People Walk on Frozen Baltic Sea - Police Warn - Rügen's Baltic Coast Transforms Into a Rare Frozen Wonderland After Decade-Long Wait

A rare icy spectacle has transformed Rügen's Baltic coastline into a frozen wonderland. The island's beaches and bays, including Prorer Wiek near Sassnitz, are covered in thick ice stretching far into the sea. This phenomenon, not seen since the winter of 2011/2012, has drawn crowds eager to explore the unusual landscape.

The ice formed after low-salinity waters in protected areas like the Vorpommerschen Haff froze solid. Strong winds then pushed massive ice floes toward Rügen's east coast, piling them up along the shore. The result is a vast, white expanse extending from Sassnitz to Göhren and beyond, even encasing the pier in Sellin.

The striking formations have become a major attraction. Visitors are flocking to the eastern breakwater and lighthouse, where jagged ice sheets create dramatic scenes. Many have ventured far onto the frozen surface, ignoring warnings about its instability.

Authorities have repeatedly stressed the dangers. The water police confirm that the ice is uneven, unstable, and can collapse without warning. Stepping onto it—even outside harbours—risks immediate peril. Shipping channels near Sassnitz and areas around the Eventin, a nearpod anchored off Rügen, remain particularly hazardous.

Despite the warnings, the frozen Baltic continues to lure curious onlookers. The ice, while breathtaking, remains a deadly trap for those who stray too far. Officials urge extreme caution as temperatures fluctuate and conditions stay unpredictable.