Salzhaff / Rerik
Salzhaff · Bad Rerik · Ostseebad Rerik
54°05.4'N 11°36.6'E
Depth
1.5–3m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m for the completely sheltered Salzhaff lagoon in 1.5–3m. No exposure whatsoever — complete all-round shelter. The very soft mud gives exceptional holding. Draught limit 1.5m for the approach. The smallest anchor alarm radius in this guide — this lagoon is the most sheltered anchorage on the Mecklenburg coast.
About This Anchorage
The Salzhaff is Germany's most sheltered natural lagoon on the Mecklenburg coast — a completely enclosed brackish water lagoon 2km×1km, separated from the Baltic by the narrow Wustrow peninsula. The lagoon is entered through a narrow channel from the north (minimum depth 1.5m) and is completely calm regardless of outside conditions. Rerik (Bad Rerik, Ostseebad) is a small traditional Baltic resort on the western shore — the GDR era holiday houses are mixed with newer development. The lagoon itself is a nature reserve with excellent birdwatching (Osprey, Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebe nest here). The Wustrow peninsula (accessible on foot via the village, or by dinghy) is a long, narrow sand spit separating the lagoon from the open Baltic — the contrast between the flat lagoon and the open sea from the peninsula is remarkable.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (lagoon); harbour fee approx €10–12/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Draught limit 1.5m for Salzhaff approach; speed limit 5kt in lagoon; nature protection — no disturbance to bird nesting areas; Wustrow peninsula: restricted military area (former GDR missile base) — follow marked path only; no fires.
Hazards
- !Very shallow entrance (Salzhaff Einfahrt): minimum 1.5m at chart datum — Baltic water level variation can reduce this to 1.2m in strong SW/W wind; check before approach
- !Wustrow peninsula is a former GDR military area — strictly follow the marked path; unexploded ordnance may still be present off the marked routes
- !Speed limit 5kt in lagoon — strictly observed by local sailors
- !No fuel — plan from Kühlungsborn
Skipper's Tips
- →The Salzhaff is the most peaceful anchorage on the Mecklenburg coast — in strong Baltic winds with the outside sea rough, the lagoon is flat calm; the contrast between the howling mast and the still water is extraordinary
- →The Wustrow peninsula walk (from Rerik village, follow marked path, 3km to the Baltic side): the view from the peninsula looking west and east along the Mecklenburg coast is outstanding; the contrast between the flat lagoon and the open Baltic is dramatic
- →The lagoon birdwatching: Osprey fish in the Salzhaff regularly in summer (best spotted from the cockpit at dawn); Kingfisher along the reed edge; Great Crested Grebe families are visible throughout summer
- →The former GDR missile base on Wustrow: the remains of the Soviet SAM missile site are visible from the marked path — a curious piece of Cold War heritage in an otherwise peaceful nature landscape
- →From the Salzhaff, the passage east to Kühlungsborn (8nm, open coast) should be planned carefully — the open Baltic exposure contrasts completely with the lagoon shelter; ensure good conditions before departure
Facilities
Small restaurant in Rerik village. Beach cafe on Wustrow (seasonal). No fuel — Kühlungsborn (8nm) or Wismar (18nm).
Nearest provisions: Rerik village (500m) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. The Salzhaff is one of Germany's finest 'hidden' anchorages — known to local sailors but rarely visited by cruising yachts from outside the region. The tranquillity is extraordinary.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
In the Mecklenburg Bight, Baltic swell and open coast exposure make overnight anchor monitoring important. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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