Located on Germany's northeastern coast, this Baltic Sea port town serves as a gateway to Rügen island, with a harbor-side promenade, coastal forests, and local seafood restaurants.
Sassnitz sits on Germany's largest island, Rügen, alongside the Baltic Sea. You can walk along the 1,450-meter outer mole, explore the 118-meter chalk cliffs at Königsstuhl, or watch hundreds of butterflies at the Alaris Butterfly Park. The town connects to Jasmund National Park, where beech forests meet the sea, and includes unusual attractions like a British submarine that's now a museum.
Exploring Jasmund National Park
The Königsstuhl chalk cliffs extend 118 meters above the Baltic Sea. Artist Caspar David Friedrich painted these white cliffs in the 19th century, and today you can see them up close on hiking trails through ancient beech forests. Stop at the national park's visitor center to learn about how the cliffs formed and the plants and animals that live here.
Maritime Heritage and Port Life
The Sassnitz port includes Germany's easternmost deep water harbor and a 1,450-meter outer mole built between 1889 and 1912. The Glass Station ferry terminal still connects to Sweden and Northern Europe, continuing over 100 years of maritime routes. Visit the Fishing and Harbor Museum to see exhibits about local fishing methods and how the port shaped the region's economy.
Wildlife and Nature Experiences
At the Alaris Butterfly Park, opened in 2003, you can walk through a tropical environment surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies. The Sassnitz Wildlife Park, the only one on Rügen, sits near the edge of Jasmund National Park. You can also tour the HMS Otus, a former British submarine that's now a museum, to see how submarine crews lived and worked.
Local Events and Culture
The town celebrates several annual events throughout the year. During the Rügen Harbor Days in July, the harbor fills with three days of music and activities. The Midsummer Fire celebration connects Sassnitz with its Swedish twin town, Trelleborg. St. John's Church hosts concerts from June through September.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Trains run every hour between Sassnitz and Stralsund, taking under 60 minutes. From Sassnitz, you can easily reach other parts of Rügen, including small fishing villages and beach areas. The island has many cycling paths, and you'll find bicycle rental shops in town.
