Poel Island

Just off the Hanseatic town of Wismar lies Insel Poel – flat, sun-drenched and long known as the "granary of Mecklenburg". Gentle hills, yellow rapeseed fields and small chalk cliffs alternate with long sandy beaches, making Poel a popular destination for sailors looking for a relaxed day trip or a quiet stopover in the Bay of Wismar. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, and the surrounding waters are mostly shallow – anyone sailing here should keep a close eye on the chart and stick to the marked areas.

The most popular stop for visiting sailors is Hafen Timmendorf on the island's northwest side, just a short walk from the sandy beach. Thanks to its westerly location, it's a great spot to enjoy the sunset from the cockpit in the evening. Just offshore lies the small bird sanctuary island of Langenwerder, a nature reserve that may not be entered or circled by boat – bring binoculars anyway, as terns and cormorants nest here among other species.

Things are quieter in the island's central main town: Hafen Kirchdorf offers short walks to shops, restaurants and the historic town centre. The Segelclub Insel Poel also welcomes visiting sailors, while the Sportbootanlage Poeler Forellenhof offers a quieter, more natural spot away from the crowds. From the island, the Hanseatic town of Wismar, with its UNESCO World Heritage old town, is easy to reach – a worthwhile side trip for anyone wanting to combine brick Gothic architecture and harbour atmosphere with a bit of culture on their cruise. Whether it's a lively berth in Timmendorf or a quiet stopover in Kirchdorf: Insel Poel combines easygoing Baltic sailing with maritime island life.