The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula is a magnificent nature reserve, with forests, salt meadows, wetlands and vast bodies of water. The narrow strip of land stretches to the north and east, parallel to the mainland; it is separated from it by the Bodden (shallow lagoon), in which the brackish water of the Baltic meets the fresh water that flows into it. Fischland, with its slightly jagged coastline, has a particularly popular seaside resort, the artists' colony of Ahrenshoop. Darß and Zingst are part of Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park. The small villages and spa towns with their thatched houses are the big attraction.