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Feel-good workout on the island of Poel

Author: Bianca Klement
Published: December 19, 2024

A man sits at a wooden table in a vacation home, working on his laptop and taking notes - ideal conditions for a workation on the island of Poel.
©© TMV/Gross

Author: Bianca Klement
Published: December 19, 2024

Working where others go on vacation: software developer Philipp experiences the perfect workation on the island of Poel. Between the Baltic Sea air, nature and fast Wi-Fi, he makes progress on his project and recharges his batteries at the same time. Whether kitesurfing after work or at meetings in the co-working space in Wismar - the workation on Poel offers him just the right mix of relaxation and productivity.

Despite the bright blue sky, Gollwitz beach is deserted on this fall morning. Silver and salmon gulls glide silently across the shallow Baltic Sea. The wind has pushed the water far back. Philipp jogs leisurely along the deserted beach ditches, enjoying the fresh sea breeze. For the software developer, it's the perfect way to start the day and clear his head.

For three weeks, the Hamburg native has rented a vacation home on the island of Poel to complete an important project. »I love Poel. Even as a child, I used to come to the island with my parents to go on vacation. It is a bit like a second home here.« The decision in favor of Poel was an easy one. For Philipp, the island is the perfect symbiosis of accessibility, networking options, relaxation and a sense of home.

Extensive sandbanks and shallow water areas near Gollwitz on the island of Poel, taken at low tide under a clear sky.
©© TMV/Gross
A man jogs along a tree-lined path on the island of Poel, surrounded by green countryside and sunny weather.
©© TMV/Gross
A man stands with outstretched arms on the beach at Gollwitz on the island of Poel, under a clear blue sky.
©© TMV/Gross
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Poel is the ideal workation spot

The island of Poel is located around ten kilometers north of Wismar and is easy to reach by train or car. At just under 37 square kilometers, the island is manageable and popular with Baltic Sea guests who prefer a leisurely pace. There are no gigantic hotel complexes or overcrowded pedestrian zones. Instead, holidaymakers can expect nature, sea air and the blue Baltic Sea all around. The villages are small and there are many natural and sandy beaches. All in all, an ideal destination for anyone looking to slow down and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Accessibility and proximity to a larger city were important criteria for the software developer when choosing his workation location. »If there really is a fire and I have to go to the office in Hamburg, I can be there in just a few hours. And for meetings or presentations, I can book into a co-working space in Wismar at short notice at any time,

explains Philipp pragmatically.

The InnovationPort in Wismar is one of six digital innovation centers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Companies, start-ups and remote workers can book in here and use co-working spots and conference rooms. The digital center on the edge of Wismar's old town can be reached from the island of Poel in just twenty minutes by car. The fully electric ferry, which regularly commutes between Poel and Wismar, is a more comfortable option. The journey takes about an hour – sea breeze included. 

Aerial view of the coast near Gollwitz on the island of Poel with sandbanks and green coastal strip.
©© TMV/Gross
Overview of the InnovationPort Wismar with modern design, seating areas and co-working workstations.
©© TMV/Gross
Three people in conversation in a cozy seating area at InnovationPort Wismar, a modern co-working space.
©© TMV/Gross

Accommodation just 200 meters from the beach

However, Philipp spends most of his time in his vacation home in the district of »Am Schwarzen Busch« – in the north of the island. Here he can work in peace and, thanks to fast Wi-Fi, is just as connected to his colleagues as if he were sitting in his office in Hamburg. But instead of the hustle and bustle of the city and traffic noise, the 41-year-old now enjoys the Baltic Sea air while working on Poel.

The cozy thatched-roof house is located less than 200 meters from a wide beach. The accommodation is a real stroke of luck for Philipp. Not only does the house offer plenty of space to work close to the beach, it even has its own sauna. »It feels incredibly good when I look out of the window into the garden and know that I can relax: If I want, I can be on the beach in two minutes. Of course I work full-time here too, but the green surroundings and the peace and quiet alone make me much more efficient. And I know that when I finish work, I can go out to the sea. That motivates me immensely«, says Philipp.

Aerial view of thatched-roof houses on the island of Poel, surrounded by green gardens and with a view of the Baltic Sea.
©© TMV/Gross
A man talks on the phone and drinks coffee in the doorway of a vacation home with green shutters on the island of Poel.
©© TMV/Gross

Kitesurfing after work

Taking time out on the island of Poel has many advantages for the grandfather. When the wind is good, the passionate kitesurfer grabs his board after work and cycles to the beach. »Kitesurfing is the best way for me to switch off and clear my head. It gives me new energy. Of course, that wouldn't be possible in my normal working life in Hamburg.« The island of Poel is very popular with kiters from all over Germany. The sandy beach of Timmendorf is considered one of the best kite spots on the island and is one of Philipp's favorite places. Of course, it's great that I can go to the beach from my vacation home after work. It takes me less than a quarter of an hour by bike to get to my favorite kite spot,

he says, beaming.

One downside: his partner Annika can only join him at the weekend due to her job. As a hairdresser, remote working is not an option for her. But they both enjoy their time together all the more. Annika finishes work early on Fridays and then comes here by train. It's quick and the days are like a short vacation for us,

says Philipp.

A kitesurfer glides over the water off the coast of Timmendorf on Poel, with a green dune landscape in the background.
©© TMV/Gross
A couple sits on the beach in Timmendorf, smiling and enjoying a hot cup of coffee with a kite in the background.
©© TMV/Gross
A woman in a pink cap is sitting on the beach in Timmendorf, looking out to sea and holding a cup in her hand.
©© TMV/Gross
Aerial view of cyclists on a road leading through the green coastal landscape of the island of Poel.
©© TMV/Gross

Poel brings the best of both worlds

Together, the two Hamburg residents then make the most of the small island's vacation potential. Annika especially likes the proximity to Wismar. »We love the fact that we don't need a car or cab here and can get everywhere by bike. Poel offers the best of both worlds«, she says. »Here on the island we have nature, peace and quiet and the sea. And if we ever feel like a stroll through the town or spending the evening in a bar, we can cycle to Wismar or take the ferry.

Annika is also a passionate kitesurfer. But when the wind dies down, the couple prefer to explore the island by bike - without any stress or obligations. The island of Poel offers many varied cycle paths. The approximately 61-kilometre circular route leads around the small island, along fields, through forests and along the cliffs.

The little workation break is soon coming to an end and Philipp is sure that he has made the right decision.

No matter how stressful the day was, if I can grab a fresh fish sandwich in between and sit on the beach for just five minutes, I immediately get that vacation feeling. It immediately flips a switch«, says Philipp.

The software developer is already certain that this will not be his last workation on the island of Poel.

A change of location like this really works wonders. I notice that I can switch off more quickly and recover better. If I have a bad day at home in the office, I sometimes think about it for hours. Here I can grab my kiteboard and work off my frustrations on the water. That puts a lot of things into perspective and I start the next day with renewed vigor.

A couple with bicycles in front of a charming thatched-roof vacation home on the island of Poel.
©© TMV/Gross
Airy art installation made of transparent strips in the historic St. George's Church in Wismar.
©© TMV/Gross
Electric ferry on the Baltic Sea between the port of Poel and Wismar, with a view of the coast.
©© TMV/Gross
A couple push bicycles along Wismar's old harbor, with the city's historic skyline in the background.
©© TMV/Gross
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Excursion destinations

around Poel

11 Ergebnisse
  • © Frank Burger
    ©© Frank Burger

    Linden Garden Wismar

    • Bahnhofsstraße, 23966 Wismar

    The Lindengarten is a listed park in the heart of the Hanseatic City of Wismar.

    Read more: "Linden Garden Wismar"
  • © TZ Wismar, Alexander Rudolph
    ©© TZ Wismar, Alexander Rudolph

    Gable houses Wismar

    • Dankwartstraße, 23966 Wismar

    Countless gabled houses are typical for the old town and characterize Wismar as an area monument. The gabled houses in Wismar represent the wealth of the citizens in the Hanseatic era. 194 gabled houses are under monument protection.

    Read more: "Gable houses Wismar"
  • © Kurverwaltung Insel Poel
    ©© Kurverwaltung Insel Poel

    Lighthouse Timmendorf

    • Lotsenstieg, 23999 Insel Poel / OT Timmendorf

    The lighthouse Timmendorf is one of the landmarks of the island Poel and one of the oldest still operating lighthouses from the 19th century.

    Read more: "Lighthouse Timmendorf"
  • © Kurverwaltung Insel Poel
    ©© Kurverwaltung Insel Poel

    Poel dam and bridge

    • Fährdorf-Dorf, 23999 Insel Poel Fährdorf

    The Baltic resort of Insel Poel can be reached via a bridge causeway that crosses the strait called "Breitling".

    Read more: "Poel dam and bridge"
  • Ideal surfing and kite conditions on the island of Poel, © Liene Photografie Nadine Sorgenfried
    ©© Liene Photografie Nadine Sorgenfried

    Surfspot Timmendorf

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 23999 Timmendorf

    The entry area is located on the sandy beach in front of the water sports station. The spot has a 250-meter standing area and is therefore ideal for surfing beginners. You will enjoy the best conditions when the wind blows from southwest to northeast.

    Read more: "Surfspot Timmendorf"
  • © Kurverwaltung Insel Poel
    ©© Kurverwaltung Insel Poel

    Salt marshes island Poel

    • 23999 Gollwitz

    The locals preserve the nature of their island and especially the salt marshes with their unique flora and fauna.

    Read more: "Salt marshes island Poel"
  • © VMO, M. Jeschke
    ©© VMO, M. Jeschke

    Port Timmendorf

    • 23999 Timmendorf

    The harbor Timmendorf is a sport boat harbor in the west of the island Poel. Here you will find maritime flair in a relaxed atmosphere.

    Read more: "Port Timmendorf"
  • Island museum on the island of Poel, © Liene Photografie Nadine Sorgenfried
    ©© Liene Photografie Nadine Sorgenfried

    Island Museum Poel Island

    • Closed today
    • Möwenweg, 23999 Ostseebad Insel Poel OT Kirchdorf

    The island museum presents on more than 250 square meters an extensive and regionally consistently limited collection on the natural history and local history of the island of Poel. A permanent exhibition on the life and works of the painter Karl Christian Klasen completes the valuable collection. In the outdoor area there is a boulder garden as well as the model of the former Poel fortress, which was unique in its construction.

    Read more: "Island Museum Poel Island"
  • © TZ Wismar/Christoph Meyer
    ©© TZ Wismar/Christoph Meyer

    Pier Wismar

    • Ernst-Scheel-Straße, 23968 Wismar

    The pier of Wismar is located in the district of seaside resort Wendorf.

    Read more: "Pier Wismar"
  • © TZ Wismar, Alexander Rudolph
    ©© TZ Wismar, Alexander Rudolph

    Old Harbour of Wismar

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Alter Hafen, 23966 Wismar

    Since 1211, the Old Harbour has largely preserved its harbour basin in its location and design. Moreover, the harbour continues to be important as a mooring for excursion steamers, for leisure captains and traditional ships such as the 'Kogge' and the 'Atalanta'.

    Read more: "Old Harbour of Wismar"
  • © TZ Wismar, Christoph Meyer (paperheroes)
    ©© TZ Wismar, Christoph Meyer (paperheroes)

    Museum of the History of the Hanseatic City of Wismar in the Schabbell

    • Open today
    • Schweinsbrücke, 23966 Wismar

    The "Schabbell", one of the earliest Renaissance buildings in the Baltic region, the neighboring building at Schweinsbrücke 6 and the associated courtyards were reopened in December 2017 after extensive and careful renovation and now serve as exhibition and event space for the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Wismar.

    Read more: "Museum of the History of the Hanseatic City of Wismar in the Schabbell"

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