Tourism on Usedom: boom or burden? NDR Info explains it!

Tourism on Usedom: boom or burden? NDR Info explains it!

Recently the Usedom region has been the focus of interest, and not without reason. On July 4, 2025, NDR Info dedicated a special broadcast day to the topic of tourism in the north. Live from the picturesque pier in Ahlbeck, the station offered half-hourly reports, live broadcasts and interviews about northern German tourism from 6 a.m. onwards.

Visitors had the chance to exchange ideas with the NDR information teams on site and ask direct questions. The reporting highlights the mood in tourism, which is affected by high rents on Usedom. There were also interesting insights into the development of booking numbers: almost a third of those surveyed vacation in the north at least once a year, and a remarkable 20 percent of all overnight stays in Germany occur in northern Germany.

Challenges in the tourism sector

But the joy of the increasing number of visitors is mixed with serious challenges. Hoteliers and restaurateurs on Usedom are struggling with an acute shortage of skilled workers, which is forcing them to adapt their offerings. The spa director of Ahlbeck, Thomas Heilmann, makes this clear by pointing out the discrepancy between the increasing number of beds and a stagnating population. Around 8,300 locals live in the imperial baths, while around 30,000 holidaymakers gather in the high season.

The downside of the tourism boom can be seen in overcrowded restaurants and traffic chaos when guests change. The historic seaside resorts in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are extremely popular, but the balance between the boom and the burden is becoming increasingly precarious. In the region in the Schlei Nature Park, many providers are increasingly relying on sustainable tourism concepts, but problems such as a lack of social housing and overpriced living space continue. There are plans to build more social housing on Usedom in order to meet the needs of the locals.

Wellness and health on Usedom

A highlight of Usedom tourism are the many wellness and health offers. Physiotherapeutic treatments and local remedies await guests in the spa center. The use of Heringsdorf iodine brine in various applications is particularly popular. From individual and room inhalations to brine baths and drinking cures – the options are diverse.

The health studio also offers various fitness equipment and a comprehensive range of courses. Trained staff are available to assist visitors to ensure effective training. This not only attracts those seeking relaxation, but also active holidaymakers who are looking for a balance between relaxation and exercise.

In view of the efforts towards sustainable and high-quality tourism, Usedom can be considered a model region despite its challenges. Tourism is at the upper limit of capacity and despite the traffic jams and overcrowding, the numbers give reason for hope. The hoped-for occupancy rate of 66 percent along the Baltic Sea coast was exceeded, which represents a positive turnaround for the industry.

For further information and detailed analysis on tourism in the North, we recommend taking a look at Travel Analysis and other reports that regularly provide results on travel behavior and trends in tourism. NDR info, Usedom.de, Tourism Competence Center.