400 kilometers of pure coastal bliss - that's the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9! When you stand on the beach in the morning with the first sunlight, the sea shimmering in all shades of blue in front of you and a day full of adventure ahead of you, you know: This hiking route is different. It combines rugged cliffs with sandy beaches as fine as powdered sugar, sleepy fishing villages with vibrant Hanseatic cities. Whether you're a nature lover, culture explorer or simply a sea addict - the E9 along the Baltic Sea coast promises you moments that will get under your skin and that you won't find in any travel guide. Come on tour with us!
Table of contents
What is the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9 and where does it run?
Which stages of the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail are particularly recommended?
Which Hanseatic towns can I discover along the trail?
What can I expect in the popular Baltic seaside resorts and coastal towns?
How do I plan my hike on the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9?
What similar tours are available as an alternative to the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail?
Conclusion
What is the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9 and where does it run?
The E9 Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail is a real gem among the European long-distance hiking trails! As part of the larger E9 network, it meanders for around 400 kilometers along the German Baltic Sea coast from Travemünde to Ahlbeck on the island of Usedom.
The most important facts about the E9 Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail at a glance:
- Total length: approx. 400 kilometers
- Starting point: Travemünde (Schleswig-Holstein)
- End point: Ahlbeck on Usedom (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
- States crossed: Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Difficulty level: predominantly easy to medium, mostly flat terrain
- Marking: white wave on blue background
Just imagine: On one side, you are accompanied by the endless blue of the Baltic Sea, on the other, picturesque coastal villages alternate with untouched nature. The Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail connects two federal states - Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - and takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Germany.
Incidentally, the history of the E9 goes back to a time when hiking was not just a hobby, but for many people the only way to explore the natural beauty of the Baltic Sea. Today, the hiking trail is perfectly developed and marked so that you can concentrate fully on the impressions that the route has to offer.
What makes the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9 so special? The incredible variety! One day you are walking along the finest sandy beaches, the next over dramatic cliffs. Sometimes the trail leads through shady coastal forests, then again through lively seaside resorts. The Baltic Sea shows its best side - sometimes wild and turbulent, sometimes gentle and inviting for a swim. A hiking paradise for everyone who loves the sea and nature!
Which stages of the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail are particularly recommended?
The Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail can be flexibly divided into numerous stages, but some sections are absolute must-sees that you shouldn't miss!
| Stage | Highlights | Special features | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travemünde - Bay of Lübeck | Maritime flair, beach promenades, small fishing villages | Gentle start, well-maintained paths | approx. 25 km |
| Fischland-Darß-Zingst | Western Pomerania Lagoon National Park, endless sandy beaches, pine forests | Wildlife watching (cranes, Darß wild horses) | approx. 40 km |
| Kühlungsborn - Warnemünde | Impressive cliffs, fine sandy beaches | Perfect combination of hiking and swimming stops | approx. 20 km |
| Stralsund - Rügen - Ahlbeck | Chalk cliffs, Jasmund National Park, imperial spas on Usedom | Cultural and scenic diversity | approx. 80 km |
Right at the start, the route from Travemünde across the Bay of Lübeck awaits you - a gentle start with wonderful views of the Baltic Sea. Here, beach promenades meet small fishing villages and the fresh sea breeze will be your constant companion.
The stage through the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is an absolute highlight. This natural beauty offers you a unique combination of endless sandy beaches, mysterious pine forests and the special atmosphere of the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park. If you're lucky, you might even spot wild cranes or the famous Darß wild horses!
Not to be forgotten is the stretch of coast near Kühlungsborn and Warnemünde. Here, impressive cliffs alternate with stretches of fine sandy beach. The cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, while the wide beaches invite you to linger. A perfect mix of hiking adventure and relaxation!
To round things off, I recommend the stage from Stralsund via Rügen to Ahlbeck. Here you can experience the dramatic beauty of the chalk cliffs on Rügen, hike through the picturesque Jasmund National Park and finally enjoy the sophisticated flair of the imperial spas on Usedom. The sunrise on the beach in Ahlbeck is a particularly magical moment that perfectly rounds off your hike on the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail.
Which Hanseatic towns can I discover along the trail?
Cultural gems also await you on your tour along the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail: the magnificent Hanseatic cities, which offer an exciting contrast to your nature experiences.
The three Hanseatic city gems along the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail:
Wismar
The Hanseatic city of Wismar is a real gem on the hiking trail! With its UNESCO World Heritage status, it enchants visitors with its medieval charm and maritime history. Wismar's market square is one of the largest in northern Germany and the imposing brick Gothic churches will impress you. After hours of hiking along the Baltic coast, a stroll through the historic alleyways and a fish sandwich at the old harbor is just the thing!
- UNESCO World Heritage status since 2002
- Largest historic market square in northern Germany (10,000 m²)
- Impressive brick Gothic architecture (St. Nikolai, St. Georgen)
- Old harbor with traditional fish restaurants
- Historic water art fountain from 1602
Stralsund
Another highlight is Stralsund, where the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail virtually runs through the middle of the town. The Hanseatic city, known as the "gateway to the island of Rügen", impresses with its incomparable silhouette and striking church towers. Be sure to treat yourself to a detour to the famous Ozeaneum - here, after days of looking at the Baltic Sea, you can finally find out what's going on under the surface of the water!
- UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Wismar
- German Oceanographic Museum & Ozeaneum
- Imposing silhouette with three church towers
- Historic warehouses at the harbor
- Perfect starting point to the island of Rügen
Greifswald
Not to be forgotten is Greifswald, the charming university town with its maritime flair. The historic market square with its magnificent town hall is the perfect place to relax your tired walking legs. And if you're a fan of Caspar David Friedrich, the famous painter was born here and his paintings often depict the dramatic Baltic Sea coastline you're hiking along.
- Traditional university town (founded in 1456)
- Birthplace of the painter Caspar David Friedrich
- Well-preserved medieval town fortifications
- Romantic museum harbor with historic ships
- Lively student culture in a historic setting
A great tip: plan your stages so that you spend the night in the Hanseatic cities. This way, you can stroll through the illuminated old towns in the evening and continue your hike in the morning feeling refreshed. The combination of nature and culture is what makes the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail such a special experience!
What can I expect in the popular Baltic seaside resorts and coastal towns?
Charming Baltic seaside resorts and picturesque coastal towns invite you to linger between the hiking stages - perfect for recharging your batteries for the next day of hiking!
The highlights of the coastal towns along the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail:
| Ort | Known for | Perfect for | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kühlungsborn | Longest sandy beach in Germany, spa architecture | Wellness, bathing, culinary delights | Historic seaside resort architecture, Molli train |
| Warnemünde | Lighthouse, "Teepott", Alter Strom | Maritime flair, harbor tour | Cruise port, fish market, beach promenade |
| Ahrenshoop | Artists' colony, dune landscape | Culture, tranquillity, nature experience | Art museum, historic thatched-roof houses |
| Prerow | Prerow stream, Darß primeval forest | Families, nature lovers | Darß lighthouse, Baltic seaside resort charm |
With its magnificent spa architecture and the longest sandy beach in Germany, the Baltic seaside resort of Kühlungsborn is an ideal stopover. The snow-white villas from the imperial era line the beach promenade and convey a sense of the elegance of days gone by. After a long day of hiking on the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail, there is nothing better than stopping off at one of the cozy cafés or letting your feet dangle in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea.
In Warnemünde, you can immerse yourself in real maritime flair! The famous lighthouse, the architectural icon known as the "Teepott" and the charming old river with its fishing boats and restaurants create an unmistakable atmosphere. You can still feel the spirit of the old fishing village here, even though Warnemünde is now a popular tourist destination. A fish sandwich at the harbor is an absolute must!
Ahrenshoop and Prerow on the Darß peninsula offer a very special experience. Ahrenshoop has made a name for itself as an artists' colony - the special light atmosphere between the Bodden and the Baltic Sea has been attracting creative people for over 100 years. The thatched houses and small galleries give the town its unmistakable charm. The seaside resort of Prerow impresses with its fine sandy beach and the oldest lighthouse on the Mecklenburg coast.
In addition to these well-known places, there are also hidden gems waiting for you: small fishing villages where time seems to have stood still and quiet bays where you can be all to yourself after a strenuous day of hiking. These authentic places away from mass tourism often offer you the most beautiful experiences along the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail.
How do I plan my hike on the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9?
Good planning is the key to the perfect hiking adventure along the Baltic Sea coast. Here are my best tips for your tour on the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9!
The best time to travel? Definitely from May to September, when the Baltic Sea is mild enough for swimming and the coastal towns are full of life. Early summer offers you coastal landscapes in bloom, while fall scores with its special light mood and fewer tourists.
The ideal time to travel the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9:
- May-June: coastal landscapes in bloom, moderate temperatures, fewer tourists
- July-August: Perfect bathing temperatures, full infrastructure, ideal conditions for camping
- September-October: Special light mood, quieter beaches, pleasant hiking temperatures
- November-April: For lovers of wild coastal landscapes, limited infrastructure
For your packing list, I recommend light, breathable clothing, good hiking boots and - most importantly - rain protection, as the weather can change quickly at the Baltic Sea. Incidentally, how you pack your rucksack can be decisive for your hiking comfort!
When planning the stages: be realistic! The E9 Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail is mostly flat, but 15-20 kilometers per day is a good measure for most hikers. Also plan enough buffer to spontaneously stay longer in a beautiful place or take a break in bad weather. Good to know: Most places along the trail can be reached by public transport, so you can hop on and off flexibly.
Speaking of fitness: the E9 is easily doable for most hikers, but a little training for hiking never hurts - especially if you are planning longer stages.
Checklist for your Baltic Sea coastal hike:
- ✅ Detailed maps (despite good signposting)
- ✅ Lightweight, weatherproof clothing (layering principle)
- ✅ High-quality hiking boots (broken in!)
- ✅ Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sun cream)
- ✅ Sufficient water and snacks
- ✅ First aid kit with blister plasters
- ✅ Power bank for electronic devices
- ✅ Pre-booked accommodation (especially in high season)
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation: from simple campsites right by the sea to cozy guesthouses and comfortable hotels in the larger towns. In the high season (July/August), however, you should definitely book in advance, as the Baltic Sea coast is very popular. An insider tip: many private individuals in the coastal towns offer "free rooms" - often cheaper and more personal than hotels.
Also note seasonal peculiarities: In summer, popular stretches of beach can get crowded, while in the off-season some restaurants and cafés may be closed. And another practical tip: there are sections with little infrastructure, so always pack enough water and snacks. Incidentally, the signposting for hiking trails on the E9 is usually very good, but a detailed map is still worth its weight in gold!
What similar tours are available as an alternative to the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail?
Do you fancy the Baltic Sea coast, but don't have enough time for the entire E9? Or are you looking for a change? No problem - there are great alternatives for every taste!
For shorter excursions, there are regional sections that cross or complement the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail. The "Hochuferweg" on Rügen, for example, takes you around 15 kilometers through the Jasmund National Park past the famous chalk cliffs - a perfect experience for a weekend at the Baltic Sea.
There are several circular hiking trails around the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula that will give you a wonderful impression of the coastal landscape in just a few hours. The "Darßer Urwald" is particularly recommended - here you hike through a mystical coastal forest that has been shaped by wind and weather.
I particularly recommend the route between Kühlungsborn and Warnemünde to families with children. The path is well developed, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments and you can take the bus back at any time if necessary. The varied landscape with cliffs, beaches and small bays also offers the little ones plenty of variety when hiking along the Baltic Sea coast.
For ambitious hikers who want to look beyond the E9: The long-distance hiking trail continues internationally! In Poland, for example, you can hike further along the Baltic Sea coast from Ahlbeck - an exciting opportunity to explore different coastal cultures.
Top alternatives to the E9 Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail:
| Tour | Region | Distance | Special features | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High shore trail | Rügen | approx. 15 km | Chalk cliffs, Jasmund National Park | Day hikers, photography fans |
| Darß primeval forest | Fischland-Darß-Zingst | approx. 8 km | Mystical coastal forest, wildlife watching | Families, nature lovers |
| Kühlungsborn-Warnemünde | Mecklenburg | approx. 20 km | Cliffs, beaches, good infrastructure | Beginners, families |
| Amber Coast | Poland (from Ahlbeck) | variable | International extension, amber finds | Experienced hikers |
No matter which tour you choose - the combination of fresh sea air, varied landscape and maritime flair makes hiking along the Baltic Sea an unforgettable experience.
Summary
The most important facts about the Baltic Sea Coastal Hiking Trail E9 at a glance:
- The Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9 stretches for around 400 kilometers from Travemünde to Ahlbeck and offers you a variety of landscape experiences between the sea and the coast.
- On your route, you will discover charming Baltic seaside resorts such as Kühlungsborn and Warnemünde as well as the historic Hanseatic towns of Wismar, Stralsund and Greifswald.
- Natural highlights such as the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, the chalk coast on Rügen and the fine beaches of the island of Usedom make the hiking trail a special experience.
- Your hike can be flexibly divided into different stages and is suitable for different requirements and fitness levels thanks to the good infrastructure.
- For your planning, we recommend a detailed map as well as information on accommodation and refreshment stops along the way.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your hiking boots and experience an unforgettable adventure on the Baltic Sea coastal hiking trail E9 - the perfect mix of nature experience, cultural highlights and maritime flair awaits you!
