A short walk along the modest steilküste (steep coast) between Kühlungsborn and Heiligendamm, one of the few low cliff sections on the western Mecklenburg coast, giving open Baltic views without the crowds of Rügen's chalk cliffs.
This coastal walk follows the low steilküste, or steep coast, between the resort town of Kühlungsborn and the historic spa town of Heiligendamm on Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's western Baltic shore. The trailhead is the promenade at Kühlungsborn West, a short walk from the Kühlungsborn West stop on the Molli narrow-gauge steam railway and the regional bus network, so no car is needed. The 7-kilometer route gains a modest 50 meters, following a mix of paved promenade at the start and packed dirt clifftop paths further along, with no technical difficulty and only brief unfenced sections near the low bluff edge. While nowhere near the scale of Rügen's chalk cliffs, this stretch is one of the only sections of raised coastline on Mecklenburg's western shore, reaching perhaps 15-20 meters at its highest point, and gives open views over the Baltic without the summer crowds that gather at Jasmund. The path passes through beach-facing woodland before descending gradually into Heiligendamm, Germany's oldest seaside resort, founded in 1793, whose row of white Neoclassical villas along the seafront is visible from the trail's final approach. The walk ends near Heiligendamm's own promenade and train station on the Bad Doberan line, offering an easy return by rail or the Molli steam train. Water and food are available at both ends in Kühlungsborn and Heiligendamm, but there are limited facilities on the clifftop stretch itself.
| Difficulty | easy |
|---|---|
| Best season | April to October |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Baltic coast between Kühlungsborn and Heiligendamm
What to bring
Walking shoes; no technical gear required
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- One of the few raised coastline sections on Mecklenburg's western Baltic shore
- Open Baltic views without the crowds of Rügen's better-known chalk cliffs
- Ends near Heiligendamm's Neoclassical seafront villas, Germany's oldest seaside resort
- Return possible by the historic Molli narrow-gauge steam railway
Tips for visiting
- Time the walk to end in Heiligendamm for a look at its 1793 Neoclassical seafront row before returning by train
- The clifftop stretch has only brief unfenced sections, but caution is still worthwhile near the edge
- Carry water for the middle section, as facilities are limited between the two towns
- The Molli steam railway offers a scenic and practical way to return to the starting point
When to visit
Late afternoon light works well for photographing the seafront villas of Heiligendamm from the approach to the trail's end.
Accessibility
The promenade sections at either end are paved and wheelchair-friendly, but the clifftop dirt path in the middle is uneven and not fully accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How does this cliff compare to Rügen's chalk cliffs?
It is much lower, reaching only about 15-20 meters, but it is one of the few raised coastal sections on Mecklenburg's western shore and offers a quieter alternative to Rügen's crowds.
What is significant about Heiligendamm?
Founded in 1793, it is considered Germany's oldest seaside resort, known for its row of white Neoclassical villas along the promenade.
How can hikers return to the start after finishing the walk?
Heiligendamm has its own train station on the Bad Doberan line, and the Molli narrow-gauge steam railway also serves the area, both offering an easy return.
Is the trail suitable for a family outing?
Yes, the 7-kilometer route with only 50 meters of elevation gain and mostly paved or packed paths is manageable for most fitness levels.