Vilm Island

Vilm Island - a quiet natural paradise near Rügen

The island of Vilm, a small sister island of Rügen on the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is one of the most remarkable nature reserves in the region. Formed from glacial moraines around 6,000 years ago, it covers around 94 hectares and is characterized by centuries-old oaks and mighty beeches. The entire island has been a nature reserve since 1936 - unauthorized access is strictly prohibited.

Caspar David Friedrich and Philipp Otto Runge walked across Vilm together and described the special beauty of the island to Goethe in letters. Over the past 200 years, more than 350 painters have visited this place - impressive proof of the enduring fascination that Vilm exerts on artists and nature lovers. Once a holy place for the Slavs, later a Christian pilgrimage site and a princely summer residence in the 19th century, the island has a deep historical significance.

Guided excursions to the island of Vilm from Lauterbach

Visits are only possible as part of guided excursions, which take place from the end of March to the end of October. The crossing takes place with the motorboat "Julchen" from the port of Lauterbach and lasts around 15 minutes. The tour itself covers around 3 kilometers through partly rough terrain and takes around 2.5 hours. The number of participants is limited, so pre-registration is essential. The participation fee is paid in cash on the day of the tour on the ship.

The starting point for the crossing to Vilm Island is the port of Lauterbach, a district of Putbus on the island of Rügen. Lauterbach can be reached by car via the B96 on Rügen. The nearest train station is in Putbus, which can be reached by the Rügen Bäderbahn - affectionately known as the "Rasender Roland". From Stralsund, the train runs directly to Putbus via Rügen.