Natural oasis and
bathing paradise
Priwall and Pötenitzer Wiek
Idyllic peninsula with dunes and a natural beach
Priwall is a peninsula in the Trave estuary measuring around three kilometres in length. It enchants you with its unique natural world, idyllic hiking trails and a beautiful bathing beach with its dune landscape. It is a very special place of untouched natural beauty and pristine nature embedded between the Trave estuary, the Baltic Sea and Pötenitzer Wiek. Rare species of birds rest and breed in the bird sanctuary, and sand ryegrass and sea buckthorn grow between the dunes and the wood.
Tip: The sun rises in the east - Experience the beautiful early morning sunrise above the horizon on the beach!
What can I experience on Priwall?
In the north of Priwall, you will find a pristine natural beach on the Baltic Sea with gentle dunes and adjoining woodland. A dog beach right by the Südermole jetty at the start of the wonderful bathing beach invites dogs to enjoy canine bathing pleasure. The Baltic Sea coastal cycle trail takes you eastwards along the water at all times while numerous access points to the beach invite cyclists to take a summer dip in the sea along the way. There is an official nudist beach for fans of naturism on the state border with Mecklenburg Western Pomerania.
The nature conservation area of “Südlicher Priwall” with the adjoining shallow water zones of Pötenitzer Wiek, a lagoon-shaped extension in Traveförde, constitutes a genuine paradise for many rare species of plants and animals. Explore the nature conservation area on the “Südlicher Priwall” circular hiking trail, and experience the most beautiful side of Priwall!
Look at nature and you will understand everything.Albert Einstein
Nature workshop Priwall
Visit the nature workshop on Priwall and find out about nature conservation on the ground. The aim of the initiative is to restore Priwall which is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries on Germany’s Baltic coast, to its status as a refuge for shorebirds. To achieve this, guided nature adventure tours will be offered in the nature conservation area and in Priwall’s dunes as well as boat excursions to the tern island in Pötenitzer Wiek. Ecopedagogical offers for school classes round off the programme.
On the history of Priwall
For many centuries, the Priwall peninsula was used primarily as grazing land for livestock. It was not until the 19th century that a bathing facility for local residents was established here, alongside the fashionable seaside resort on the opposite bank of the River Trave. At various times, the Priwall was also home to aircraft and shipbuilding industries. Until 1990, the inner-German border ran along the Priwall’s narrow land connection, meaning that the peninsula, which belonged to the Federal Republic of Germany, could not be reached by land from the east for many years. As a result, the Priwall entered something of a Sleeping Beauty phase and became a popular holiday destination for Lübeck residents looking for a break. Following the opening of the border, the Priwall increasingly developed into a popular holiday destination between dunes, beach and sea.
Discover the Priwall during a guided walk!
The Priwall 360° guided tour combines an experience of nature, exciting stories and impressive views over the Trave and the Bay of Lübeck. On a varied walk, you will learn more about the special landscape, its historical significance and the diverse flora and fauna of the peninsula.