“Brackish embrace” might sound odd but it perfectly describes the waters of the Greifswalder Bodden. The Greifswalder Bodden is a fascinating body of water. Its history and unique characteristics make it a special place on the German Baltic coast.
The Greifswalder Bodden is the largest Bodden in Germany. It covers an area of 514 square kilometers. This bay is located off the shores of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
To the west of the Greifswalder Bodden is the island of Rügen. To the southeast lies the island of Usedom. The Bay of Pomerania is to the east and the German mainland to the south. The Strelasund connects the Greifswalder Bodden to the Baltic Sea. This narrow sound separates Rügen from the mainland. Sometimes the northern end of the bay is called the Rügischer Bodden.
The coastline here is heavily indented. It creates a bay of bays. The headlands of Mönchgut and Zudar divide the Greifswalder Bodden into smaller bays. Mönchgut is on Rügen’s east side. Zudar is in Rügen’s south. The main port on the Greifswalder Bodden is Greifswald. Several islands dot the eastern part of the Bodden. These include Vilm, Koos, and Riems. Also there is the former island of Stubber. It is now a sandbank.
The Greifswalder Bodden is quite shallow. Its average depth is 5.6 meters. The maximum depth reaches 13.5 meters. The water here is brackish not briny. This is because of the inflow from rivers. The Baltic Sea’s hydrography also contributes. Saltier water is usually found only at greater depths. The average salinity is 7 to 8 psu. It ranges from 5.3 to 12.2 psu.
Before 1990, the Greifswalder Bodden was a public watersports venue. This was unlike most of East Germany’s Baltic coast. The local geography made it easy to watch over the bay. This helped to stop people from fleeing the country. The nearest place outside the Warsaw Pact was Bornholm. It is a Danish island more than 100 kilometers away.
The Greifswalder Bodden is a protected area. This is because of its importance for species, nature, and landscape conservation. The landscape protection area covers about 56,522 hectares. It helps maintain and restore the natural environment. It also supports the sustainable use of natural resources. This area provides a habitat for many bird species.
The Bay serves as a resting place for numerous migratory birds. These include the Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, and Common Teal. Also, there are the Gadwall, Mallard and Northern Pintail.
Navigating the Greifswalder Bodden requires care. Its shallow waters and numerous shallows can be challenging. Even with its seemingly sheltered location accidents can happen. Smaller vessels can find the waves rough when winds reach Force 4.
Today the Greifswalder Bodden is recognized for its ecological importance. Also, it is a place of natural beauty. It is a reminder of the region’s history. The Greifswalder Bodden continues to be a vital part of the community.