Peene Valley

The Peene falls only a few centimetres over its lower course, so when Baltic water is pushed up the Oder lagoon by wind the river reverses and flows inland; it is one of the few rivers in Europe where this happens routinely. Because the valley was never fully drained, it holds one of the largest continuous peat bog systems in central Europe, and rewetting projects have restored more since the 1990s. The lack of current makes it a paddling river in both directions, and the nickname Amazon of the North comes from the dense alder carr along its banks. Sea eagles, cranes, beavers and otters live in the valley.

What you actually see

• The reversing flow - a river that runs backwards when the wind pushes water inland.
• The peat bogs - one of central Europe's largest undrained bog systems.
• The alder carr - dense wet woodland closing over the banks.
• The wildlife - sea eagles, cranes, beavers and otters.

When to go

May to September for paddling; the river is navigable in both directions because of the negligible current. Autumn brings crane movements through the valley.

Honest expectations

The valley is flat and the interest is in wildlife and water rather than scenery. Access points are limited. Mosquitoes are heavy in summer.

Nearby

Usedom lies east; the Müritz park is west.