Boats in the ice, tracks in the snow.Whether animal or human, no trace remains hidden on the snow-covered ice of the Mecklenburg Lake District. Where in summer the waves dance and splash against hulls and jetties in the glittering backlight, an icy calm has returned at the height of winter. While the boats hibernate, visitors feel their way cautiously at first and then further and further out. The sound waves of the cracking ice are just as much a reminder to be careful as the cawing crows from the leafless treetops.
Icy sculptures, arctic seaside spa.The jetty at the end of the Bansin pier presents itself as a small fairytale castle made of ice in the middle of the frosty Baltic Sea. Metre-high barricades of driven snow and ice have piled up at the waterline, while cross-country skiers and children in colourful snowsuits enjoy this rare natural spectacle. An abandoned lifeguard lookout tower is a reminder of the warm summer months when ice cream was only available on a stick or in a cone.
Tightly packed ice floes.From a bird's eye view, the result is a beautiful mosaic of broken ice and polar blue water. A tugboat coming from Greifswalder Bodden and decorated with icicles has just made its way through the harbour entrance of Lauterbach. The sea eagle is also dependent on ice-free water when hunting for fish and prefers to lurk in the freshly broken channels of the shipping lanes during ice ages.
Snow-covered fields, steel-blue sea.The Cape Arkona lighthouse watches over the German Baltic Sea and its visitors even in the frosty winter. Perched above the steep chalk cliffs and in the best picture-book weather, this iconic landmark exudes a magnetic attraction.
Icy night, eerie silence.Only two boats spend the winter on the frozen jetty in Barhöft harbour. The night breeze is so cold that your breath condenses and your fingers can barely move. One last picture of this fascinating winter wonderland and then quickly back into the warmth. Good night!
