stadtkrug with good local cuisine is located in the most spectacular building with a Prussian wall. I recommend zander, but the ribs in the beer also tasted good, after all, they have their brewery here. The square outlines the foundations of the former town hall, which has not survived to this day.
Address: Gartenstraße 35

Fischerfigur - figure of a fisherman on the market

There is also a monument to a fisherman on the plaque of the market, which reminds us that it is a fishing village. There are more similar figures in the city – bronze sculptures scattered around the streets depict residents, animals and scenes from everyday life, creating an interesting, somewhat fairy-tale atmosphere of walks.
Address: Markt 3/4

Half-timbered housing

Walking through the side streets, you will come across atmospheric houses made of the Prussian wall. One of the most characteristic is located at Wallstraße 18. It is a small, charming building with a visible wooden structure, which is an example of the former architecture of the region. Its white and green colour strongly attracts attention.

Kulturspeicher Ueckermünde - Art Gallery

Kulturspeicher is a unique cultural center where you will not only see beautiful handicrafts and art, but also take part in interesting workshops. There is a great atmosphere for independent creation, and cultural events are also held in the summer. In June 2026, the Gallery building unfortunately burned down, but the facade survived.
Address: Bergstraße 2

Akkordeon Spieler Statue Fiete - monument to the accordionist

The figure of Fiete playing the accordion stood in the port in 2010. This life-size bronze accordion monument is a popular place for tourists to take photographs. Fiete is Walter "Fidel" Schultz (1928–2005), who was a well-known and liked local original and folk artist. He was known for wandering from one restaurant to another, playing the accordion. He sang shanties, maritime songs and traditional Pomeranian folk songs. The figure at the old breakwater was made by the artist Christian Paschold. 
Address: Altes Bollwerk 9

Historische Holzklappbrücke - wooden drawbridge

The wooden bridge Holzklappbrücke is a building from 2004. It is a reconstruction built in the style of the old 19th-century drawbridge Ückerbrücke. The bridge stands on steel pillars. At 12.00 the middle part of the bridge is opened by means of a chain mechanism for sports boats. Across the bridge, among fairy-tale figures carved in tree trunks, there is a bicycle path to the beach over the Szczecin Lagoon. This bridge is a unique technical curiosity and tourist attraction. Well-reproduced works of ancient technical thought.
Address: Zum Strand

Strandweg - Avenue of Sculptures - a duct with fairy-tale figures

The Alley of Sculptures leads from under a wooden bridge to the beach - a forest path that is part of a bicycle route. Wooden figures from popular fairy tales were placed on it. You will see Olaf from "Frozen", Nemo from "Where's Nemo" or Toothless from "How to Train Your Dragon". This is a pleasant tour that children will also enjoy.
Address: Zum Strand

Haffbad Ueckermünde- city beach

The Ueckermünde beach on the Szczecin Lagoon resembles the Baltic beaches. It is wide, sandy, with fine and bright sand. You will feel like in Polish resorts. You will find a pier, a promenade, a volleyball court, a playground and calm, shallow water, perfect for summer rest. It is one of those places where you can feel the holiday atmosphere without the crowds known from the Baltic Sea.
Address: Am Strand 2

Other things to do in and around

• Fischkutter UEK-12 Bergen - fishing boat at Neues Bollwerk
• Zoo Ueckermünde, Chausseestraße 76 – a small but very well-groomed zoo, located among greenery. Great if you're traveling with kids or just want to slow down for a while
• Touristik-Information Ueckermünde - Tourist Information at Altes Bollwerk 9
• Skaterpark, Ueckerstraße
• Altwarp with dune and Nature Park
• Bugewitz Observation Tower
• Anklam with gothic gems

A little further on, I recommend the island of Rügen, with the white cliffs of Jasmund, the charming resort of Binz and the white town of Putbus with a marina.

Accommodation in Ueckermünde

We stayed at the nearby HaffHus Hotel & Spa, where we spent 3 beautiful nights. Our balcony was like a bird 's-eye view tower, and we were even closer to nature from the pier on the hotel beach. We had an ornithological adventure here. The heron flew for longer moments, seagulls and, I think, kites flew overhead, and the swallows of smokefly reigned. This small bird can glide at a speed of up to 90 km/h and can drink water on the fly, touching the surface of the lake with its spout. Hundreds of them flew to the reed pit for the night. We did not think that there would be so much nature in such an elegant accommodation, where we were invited to the Spa, but also delicious dinners. We met here an unprecedented relaxation, because we usually avoid "doing nothing", but in such a place we slowed down and rested in the bosom of nature.

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History of the city

The history of the city dates back to the Middle Ages. The first mentions come from the 13th century. For centuries, Ueckermünde developed as a trade and craft centre, taking advantage of its proximity to waterways. Although it did not belong directly to the Hanseatic League, it remained under its strong influence. For centuries, the city was under the influence of the Pomeranian princes of the Griffin dynasty, and later came under Swedish and Prussian rule. In the times of the GDR, the area was famous for iron smelting.

By bike over the Szczecin Lagoon

And did you know that around the Szczecin Lagoon, considered part of the Baltic Sea, there are about 300 km of cycling routes? It is mainly flat asphalt led near the shoreline through the forests, so riding is a pleasure. We decided to experience it by getting on electricians. We rented them at the HaffHus hotel and thus reached Ueckermunde and Altwarp. It was an extremely enjoyable ride. This region lies on the border of Poland and Germany, so it's a perfect idea for a trip just beyond the Polish border.

 Our video about Western Pomerania

 We invite you to watch our film, in which we talk about Rügen and the Szczecin Lagoon. Of course, the city also appears.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

You don't have to travel far to find more interesting places. Within a radius of 100 kilometers, there are many attractions waiting for you that will certainly enrich your stay Your trip with additional memories.

• Miedzyzdroje, distance: 34.3  km
• Wolin National Park, distance: 37.6  km
• Open-air museum of Slavs and Vikings in Wolin, distance: 39.4  km
• Szczecin, distance: 48.4  km
• Binz in Germany, distance: 79.1  km
• Cliffs of Jasmund in Rügen, distance: 96.3  km