Boddenlandschaft

Boddenlandschaft is a coastal landscape along the southern Baltic Sea, mainly in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It comprises a system of shallow, brackish lagoons called bodden, separated from the Baltic by barrier beaches and spits. The landscape includes marshes, reed beds, dunes, and small settlements on peninsulas such as Fischland, Darß, and Zingst.

Geography and hydrology: Bodden lagoons are interconnected by channels, with limited tidal influence and variable salinity. Water exchange with the Baltic occurs through narrow straits, creating productive ecosystems with seasonal changes in water level and salinity. The area is shaped by glacial coastlines and ongoing coastal dynamics.

Biodiversity: The bodden support numerous bird species, especially waterfowl and waders, as well as fish and invertebrates adapted to brackish conditions. Reed beds and salt marshes provide habitat for sensitive species. The region is a key site for migratory birds and biodiversity research, attracting scientists and nature enthusiasts.

Protection and use: Much of the Boddenlandschaft lies within protected areas, notably the Naturpark Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft, and includes zones designated as nature reserves. It is part of the Natura 2000 network. The landscape is a popular destination for tourism, boating, birdwatching, and cycling, with communities on the Darß peninsula supporting sustainable visitor activities and local livelihoods.