Lauterbach
Lauterbach Rügen · Putbus Hafen
54°20.6'N 13°29.5'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for the south Rügen Bodden anchorage in 2–5m. The Greifswalder Bodden mud gives good holding. The SW exposure is the main concern — in strong SW, a short fetch builds across the Bodden and the anchorage becomes choppy.
About This Anchorage
Lauterbach is the harbour for the classical Putbus estate on the south coast of Rügen — the princely town of Putbus (Circus, white neoclassical architecture, park) is 3km inland. The harbour is primarily known as the embarkation point for Vilm — a tiny island 500m offshore that is so strictly protected as a nature reserve that only 33 visitors per day are permitted (by permit only). Lauterbach itself is a quiet sailing harbour with a good yacht marina, regular ferry services, and access to the Greifswalder Bodden lagoon system. The Putbus Rasender Roland (narrow-gauge steam railway) connects Lauterbach to Putbus, Binz, and Göhren on the east coast — a remarkable vintage railway experience.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W · NW
Exposed To
SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (Bodden approach); harbour fee approx €12–16/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Greifswalder Bodden: follow buoyed channels, do not stray into shallow areas; Vilm island: strictly restricted (33 visitors/day by permit); Nationalpark nature protection throughout Bodden; speed limit 8kt in Bodden.
Hazards
- !Greifswalder Bodden — shallow throughout (1.5–4m); do not navigate outside buoyed channels
- !SW exposure across the Bodden in strong SW wind — choppy conditions despite apparently sheltered position
- !Vilm ferry traffic in the approach — small ferry makes multiple daily crossings; give way
- !Speed limit 8kt in the Bodden area
Skipper's Tips
- →The Rasender Roland (Rügen narrow-gauge steam railway) departs Lauterbach Mole station — take it to Binz or Göhren on the east coast (45 minutes): one of the finest heritage railway experiences in Germany
- →Vilm permit: if you plan well in advance, the 33-visitor-per-day permit for Vilm island (Germany's most strictly protected nature reserve) is obtainable from the Nationalpark administration — book months ahead
- →Putbus town (3km by railway or bicycle) has the finest neoclassical architecture in Rügen: the Circus (circular plaza with white villas), the Schlosspark, and the Orangerie are all worth visiting
- →The Bodden sailing here in SW–W winds gives flat water conditions ideal for inexperienced crew — the shallow lagoon suppresses wave height
- →From Lauterbach, the passage east along the south coast of Rügen to Gager (15nm) is through the most scenic part of the Bodden — chalk cliffs visible to the east, reeds and birds throughout
Facilities
Harbour restaurant (seasonal). Putbus town (3km by Rasender Roland or bicycle): cafes, small supermarket, classical town promenade.
Nearest provisions: Putbus (3km by Rasender Roland) (1.6nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Lauterbach is primarily a transit and day-trip base rather than a destination — the Putbus railway and Vilm island are the attractions. Late May and September are quietest.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
In the Rügen Bodden lagoons, wind-driven water level changes and shallow depths make overnight anchor monitoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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