Holidaymakers disappointed: Usedom written off because of unfriendly hosts!

Holidaymakers disappointed: Usedom written off because of unfriendly hosts!

Last year, the island of Usedom enjoyed a high number of visitors of 1.8 million tourists. Nevertheless, the experiences of Stefan T. and his wife show that the satisfaction of guests not only depends on the scenic attractions, but also largely on the type of care they receive. Stefan T. and his wife rented a holiday apartment near Wolgast and were greeted unfriendly right at the start of their stay. With the sentence “Why are you only coming now!” they didn't feel welcome.

With the weather ideal for visiting the beach, the couple took numerous trips to sights on the island. For example, they visited the test site in Peenemünde, the Lilienthal Museum in Anklam and the moated castle in Mellenthin. Climbing the “White Mountain” with a view over the Achterwasser should also be remembered. Despite the positive aspects of their vacation, Stefan T. and his wife decided never to go to Usedom again because they had some unfriendly encounters with locals.

Problems with the catering industry and lack of information

A striking example of their dissatisfaction was a closed beer garden after my visit to Peenemünde and the kiosk that closed at 4:35 p.m., even though the opening hours were until 5 p.m. The kiosk employee did not provide clear information about opening hours and then left the location. This led Stefan T. to think that better information about opening times was essential - something that is quite common in his home population.

Another issue that contributed to the couple's irritation was the lack of clarity of signage on the beaches. Signs were seen as often misleading and the need for clear information was emphasized. What was particularly frustrating for Stefan T. was ignoring the no-dog signs on the beach. Although he tried to report this to the public order office, he received no response.

Dog bans and dog tourist tax

When it comes to the topic of dog bans on the beach, it is important to mention that in the “Three Imperial Baths” - Bansin, Heringsdorf and Ahlbeck - dogs are prohibited on the beaches in the high season (from May 1st to September 30th), except on the designated dog beaches. This regulation ensures that dogs are not a nuisance to bathers during peak travel times.

However, outside of the main season, dogs are allowed to run on the beach as long as they don't bother anyone. It is advisable to stay near the waterline with dogs if possible. There are also special running opportunities outside the seaside resorts, so that the entire width of the beach can be used, for example from Ahlbeck towards the Polish border and from Bansin towards Ückeritz. From the beginning of the year, dog owners in some regions, including the Drei Kaiserbäder, have to pay a year-round dog tourist tax of 1 euro per day, which is also monitored.

In summary, Stefan T. described the general behavior of most people on the island as friendly. But the unfriendliness of individual locals and the poor communication regarding opening times and dog bans left a lasting impression that meant that he and his wife did not want to visit Usedom again. These experiences raise questions that other visitors may also have in mind.

Further information about the experiences of holidaymakers on Usedom can be found at Northern Courier can be read while the regulations regarding dog bans on beaches are published Dogforum can be found.