Peace and tradition: The hidden life in the Lieper Winkel on Usedom

Peace and tradition: The hidden life in the Lieper Winkel on Usedom

The charming Lieper Winkel on Usedom magically attracts nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. Rankwitz, probably the quietest place on the island, has a special charm because life here is tranquil and close to nature. With around 550 residents, around 200 of whom have a secondary residence, the community is a true retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Baltic Sea resorts. Loud Baltic Sea newspaper There is largely untouched nature here, which offers a high level of recreational value.

A little further into the idyllic district of Quilitz, cyclists will find a welcome bathing area with a view of the Peenestrom. The connection to nature is particularly noticeable here, and the peace and quiet makes every stop an experience. Around 90% of the community area consists of arable land and grassland, forests and fallow land - ideal conditions for vegetables and fruit, which residents offer for sale in cupboards in front of their houses, entirely on the basis of trust.

Life in the Lieper Winkel

In contrast to the hectic tourist centers, the Lieper Winkel offers a life in community. The Heimathof in Rankwitz functions as a versatile meeting place - as a dance hall, museum, yoga studio and tutoring center. A farm market is held here once a month, which is also open to guests of the region. The joy of living together as well as the commitment to the numerous clubs, including sports clubs and the fire department, are clearly evident in the up-and-coming community.

The Lieper Winkelschen Danzlüh have even set themselves the goal of performing folk dances in regional costumes - a tradition that connects young and old. However, the demographic development here has its pitfalls: 51% of the residents are over 60 years old and only around 50 children live in the area. Younger families are often reluctant to venture into rural life, which makes mobility in the region even more difficult. Rankwitz in the Lieper Winkel provides information about population development over the centuries and emphasizes the challenges posed by migration and the decline of young people.

A look into the past

A deeper look into history reveals that the population of the Lieper Winkel fluctuated over several centuries. In 1541 only 12 people lived here, while the number of residents in 1939 was 672 before declining again in the following decades. The historical overview shows that the Lieper Winkel has always had a great attraction for people, even if times were often difficult. The records date back to the 16th century and are informative for genealogical research and regional history.

But while Rankwitz offers a picturesque retreat, there are concerns about economic efficiency: more and more holiday accommodation is being set up in traditional homes, which could potentially affect the harmonious exchange between locals and tourists. The Rankwitz harbor, once a central contact point for locals, now has to assert itself as both a tourist hotspot and a lifeline for the community.

The development in the Lieper Winkel remains dynamic and exciting. This is a quiet place where nature is in the foreground and, despite all the challenges, the people demonstrate a good knack for community spirit and tradition.