Hanseatic heritage ­ maritime tradition

A succession of seaside resorts from Boltenhagen to Graal-Müritz extend along Mecklenburg's Baltic coast in the north-east of Germany. The people of this maritime region have every right to be proud of their centuries-old towns. Wismar is a fine example. The grandeur of its old quarter ­ now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site ­ bears witness to the prosperity enjoyed by the town when it belonged to the Hanseatic trading alliance. Other features of the region are ancient tree-lined avenues, white sandy beaches, salt marshes, rape fields and picturesque fishing villages.

Heiligendamm

The elegant beach promenade at Heiligendamm was a popular rendezvous for the European nobility, including the Russian tsar and his family. Neo-classical villas overlooking the sea are still the dominant feature. Grand Duke Friedrich Franz I of Mecklenburg chose Doberan (now Bad Doberan) as his summer residence and he also founded neighbouring Heiligendamm, Germany's first seaside resort. The Gothic minster in Bad Doberan, once a part of a Cistercian abbey, is one of the most important medieval buildings in Mecklenburg- Western Pomerania. Bad Doberan's racecourse, the oldest in mainland Europe, is the venue for the annual Baltic Sea meeting.

Poel Island

From a bird's eye view, Poel could be mistaken for the Caribbean. Only a short hop from the town of Wismar, the island is awash with scenic attractions: romantic harbours, sprawling salt marshes, the unmissable Timmendorf lighthouse and sunsets that take your breath away. A sandy beach stretching eleven kilometres and idyllic inland countryside make Poel the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday.

Kühlungsborn

Kühlungsborn is the largest Baltic seaside resort in Mecklenburg and combines all the charm of bygone days with the luxuries of modern living. The town is renowned for its wealth of neo-classical seaside villas and a beach with one of the longest promenades in Europe. An excellent choice of cultural entertainment gives Kühlungsborn a lively feel. Boat trips around the region depart at regular intervals from the 240-metre pier. The harbour promenade is the best place to soak up the maritime atmosphere or you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through its pretty boulevards lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.

Germany's first seaside train

All aboard for a journey of discovery on the Molli express! The legendary Molli steamtrain runs several times a day between Bad Doberan and Kühlungsborn, stopping in the heart of the resorts along the way. The narrow-gauge railway is more than 120 years old and runs along a rare 900mm wide track, more commonly found on industrial lines. You can travel in the lounge car like a member of high society a hundred years ago and eat in nostalgic surroundings at Kühlungsborn station's themed pub: Mollis Lo(c)kschuppen.

Boltenhagen

When Count von Bothmer set up his first bathing machine in Boltenhagen in 1803, he paved the way for an influx of summer holidaymakers. Boltenhagen may have become one of the most popular seaside resorts along the Baltic Coast, but it has lost none of its original charm as a delightful fishing village. Taking a stroll around the town, you come across attractive seaside villas, enticing little shops and long promenades. Surrounded by densely wooded countryside, Boltenhagen is now a successful health and rehabilitation resort with two spa clinics and the Ostseetherme thermal pool complex. A new highlight in Boltenhagen is the Weisse Wiek: the complex, which opened in May 2008, incorporates the TUI Dorfhotel, TUI Iberotel and a marina with 350 berths.

Rerik

Thanks to its position between Salzhaff bay and the Baltic Sea, the family-friendly resort of Rerik offers water sports enthusiasts of all abilities two excellent areas for sailing and windsurfing. Beginners practise in Salzhaff bay, while those with more experience venture out into the Baltic Sea. Walkers and cyclists are also well catered for with an extensive network of routes and trails in and around the town. Put simply, Rerik has something for everyone.

Much more than just fish

The beer might be served cold on the Baltic Coast, but the locals are renowned for their warm hospitality. You are sure to receive a hearty welcome wherever you go, whether you visit a traditional brewery restaurant or a gourmet restaurant. As you might expect, freshly caught fish features prominently on the menus, with many dishes influenced by Scandinavian and Silesian cuisine. To aid digestion, you can round off your meal with a traditional Köm schnapps.