Vorpommern boasts unique national parks and unspoiled natural diversity. Heath and moorland landscapes await you in the Nature Park of the Szczecin Lagoon and invite you to a relaxing bike tour across the region. Deep forests, wide reed belts and idyllic beaches on the shores of the Szczecin Lagoon make the region home to many animal and plant species.

Experienced nature park guides will bring out the beauty of the Pomeranian mainland on various hikes across the region. Vorpommern’s unique river landscape, which was awarded with the EDEN Award in 2010, promises breathtaking natural experiences. Meet beavers, otters and rare plant species on a canoe trip down the Peene – the "Amazon of the North". The Nature Park River Landscape Peenetal is also a European bird sanctuary and home to several eagle and tern species – including the white-tailed eagle. Experience Vorpommern’s nature with all of your senses and let yourself be enchanted by the tranquility and wilderness of the Baltic region.

1. Sensitive areas

Avoid entering reed stocks, reed, bank shrubs and all other dense and cluttered bank areas. In addition, avoid shallow water zones, overgrown banks and pebble, sand and mud banks (resting and stay course of birds). Avoid shallow waters (spawning areas), especially those with aquatic plants.

2. Keep distance

Keep a sufficient minimum distance to animals and their possible hatcheries or buildings, especially in the main breeding season from April to June. In addition, keep a sufficient minimum distance to shore areas, and other Bank extensions, high-altitude meadows and trees protruding into the water.

3. Nature reserves

Water sports in nature reserves are subject to specific regulations that must be complied with. Please inform yourself about the current driving rules before the start of the journey. Refrain from wild camping and the construction of fire pits outside official and designated baiting-place and accommodation.

4. Wetlands

Take special care when practicing water sports in "Wetlands of International Importance". These areas serve as habitats of rare animal and plant species and are therefore particularly worthy of protection.

5. Start, land and transfer

Avoid "land starts" and unnecessary boarding and paddling to protect natural river banks. Make entry and exit on the water only. When landing and transferring, use only the intended and identified berths or transfer points.

6. Navigating waters

In order to avoid disruption and damage to the water-bound flora and fauna, drive in the direction of flow primarily in the area of ​​the deepest waterway. Rides during twilight and at night (about 1 h before sunset until 1 h after sunset) are permitted in compliance with the statutory lighting. Driving on extreme water levels should be avoided.

7. Habitats

Also, do not approach reed belts and other dense riparian vegetation by land so as not to invade and endanger the habitat of birds, fish, small animals and plants.

8. Observation

Observe and photograph animals only from a distance.

9. Clean water

Help keep the waters and riparian areas clean. Waste does not belong into the water, and especially not the contents of the chemical toilet. This waste, just like waste oils, must be delivered to existing collection points in the ports. When in ports only use sanitary facilities on land. Use collection containers at official landing points for waste disposal. When you are resting, do not let your boat's engine run unnecessarily in order to not pollute the environment with noise and fumes.

10. Information

Make these rules your own and inform yourself about the regulations and recommendations that apply to your area of ​​travel before your trips. Make sure that this knowledge and your own exemplary behavior towards the environment are also passed on to fellow travelers and other water sports enthusiasts.