White chalk cliffs rise 118 meters above Germany's largest Baltic island, where steam trains connect coastal towns, and 60 kilometers of sandy beaches stretch along the shore.
Rügen, Germany's largest Baltic Sea island, covers 926 square kilometers of Baltic coastline and forest. At Königsstuhl, white chalk cliffs tower 118 meters above the sea, while the century-old Rasender Roland steam train chugs between towns like Sellin, with its 394-meter wooden pier, and Binz, known for its white wooden villas. You'll find 60 kilometers of sandy beaches across the island, from the wide stretches of Schaabe to the secluded coves near Sassnitz.
Getting Around Rügen
You can travel across Rügen without a car using the island's public transportation network. Take the Rasender Roland steam train between Putbus and Göhren, or use the regular buses that connect to most villages and beaches. Cyclists can follow 800 kilometers of bike paths across the island, though surface conditions vary from paved roads to gravel tracks.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
The eastern shore from Sassnitz to Göhren has the most visited beaches on the island. Between Altenkirchen and Juliusruh, the Schaabe beach stretches up to 40 meters wide with fine white sand. Windsurfers and kitesurfers can choose from fifteen designated spots along the coast, with peak wind conditions during spring and autumn.
Jasmund National Park and Chalk Cliffs
Walk through ancient beech forests in Jasmund National Park's 3,000 hectares to reach the chalk cliffs, where Königsstuhl rises 118 meters above the Baltic Sea. You can view these white cliffs from marked hiking trails or take a boat tour from Sassnitz harbor. Boats depart daily between June and September.
Historic Seaside Resorts
The seaside towns preserve their 1800s resort architecture. Walk along Sellin's 394-meter wooden pier to find a restaurant and diving gondola. In Binz, white wooden villas line the streets, their balconies and turrets dating back to the 1800s. The town of Putbus maintains its classical buildings from its era as a princely seat.
Transportation Links
Intercity trains run directly from Binz to Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. The Rügendamm, a 2.4-kilometer road and rail embankment, connects the island to Stralsund on the mainland. From Rügen Airport, 8 kilometers outside Bergen, you can take sightseeing flights over the coastline and chalk cliffs.
