Germany’s largest island, Rügen, is probably bigger than you think. It was certainly bigger than I expected as my family tried to connect with our ancestral roots in this northern point.
Luckily, the trains were being worked, so we had to move by bus and we were a few days before the opening of the Christmas markets. Nonetheless, we decided to make the most of it and explore.
Rügen is known for its sandy beaches and chalk cliffs, but the chilly autumn air wasn’t exactly compatible with these plans, so we decided to keep our trips focused on the city. Here are the main cities of Rügen and their attractions.
mountains
Bergen, as its “mountain” name suggests, sits on a hill in the center of the island. At just 91 meters above sea level, it offers gentle views of the surroundings and the Baltic waters. To the northeast is Kleiner Jasmunder Bodden, to the southeast is Greifswalder Bodden and to the northwest is Lake Nonnensee.
The city centers on an old center, rebuilt after a disastrous fire. On the site of an ancient castle, current pieces include:
- Former Abbey Church, St. Mary’s , since 1168. Be sure to browse the wares at neighboring artist shops.
- The Benedix-Haus half-timbered architecture sites feature prominently in the center with colorful details. Dating from the 16th century, it is one of the oldest half-timbered houses on the island of Rügen. The traditional home of the bakers, it has been carefully maintained and renovated over the years. The site is hard to miss with the tourist information center also located here. Other stellar architectural examples include those at Klingenbergstraße 34 and 39 (pre-1709) and Kirchenplatz 13.
- Church of Saint Boniface , seat of the Roman Catholic Church on Rügen.
Bergen Süd (south) has more modern living quarters, including the East German staple of Plattenbauten.
Binz
The largest spa on Rügen is located between Prorer Wiek Bay and Schmachter See in the south-east. Its iconic resort architecture and natural beauty have attracted the majority of visitors since sunbathing became popular in 1875. The city is also close to the main attractions of Jasmund National Park.
Tourists can stroll along the seaside promenades and the 370-meter-long pier facing the beach and shop for Hauptstraße (“Main Street”) for seasonal treats. For something more on solid ground, the Jagdschloss Granitz (or Granitz Hunting Lodge) is an impressive mid-19th century schloss (castle) open to visitors.
Garz
The smallest and oldest town on Rügen, the city is located in the southern part of the island, near Bergen.
Here visitors can find the highest point on the island at the Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower . Built in 1877, its glass dome offers views of the Rugard forests and surrounding waters.
Putbus
Once the seat of royal power, Putbus offers the oldest resort on the island and official recognition as a resort town. Located on the southeast coast and founded in 1810 by Prince Wilhelm Malte zu Putbus (hence the name), he built a classicist park and palace here as his residence, as well as the Goor swimming baths in 1817. You can still visit a bath renovated into a private hotel, or visitors can take the open waters also popularized by the Prince in nearby Lauterbach.
Sassnitz
Sassnitz connects the island with Trelleborg, Sweden, and Rønne, Denmark, by ferry. Its natural splendor and ancient beech wood forests is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sell in
Another attractive seaside resort between Binz and Baabe on the east coast, this city has Art Nouveau features from the 19th century and past as the playground of the German elite. Explore the main street of Wilhelmstraße for glamorous architecture and modern shops and restaurants. The Seebrücke from 1901 is another attraction as the longest pier on the island at 400 meters.
Stralsund
Not actually located on the island, this gateway city is a destination unto itself. Read our full post on the city to discover its attractions.
