Best Places to See in Rügen

The largest of Germany’s islands at 926 sq km (357 sq miles), R・en is also the most beautiful and diverse, boasting steep cliffs next to sandy beaches and a hilly hinterland with forests and peat bogs. The island is only 50 km (31 miles) across, yet its rugged coastline extends for hundreds of miles. The Huns once ruled here, and their tombs can still be seen. It was fortified by the Slavs, then ruled by Danes and Swedes. In 1815 Rugen came under Prussian rule, and in 1936 it was linked to the mainland by the 1 km- (0.6 mile-) long Rugendamm.

Waase

At this typical fishing village on the island of Ummanz, an unusual work of art has survived: an altarpiece from Antwerp, from around 1520.

Hiddensee

This small island is accessible from Stralsund or Schaprode on Rügen. Horse-drawn carts and bikes replace cars in this oasis of tranquillity.

Kap Arkona

There are two lighthouses on Kap Arkona. The smaller was built in 1827 and is now a museum. The larger was built in 1902 and is still in use.

Jasmund Peninsula

The northeast of the peninsula is occupied by the Stubnitz forest of beech trees, which continues down to the sea, interrupted by dazzling white chalk cliffs. The symbol of Rügen, they inspired artists like Caspar David Friedrich.

Nationalpark Jasmund

An attractive walk starts at the viewpoint of Königsstuhl (king’s seat; 119 m/390 ft), continues along the Hochuferweg (cliff-top walk), past Victoriasicht and Wissower Klinken viewpoints, to end at Sassnitz.

Ostseebad Binz

Rügen’s largest and most popular seaside resort, Binz has a beautiful white beach, grand early 20thcentury villas and a pier.

Putbus

This elegant late Neo-Classical town was planned after 1807 on the model of Bad Doberan. Its centrepiece is the theatre, which was built in 1819 to a design by Wilhelm Steinbach.

STAR SIGHTS

. Nationalpark Jasmund