Fischland-Darss-Zingst is a narrow peninsula stretching along the Baltic coast in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, separating the Bodden lagoons from the open sea. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in northern Germany — long sandy beaches, windswept dunes, and old-growth coastal forest.
The peninsula is made up of three distinct parts. Fischland, in the south, has the fishing villages of Dierhagen and Wustrow. Darss, the wooded middle section, is home to Ahrenshoop, an artists' colony since the late 19th century, and Prerow, a popular family beach resort. Zingst, at the eastern end, is quieter and borders the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park, where thousands of cranes gather each autumn during migration.
The beaches are wide and uncrowded, the cycling paths excellent, and the whole area has a pleasantly unhurried feel.