Just 15 km from Wismar lies Poel, a serene Baltic island of white sandy beaches, reed-fringed lagoons, thatched fishing villages, and a protected nature reserve — a stunning escape into unspoilt northern German coastal life.
What to expect
Connected to the mainland by a short causeway, Poel rewards slow exploration. The main village of Kirchdorf has a 13th-century church and a charming harbour where traditional fishing cutters still land their catch. The island's western beach at Timmendorf Strand is wide, pristine and quietly beautiful, backed by dunes and pine forest. Hire a bicycle at Kirchdorf (approx. EUR 10–15/day) to circuit the island's flat lanes past farmhouses and windswept meadows reaching the Baltic shore.
Good to know
The island is reachable by ferry from Wismar's Old Harbor in season, or by taxi/private car across the causeway (roughly 25 minutes). Plan an early departure to maximise island time and be comfortably back for all-aboard. Check seasonal ferry schedules at insel-poel.de before your port day.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Wismar — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Wismar
- Wismar Private Walking Tour: UNESCO Hanseatic Masterclass
- Schwerin Palace & Gardens: The 'Neuschwanstein of the North'
- Wismar Old Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: Hanseatic City from the Water
- PhanTECHNIKUM: Immersive Industrial & Technology Museum
- Molli Narrow-Gauge Steam Train: Bad Doberan to Kühlungsborn