Baltic Sea island Rügen: sights, beach & more.

Baltic Sea island Rügen: sights, beach & more.

Community-Rating:
/5

Long sandy beaches, green beech forests and imposing chalk cliffs - the Rügen attractions inspire with their diversity. Whether you are camping on Rügen, booking one of the many houseboats on Rügen or spending your Rügen vacation in accommodation in one of the picturesque seaside resorts, the island of Rügen has a lot to offer for every vacationer. But where is Rügen anyway? The popular Baltic Sea island is located northeast of Stralsund and belongs to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Let's go to the largest island in Germany!

Your new favorite place: The fishing village of Vitt.

You can find pure Baltic Sea idyll in the small fishing village of Vitt on Cape Arkona. The historic village with its 13 listed buildings nestles into a depression on the shoreline of the well-known steep coast in the north of Rügen. Here you can take a break on a tour to Cape Arkona and let the history of the place work its magic on you. For cyclists, there is a moderate circular route of approximately 51 km from Glowe. After about 17 km you reach Vitt and after another 3 km already the Cape Arkona with its lighthouse. Spectacular views included!

Coasts, Beaches & Harbours

Island landmark Königsstuhl and chalk cliffs.

This excursion is really part of every Rügen vacation: The Jasmund National Park with the famous chalk cliffs. In the National Park Center Königsstuhl you can visit the adventure exhibition or experience thrills and phenomenal views on the Skywalk. Hikers and cyclists have the agony of choice on the Jasmund peninsula: On numerous hiking and biking trails, you can explore the surroundings. You have a particularly great view of the Königsstuhl from the Victoria Viewpoint. A boat trip to the chalk cliffs is also a unique experience.

Meadows & Forests

Baltic Sea island from above: Rügen treetop walk.

A special view awaits you at a Rügen attraction near Binz: the Rügen treetop walk. The path, which is popular not only with families with children, winds a total of 1,250 m over the canopy of the forest and at its highest point is 17 m above the forest floor. The highlight is the tower with viewing platform, which was built around a large beech tree in the style of an eagle’s nest. From here you have a fantastic panoramic view of the different landscapes on the island. Extra tip for campers: If you are traveling with a mobile home, you will find the luxurious camping and holiday resort Regenbogen in Göhren nearby. A great address for wellness on Rügen.

Meadows & Forests

Water sports, sunbathing & much more at the beach resort of Binz.

This place must also not be missing from our Places of Germany tips: the Binz beach resort. At the well-kept Binz beach you can swim, sail, surf, water ski or go stand-up paddling. If you prefer it a little more relaxed, you can relax in one of the numerous beach chairs or simply lie in the sun. At the Binz dog beach, even the four-legged friends can get their money’s worth. And of course, strolling is also part of the experience in Binz. The perfect place for this is the 4.2 km long beach promenade with its impressive villas and cozy cafes and restaurants. Perfect for cyclists: All buses in Binz also take bicycles.

Towns, Villages & Squares

Excursion destination & fishing on Rügen: Binz pier.

As one of the landmarks of the Baltic Sea island, the Binz pier is a popular photo motif for tourists. Here you can stroll and watch excursion boats that depart towards the chalk cliffs. Along the beach promenade, you will find numerous hotels and vacation apartments, as well as bars and restaurants for a small refreshment. For surfcasters, the Binz pier is a dream: due to the sea depth of 5 to 6 meters, you can also fish here wonderfully in bad weather conditions. But be careful: During the high season, this is only allowed between 10:00 pm and 9:00 am.

Coasts, Beaches & Harbours

Day trip near the Granitz hunting lodge.

A bit of history, a breathtaking view, and unique nature await you at the Granitz hunting lodge. In the middle of the green beech forests of the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve, the impressive Renaissance-style castle is located. Here you can visit the Castle Museum, see an interesting exhibition about the life of the princely family, and climb the castle tower’s 154 steps. From a height of 38 m, you have a unique panoramic view over the island. You can then take a short break in the castle cellar’s Wirtshaus. The journey to the hunting lodge alone is a highlight, especially for children. Take the “Rasender Roland”, a historic narrow-gauge railway, in style to the castle.

Palaces

Rügen with children: Sellin.

The second-largest seaside resort of Sellin on the island impresses above all with its historic spa architecture and the total 3.5 km long dream beach. This is very child-friendly, so families with children can spend relaxed beach days here without any worries. A popular excursion destination is also Karls Erlebnisdorf in the nearby Zirkow, a strawberry farm and amusement park with many opportunities to play and romp around. By the way, dogs are also welcome here. In bad weather, the “Ahoi Rügen” indoor swimming pool in the Seepark Sellin is ideal for families. You can also play mini-golf on Rügen in the nearby area. Boredom is guaranteed to be avoided.

Towns, Villages & Squares

Rügen attractions: The Sellin pier.

It clearly counts among the most famous landmarks of Rügen Island alongside the Chalk Cliffs and Cape Arkona – the Sellin Pier. With its impressive bridge house, it is a popular attraction and photo motif. And there is almost always something going on here. More than 100 events take place on the pier every year, from sports events to concerts. Another highlight alongside the fantastic view from the pier is the Sellin diving gondola. At the end of the pier, you can dive down into the sea and explore the fascinating underwater world. Also, those who like it romantic will feel right at home here. Sitting with your feet in the sand on the beach and enjoying the sunset with a view of the pier – perfect for any vacation for two.

Coasts, Beaches & Harbours

Hiking on Rügen at Sellin beach.

The main beach at the Sellin pier is a paradise for everyone: relaxing in a beach chair, playing beach volleyball with friends, or splashing around with children – everything is possible here. If you are traveling on Rügen with a dog, you can let your four-legged friend run around in a designated area in shallow water. From the Sellin beach promenade, you can also embark on a beautiful hike to Göhren. Depending on your mood, you can choose between the 6 km or the 12 km long round trip. The route leads over the Göhren Nordperd and back through the Baaber Heide. This way, you get to know all the scenic facets of Rügen.

Coasts, Beaches & Harbours

UNESCO World Heritage Site Stralsund Old Town.

Many visitors to Rügen drive through Stralsund to get to the island via the Rügen Bridge. However, the Stralsund Old Town itself is also worth a visit. Most of Stralsund’s sights are located in the Old Town, so you can easily explore it on a day trip from Rügen. The heart of the Old Town is at the Hanseatic Old Market. Here you will find not only cozy cafes and restaurants but also the historic town hall, the Wulflamhaus in the style of North German Brick Gothic architecture, and the St. Nikolai Church – Stralsund’s oldest church. The eventful history of the Hanseatic city is palpable at every turn. No wonder the Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002.

Towns, Villages & Squares

Bird’s eye view of Stralsund: St. Mary’s Church.

The silhouette of Stralsund is mainly determined by the many churches of the city. Particularly striking is the St. Mary’s Church in Stralsund. Today, the church measures an impressive 104 m. Before a lightning strike in 1647, it is said to have been as high as 151 m, making it the tallest building in the world at that time. The ascent to the viewing platform at a height of 90 m is definitely worth it. From here, you have a unique view of the city and Strelasund as far as Rügen.

Monasteries & Churches

Ozeaneum, Speicher and harbor tour in Stralsund

If you have more than one day for your visit to Stralsund, you should plan a harbor tour with the White Fleet from the Stralsund Harbor. The ship sails over the Strelasund, passing under the Rügen Bridge, past Dämholm and the shipyard – a great experience. Exciting for vacationers of all ages is also the Ozeaneum Natural History Museum. The futuristic building immediately catches the eye on the Stralsund harbor island. The exhibition impressively shows the world of the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the Atlantic.

Rivers, Bridges & Lakes

Rügen attractions: Stralsund Gorch Fock

If you take a side trip to Stralsund, the famous German Navy’s sailing training ship Gorch Fock I is also worth a visit. The former prestige ship of the German Navy is located in the Stralsund city harbor and now houses a museum. Here you can stroll through the engine room, the restored captain’s salon, and the ship’s hospital and marvel at the double rudder. Even for children, this impressive ship is an experience that will stay in their memories for a long time.

Rivers, Bridges & Lakes

Darßwald – romantic and fairy-tale

Not far from Rügen and Stralsund, you will find a piece of jungle in the north of the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula. The Darßer forest is an extraordinary excursion destination with its impressive fauna and flora. Hiking tip: From the seaside resort of Prerow, several hiking trails lead towards Weststrand. On the main path, you will reach the Darßer Leuchtturm after about 5 km.

Meadows & Forests

Look towards Denmark from the Darßer Ort Lighthouse

For those who aren’t as mobile or are traveling with children, a carriage ride is a great alternative. Unfortunately, you cannot drive all the way to the Darßer Ort Lighthouse. A spiral staircase with 134 steps leads to the popular viewing platform. From here, you have a spectacular view over the forest and the Baltic Sea. On clear days, you can even see Denmark. But it’s not just the view that’s worth seeing. The lighthouse houses an outpost of the Ozeaneum Stralsund called Natureum. In an exhibition and an aquarium, you can learn more about the flora and fauna of the national park.

Coasts, Beaches & Harbours

Natural beach Darßer Ort Weststrand.

The Darß west beach is right behind the lighthouse. Especially in summer, it can get really crowded here. But if you walk a bit further along the beach, you can find a place where it’s less busy. Here, you can have a great picnic and go swimming. The natural beach with its crooked pines and tree stumps in the water is particularly popular with walkers and anyone looking for some solitude.

Coasts, Beaches & Harbours
Advertisment

Leave a Reply

Sharing is caring
Places of Germany

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know when there are new places, routes or something to win.