Ice as far as the eye can see: Frost and wind transform the coast - Germany's Baltic coast frozen in time as ice traps ships and strands tourists
Freezing winds and thick ice have transformed Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's coastline into a striking yet treacherous landscape. The extreme conditions have created towering ice formations, disrupted shipping routes, and left residents comparing the scene to Arctic vistas.
The Görmitz, an icebreaking supply vessel, fought through the ice on Monday to deliver essential food to Rügen and Hiddensee. Meanwhile, ferry services remain stalled, leaving tourists stranded and locals relying on emergency routes.
Since late January, fierce winds have pushed ice into dense packs along Rügen's eastern coast and near Usedom. The Greifswald Lagoon now bears ice up to 25 centimetres thick, with forecasts warning of further growth. The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) reports that sheltered coastal waters are completely frozen, creating hazards for vessels.
The Vitte, Hiddensee's main ferry, has been docked at Stralsund's Volkswerft shipyard for over a week after suffering ice damage. Repairs were finished by early February, but its return remains delayed by weather and logistical issues, including a hold-up at the Ziegelgraben Bridge. The vessel was expected to follow the Görmitz on Monday but faced further setbacks.
With the Vitte out of service, the only link between Rügen and Hiddensee is the icebreaker Swanti—but it operates solely for emergencies. Tourists can no longer reach the island, and supplies depend on vessels like the Görmitz, which battled for hours to break through the ice.
The Waterways and Shipping Office (WSA) has issued fresh warnings, advising ships to avoid icy waters unless properly equipped. Risks include dislodged markers, capsizing, or vessels becoming trapped. Residents have likened the dramatic ice formations to Greenland's coasts or Caspar David Friedrich's painting The Sea of Ice.
The Vitte ferry may resume service in 7 to 10 days, though ongoing weather delays could push this back further. Until then, Hiddensee remains cut off for most travellers, with only emergency icebreaker routes available. The region's icy spectacle continues to pose challenges for shipping, despite the striking beauty it has brought to the shoreline.
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