Glowe (officially Ostseebad Glowe) is a charming coastal town on the island of Rügen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Here's a well-rounded overview of its history, atmosphere, cuisine, and things to do:
History & Description
First mentioned in 1314, the name Glowe derives from the Slavic Gluowa or Glova, meaning “head” – a reference to the 9?m-high Königshörn headland where the village sprang up
Over centuries, Glowe belonged to the Principality of Rügen, then Pomerania, Swedish Pomerania (1648), and Prussia (1815)
In the early 20th century, it evolved from a fishing village into a seaside resort, expanding into the Schaab forest
Today, Glowe is a state-recognised seaside resort and as of 2024 officially an Ostseebad
Its municipal area includes Polchow, Bobbin, Spycker (site of Spycker Castle hotel), and Kampe, among others
Typical Food
While Glowe’s local eateries serve classic German and regional fare, you’ll also enjoy Mecklenburg specialties:
Fischgerichte (fish dishes): Herring, Baltic cod, and other fresh seafood from the Baltic.
Regional produce: Dishes featuring sea-buckthorn, a vitamin-rich local berry commonly used in juices, teas, sauces, and desserts
More broadly, you’ll find beloved German staples:
Bratwurst, Currywurst, Schnitzel, Kartoffelsalat, Sauerbraten, and desserts like Apfelstrudel and Black Forest cake
Top spots to eat in Glowe include Ostseeperle and Ostseeperle Restaurant in the iconic shell-roofed building
Activities & Attractions
Seaside fun: The long sandy Schaabe beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and sailing
Harbour & marina: Perfect for romantic strolls; you can charter sailing trips, try angling, or take boat tours to see the Kreidefelsen (chalk cliffs) and Kap Arkona
Dinosaur Land: A fun outdoor miniature park with 120+ dinosaur sculptures along a mile-long trail, plus educational digs and fossil hunts
Historic sites:
Spycker Castle, now a hotel
St. Paul’s Church in Bobbin (14th c.), and the St. Birgitta Chapel built in 1981
A striking concrete–shell building, the “Muschel” (originally Ostseeperle restaurant)
Nature & outdoors: Cycling and hiking through the Schäabe forest with views of Baltic Sea and Bodden lagune; golfing, horse riding, beach volleyball, table tennis, and more
Boat excursions: From nearby Sassnitz or Glowe harbor to explore the national parks, chalk cliffs, and Kap Arkona
Sea rescue station: Watch the stationary lifeboat Kurt?Hoffmann of the DGzRS at work
Quick Summary Table
Category Highlights
History & Vibe Medieval fishing roots, Baltic resort ambience
Cuisine Seafood, sea-buckthorn, bratwurst, schnitzel, desserts
Main Activities Beach life, sailing, cycling, hiking, dinosaur park
Heritage Spycker Castle, Bobbin Church, Muschel architecture
Nearby Sights Chalk cliffs, Kap Arkona, Sassnitz boat tours
Tips for Visiting
Don’t miss a boat excursion to the chalk cliffs and Kap Arkona—truly breathtaking.
Sample sea-buckthorn juice or jam at local cafés or markets—it’s Rügen’s specialty.
Plan a family trip to Dinosaur Land—kids love the life-size models and digging activities.
Enjoy walks along the harbour and promenade to soak up the seaside charm, especially at sunset.