Isle of Vilm

Natur Reserve -  In the Biosphere Reserve South-East Ruegen

The Isle of Vilm is a marvellous example of the North German coastal landscape. It is situated near the Island of Ruegen in the Ruegen bight, extending over 2,5 km with a size of 94 ha. The island is up to 37,5 m above sea level, and characterised by unique natural features, flora and fauna, typical for the southern Baltic Sea region. As early, as in 1936, the Isle of Vilm was designated as a nature reserve. Only few places in densely populated Central Europe provide a similar intensive feeling of unspoilt nature as this island.

                    

The two island cores “Great Vilm” an “Little Vilm” of the late glacial nothern Ruegen step are connected by the “Middle Vilm” ,  anarrow spit-like barrier beach which has developed on the base of a moraine core. Ever evolving cliffs, recent spits and sand bars show that continuous coastal drifting processes – abraison on the aone hand, silting-up on the other – are still actively shaping the patterns of this coastal landscape

The Isle of Vilm is largely covered by trees. The beach forests of the “Great Vilm” are among the oldest and most valuable natural woods in nothern Germany. For more than four centuries, no silvicultural use has been made of the forests on this part of the island.

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