Loddiner Höft

Before we set off, we should definitely not miss a short detour to the bridgehead of the Zinnowitz pier. The diving gondola, which descends 3.5 m below the water surface, is also located here. During the dive, we learn a lot about the Baltic Sea habitat and its inhabitants. Depending on the weather conditions and currents, a large glass window offers a view of the underwater world of the Baltic Sea. Alternatively, a 3D film is shown. After this impressive experience, we walk along Neue Strandstraße past villas of resort architecture, shops, restaurants, and cafés to the station. From there, we take the Usedomer Bäderbahn to Kölpinsee. From the station, we follow the bike and hiking trail westward along the main road B111 to the small industrial area of the village.
We turn left to the hardware store and follow the street sign to the southern Loddin. On the sidewalk next to the street 'Zum Herrenberg', we reach the sleepy farming and fishing village. We satisfy our hunger at the restaurant 'Bricklebrit' on the Achterwasser. The display boards along the village street document the village and region's history. A culinary alternative is the fish restaurant 'Waterblick' at the southern end of the village, which spoils the palate with regional specialties.
After our rest, we choose the right of the two dirt paths and reach Loddiner Höft via the peninsula. We hike a narrow path up the 8 m high hill rising above the Achterwasser. The wonderful view of the Gnitz peninsula and the mainland rewards the effort. Since the circular hiking trail around the Höft marked on old maps and information boards no longer exists, we take the same path back to Loddin. We reach the seaside resort Kölpinsee by following the sidewalk of the village street/Strandstraße northeast, leading us to the lake promenade. Shortly before the promenade, on the right, we can take a look at Kölpinsee, which stretches just behind the narrow coastal forest. The view from the jetty offers us an unobstructed view over the lake. On the right side of the path lies the promenade with snack options and a traditional fish smokehouse. On the left, a path with 70 steps leads up to a beech forest.
We choose the narrow forest path along the cliff coast, which repeatedly rewards us with unique views. Just before the Baltic seaside resort Koserow, we reach the Streckelsberg. This is the highest elevation on the Usedom coast. The path leads between beeches to the 56 m high hill. Upon reaching the highest point, a fascinating view opens over the Baltic Sea, the white sandy beaches, and the offshore breakwater. We walk down the Streckelsberg to Koserow. Various gastronomic offers at the entrance to the village invite for a small snack. Between the coast and the beech forest, the path meanders to the 261 m long pier. Next to the pier stand the thatched salt huts, which are a characteristic example of historic maritime buildings.
Now we either switch to the roadside dike bike path or walk directly on the beach to Zempin. Just before the smallest seaside resort on Usedom, at the narrowest point of Usedom, lies Lüttenort with the Otto Niemeyer-Holstein Studio (Tel.: 03 83 75 / 2 02 13, www.atelier-otto-niemeyer-holstein.de). The artist's residence and studio can only be visited as part of a guided tour, which is highly recommended. In Zempin, the coastal forest is reached via Möwenweg and Oberförsterweg. We hike on a paved path past the nature campsite and then continue on a natural path back to the pier of Zinnowitz.
This route is the second of the three Zinnowitz star routes. The other two day tours are detailed on the internet at www.auf-nach-mv.de/wandern.