Each summer, the town of Anklam in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern stirs with the pulsing energy of Anklamer Hafentage, or Harbor Days. This vibrant festival invites visitors to engage directly with the working port and the lively waterfront, where history and adventure combine. Expect the air tinged with salty river spray as ships rock on the Peene River, daring you to explore both on land and water. Harbour cranes stand ready, shadows stretching across the quay where wooden stalls brim with local crafts and fresh seafood.

The festival unfolds over several days, offering a blend of maritime parades, live music, and demonstrations centered on the harbor’s ongoing life. It’s a practical playground for both casual visitors and serious explorers: boat tours reveal the industrial heart of the port, while riverside trails invite you to traverse forested paths and wide, sweeping views of the river’s currents pushing forward with steady determination.

For those up for an active day, the Peene River Trail nearby extends roughly 12 kilometers along gently undulating terrain, an accessible mix of gravel and packed dirt paths. Elevation gain remains minimal, keeping the energy available for soaking in the barrage of waterfront scenes. Footwear should be sturdy but flexible, suitable for the occasional muddy stretch after rain. Hydrating is essential—water fountains dot the route, but carrying a bottle is recommended since the pace of festival activity can sap stamina.

Visitors should time their arrival to catch the maritime parade if possible, a highlight that showcases everything from historic sailing vessels to modern working boats, each one fiercely itself, embodying the spirit of a harbor that never rests.

Anklamer Hafentage is more than a weekend event—it’s an invitation to experience the pulse of a port where nature and industry contend and cooperate. Whether you’re an adventurer drawn by the prospect of river winds and fleeting views or a cultural traveler eager for fresh fish and folk music, the harbor bends to your pace without compromise.

Plan to bring a camera ready for low light as dusk bathes the harbor in warm amber tones, revealing reflections that seem to ripple with the stories held by every mooring rope. This is a festival with depth, a place where the water challenges you to respect its rhythms and the land offers a path both manageable and full of surprises.