Rügen: Germany's Baltic Gem

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Explore Germany's largest island: Rügen's chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, historic resorts, and natural beauty await your discovery.

Rügen, Germany's largest island, boasts a diverse landscape of chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside resorts. With a rich history spanning from Slavic settlements to Nazi-era developments, Rügen offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Rügen

Local tips

Explore the seaside resorts of Binz and Sellin for their stunning 19th-century architecture.
Visit Jasmund National Park to see the iconic Königsstuhl chalk cliff and ancient beech forests.
Take a nostalgic ride on the Rasender Roland, a historic narrow-gauge steam train.
Discover Cape Arkona's lighthouses and explore the island's Slavic history.
Sample fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in the coastal towns.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Stralsund, take a regional train to Bergen auf Rügen, the island's central hub. From Bergen, local buses connect to various towns and attractions. A single bus fare within Rügen typically costs €2-4. Consider purchasing a day ticket like the BernsteinTicket Rügen for unlimited travel on buses and trains. This ticket costs around €23 for one person.
Car

Rügen is connected to the mainland via the Rügen Bridge and Rügen Causeway from Stralsund. There are no tolls for crossing these bridges. Parking is available in most towns, with hourly rates ranging from €0.50 to €2.50. Daily rates near the beach can cost between €6 and €10. Parking in larger resort towns like Binz can be challenging, especially during peak season.
Ferry

Ferries connect Rügen to various destinations in the Baltic Sea. Ferries from Sassnitz to Bornholm cost from $50 (€40). Ferries also operate from Trelleborg and Ystad in Sweden to Sassnitz, with prices varying depending on the season and carrier. Check current schedules and fares before traveling.

Discover more about Rügen

Rügen, Germany's largest island, is a captivating destination in the Baltic Sea, offering a diverse landscape and a rich history. Located off the Pomeranian coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rügen has been a popular holiday destination for over 200 years. The island's varied coastline features dramatic chalk cliffs, extensive sandy beaches, and tranquil lagoons. Rügen's history dates back to the Stone Age, with the Slavic Rani tribe establishing a presence in the Middle Ages. The island has been under the rule of various powers, including the Danes, Swedes, and Prussians, before becoming part of Germany in the 1800s. This diverse past has left its mark on the island's architecture and culture. Seaside resorts like Binz and Sellin showcase elegant 19th-century architecture, reflecting the island's popularity as a Baltic spa destination. Jasmund National Park, Germany's smallest national park, protects the iconic Königsstuhl (King's Chair) cliff and ancient beech forests, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cape Arkona, at the island's northern tip, features historic lighthouses and remnants of a Slavic temple fortress. During the Nazi era, the massive Prora complex was constructed as a holiday resort, though it was never fully completed. Today, Rügen's blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a unique and unforgettable destination. Visitors can explore the island's diverse attractions, from the charming seaside towns to the stunning natural landscapes.