Ahlbeck Pier
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Ahlbeck Pier, located in the seaside resort town of Ahlbeck on the island of Usedom, is the oldest pier in Germany, stretching 280 meters into the Baltic Sea from the Imperial Beach. Originally built in 1882 as a platform with a restaurant, it was extended in 1898 to serve as a jetty for sailing ships. The pier features a restaurant and a jetty at its end, which is used for sightseeing tours in the Bay of Pomerania. Over the decades, the pier has undergone numerous renovations to preserve its structure, including a major reconstruction between 1970 and 1973 where wooden pillars were replaced with steel girders. The pier is protected as a historic monument since 1986 and remains a cultural icon and popular filming location, featured in films such as "Pappa Ante Portas" and "Die Russen kommen." Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural and event venue with a restaurant offering regional cuisine, a bar, and hosts various cultural events, blending tradition with modern hospitality.
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Tip: Visit early in the morning during summer to enjoy the sunrise and peaceful atmosphere. Booking ahead is recommended for dining at the pier's restaurant, especially during peak tourist season. The pier is accessible year-round, but spring and summer provide the best weather for sightseeing and boat tours. Discounts may be available for groups or off-season visits. Check the official website or contact the pier for updated event schedules and reservation options.
Interesting facts
- •Ahlbeck Pier is the oldest surviving pier in Germany, built originally in 1882 and extended in 1898.
- •The pier was featured in several films, including the cult classic "Pappa Ante Portas" and "Die Russen kommen."
- •In the winter of 1941/42, ice and storm floods destroyed the jetty section of the pier, which was only rebuilt decades later in the early 1990s.
- •The pier's wooden pillars were replaced with steel girders between 1970 and 1973 to ensure structural stability.
- •The pier has been under historic monument protection since 1986, preserving its original architectural style.
History
The pier was originally constructed in 1882 as a platform with wooden structures serving as a restaurant and stage area.
In 1898, it was extended 170 meters into the Baltic Sea as a jetty for ships to dock.
After 1905, the platform was widened and connected with the pier, and in 1926 the canvas boardwalk was replaced with wooden planks.
The jetty was destroyed by ice and storm floods in the harsh winter of 1941/1942 and was only rebuilt in the early 1990s.
Between 1970 and 1973, wooden supports were replaced with steel girders, and the pier has undergone several restorations to maintain its historic character.
Since 1986, it has been a protected historic monument.
Place Guide
Restaurant Platform1882
A platform above the beach featuring a restaurant and event spaces, originally built in 1882 and expanded after 1905. It offers regional cuisine blending traditional Pomeranian dishes with modern interpretations, and serves as a cultural venue and bar area.
Pier Jetty1898
The 170-meter-long wooden jetty extending into the Baltic Sea, used for sightseeing boat tours and docking excursion ships. The jetty was rebuilt in the early 1990s after destruction during World War II.
Structural Renovations1970-1973
Major reconstruction from 1970 to 1973 replaced wooden pillars with steel girders to improve durability, while maintaining the pier's historic appearance.
Contact
Phone: 038378 28320
