Rügen

Insel Rügen (Rügen Island) is the perfect German island. It has drawn tourists throughout the years, from Otto von Bismarck to Sigmund Freud to Albert Einstein, perched above the Baltic Sea on stark white chalk cliffs (Kreidefelsen) and sandy beaches (some clothes-free). During the GDR era, the island was a favourite destination for the wealthy, including Erich Honecker, as well as the famous Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich.

Rügen, the most beautiful island, is Germany's biggest island and offers a diverse choice of activities ranging from swimming and surfing to sailing. The peninsula is home to Nationalpark Jasmund, the country's smallest national park. Königsstuhl (King's Chair), a 118-meter-high viewing platform, is located here. From here, you may observe ancient beech trees and flying birds.

Seaside resorts dot the shoreline as well, including Sassnitz and its museum submarine, Art Nouveau Sellin and its Seebrücke (pier) from 1901, and Binz, the island's main resort. Other highlights can be found in our Rügen town post. Visitors may take the picturesque Alleenstrasse through the center of the island, or they can take Rasender Roland (Racing Roland), the historic steam train that goes around the island.

Location: Rügen, Germany