Island of Rügen

The Baltic Sea Paradise with the Famous Chalk Cliffs

Rügen, the largest island in Germany, impresses with its fine sandy beaches, sophisticated seaside resorts and imposing chalk cliffs.

A couple walks along the foot of the famous chalk cliffs on the island of Rügen, while the sunset lights up the sky in soft colors.

Noble spas and still modest fishing villages, cliffs of snow-white chalk and beaches of fine sand, dead-straight avenues and wild sea buckthorn hedges - today, Rügen is probably one of the most popular vacation destinations in Germany, mainly because of its diversity and uniqueness. Hikers and families, wellness vacationers and water sports enthusiasts all feel equally at home here.

The well-developed network of hiking and biking trails on Rügen leads past stone-aged megalithic tombs and hundred-year-old lighthouses, through ghostly beech forests and along sparkling lakes. Here, nature lovers can explore the largely untouched and pristine landscape, while water sports enthusiasts will find excellent conditions for sailing , surfing or diving. Rügen is famous for its stately beach villas, sweeping shell buildings and venerable piers . They are reminiscent of the time when Germany's largest island became a sophisticated seaside paradise.

The Most Beautiful Resorts on the Island of Rügen

Sellin - Summer Resort for the Eyes

When strolling through Sellin's Wilhelmstraße, the feeling of summer freshness flows through the guests, triggered by the healthy Baltic Sea air and the sight of the neat houses with their oriels, turrets and decorated verandas. The listed spa architecture gives the town its glamorous appearance - most famous of all is the imposing Sellin pier. Albert Einstein also enjoyed the local summer breeze while staying in the house "Johanneshorst" in July 1915. It is said that he succeeded in proving his theory of relativity only after his stay in Sellin.

Binz - Future Meets Past

In the island's largest seaside resort, magnificent villas peacefully coexist with the sculptural shell concrete buildings of the visionary Binz country architect Ulrich Müther. In addition to seaside vacationers, those interested in architecture are drawn to the seaside resort, which is characterized by history and modernity. Among other things, Müther's iconic rescue tower, reminiscent of a UFO, and the listed villa "Undine" can be admired here.

Sassnitz - Seaside Resort of the World

As Theodor Fontane once emphasized: "To travel to Rügen is to travel to Sassnitz"! Besides him, other prominent personalities also spent their summers in Sassnitz - among them Johannes Brahms and the Empress Auguste Viktoria. Even today, guests come to the state-recognized resort for swimming and hiking. Sassnitz is known for its wide sandy beaches as well as the centuries-old beech forests and chalk cliffs in the Jasmund National Park.

Baabe - Small and Fine

In addition to the 1.5-kilometer-long Baltic Sea beach, you can still find several thatched-roof houses here: a reminiscence of the origins as a fishing village with its small-scale development. Nevertheless, one building stands out: the former restaurant and disco "Inselparadies" - another creation of Ulrich Müther. As the first place at the Baltic Sea and in whole Germany the Baltic resort Baabe was distinguished in 2008 as "allergy-friendly municipality" and offers over 200 beds and/or accommodations certified as allergy-friendly.

Putbus - Circus and Theater

Culture and recreation meet in Putbus: While Prince Wilhelm Malte created a unique ensemble of architecture, art and landscape in Putbus, the oldest seaside resort of Rügen was opened in the district of Lauterbach. As the "City of Roses", botany enthusiasts and nature lovers have enjoyed the pleasantly fragrant rose bushes in front of the houses of the residential town since the reign of Prince Wilhelm Malte.

Contact Person on Site:

  • Tourismusverband Rügen e. V.
    www.ruegen.de
    Phone: +49 3838 807780

Discover Rügen & Hiddensee in Moving Pictures

The Best Activities on the Island of Rügen

Beach Vacation

If you are looking for a beach vacation , Rügen is the perfect choice. About 60 kilometers of finest sandy beach invite you to stroll, swim or just relax. Among them are also some insider tips of almost deserted stretches of coastline, where you can enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea in peace and quiet.

Hiking & Cycling

With the peninsulas Jasmund, Mönchgut and Wittow, Rügen offers numerous hiking and biking opportunities in the midst of nature. Often passing imposing chalk rock formations or through dense beech forests, cyclists and hikers can explore Rügen's unspoiled nature.

Boat Trips

Nowhere can Rügen be viewed better than from the deck of a boat. A boat tour takes you leisurely along Rügen's 600-kilometer coastline, or a day trip across the Baltic Sea takes you directly to the famous chalk cliffs. Rügen's eight shipping companies connect the island's Baltic Sea resorts with each other via scheduled services - so if you want to see as much of Rügen as possible, you shouldn't miss out on a boat trip.

Golf Vacation

Among golfers , Rügen is a real insider tip. If you want to combine your favorite sport with your vacation, the numerous golf courses on Rügen offer enough playing space and varied courses. The golf course in the Baltic resort of Binz, for example, measures 700,000 square meters - a paradise for golf vacationers!

On a Nostalgic Trip with the "Rasender Roland

You can travel comfortably from Goehren via Baabe and Sellin to Binz on the "Rasender Roland", the steam locomotive-powered Rügen baths railroad. Since the 19th century, the historic narrow-gauge railroad has connected the Baltic seaside resorts and takes travelers on a nostalgic ride - a very special event for young and old.

The Most Popular Destinations on Rügen

 

Jasmund National Park with Königsstuhl

The play of colors of the rugged cliffs with the snow-white chalk cliffs, the green beech forests and the blue Baltic Sea is impressive. The scenery in the Jasmund National Park, some of which is more than 60 million years old, is particularly captivating for nature lovers. Along the hiking trails you can explore a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Granitz Hunting Lodge

For those interested in culture and history, the Granitz hunting odge is an excursion destination not to be missed. Located in the municipality of Binz in the middle of the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve, you can still feel the imposing nature of the former hunting lodge of Prince Wilhelm Malte I. The eye-catcher is the floating spiral staircase in the central tower of the castle.

Cape Arkona & Fishing Village Vitt

As one of the northernmost places on Rügen, Cape Arkona is known for its three towers - the Schinkel Tower, the Beacon and the Sounding Tower. With its 45-meter-high cliff, the cape rises imposingly from the Baltic Sea. During a hiking tour to Cape Arkona, it is also worthwhile to pay a visit to the listed fishing village of Vitt.

Putbus Castle Park

Although the former Putbus Castle no longer stands, a visit to the castle park is still worthwhile for nature lovers and families. Count Moritz Ulrich von Putbus had numerous non-native plants planted here around 300 years ago - including a giant sequoia and a rare tree that bears two different types of leaves. Also of interest to children is the doll exhibition in the old monkey house, where over 200 dolls from 200 years of doll history can be marveled at.

Accommodation

on the island of Rügen

  1. © DJH MV / Danny Gohlke

    DJH Youth Hostel Sellin

    Read more: "DJH Youth Hostel Sellin"
  2. © Aquamaris/K. Grabowski

    Aquamaris beach residence Rügen

    Read more: "Aquamaris beach residence Rügen"
  3. © Ponyhof Rügen

    Pony farm Rügen

    Read more: "Pony farm Rügen"
  4. © Strandhotel Baabe

    Beach Hotel Baabe

    Read more: "Beach Hotel Baabe"
  5. Horseback riding with Reiterhof Groß-Stubben means above all enjoying nature, © Reit- und Fahrverein Poseritz e.V./ Thomas Krimmling

    Riding farm Groß-Stubben

    Read more: "Riding farm Groß-Stubben"
  6. Hotel view with sea view, © Jochen Tack, Hotel Bernstein

    Hotel Amber

    Read more: "Hotel Amber"
  7. Near the beach, the houses are scattered on the spacious area., © TMV

    Rugana Holiday Village

    Read more: "Rugana Holiday Village"
  8. Exterior view Zicker Manor, © Gut Zicker

    Manor house Zicker

    Read more: "Manor house Zicker"
  9. Parkhotel Rügen, © Parkhotel Rügen

    Parkhotel Rügen

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  10. Bio Pool with outside view, © Hiddenseezimmer

    Dune House Hiddensee

    Read more: "Dune House Hiddensee"
  11. © Celina Häfker

    Park Hotel Sellin

    Read more: "Park Hotel Sellin"
  12. im-jaich natural oasis Gustow, © Florian Melzer/im-jaich

    im-jaich natural oasis Gustow

    Read more: "im-jaich natural oasis Gustow"
  13. Ansischt Pension & Apartments Kastanienhof, © Kastanienhof

    The Chestnut Farm Pension & Apartments

    Read more: "The Chestnut Farm Pension & Apartments"
  14. © DJH MV / Danny Gohlke

    Jugendherberge Prora mit Zeltplatz

    Read more: "Jugendherberge Prora mit Zeltplatz"
  15. © TMV

    Rügen vacation homes on the high shore

    Read more: "Rügen vacation homes on the high shore"
  16. © Schillings Gasthof

    Schillings Inn

    Read more: "Schillings Inn"
  17. At the Tegelhof riding facility you can enjoy balmy summer evenings, © Reitanlage Tegelhof/ Werner Wahlich

    Riding facility Tegelhof

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  18. © Maike Budwig

    Vacation apartment MeerOstseeZeit

    Read more: "Vacation apartment MeerOstseeZeit"
  19. Exterior view Hotel Villa Schwanebeck, © Franke

    Hotel Villa Schwanebeck

    Read more: "Hotel Villa Schwanebeck"
  20. Rügen-Ferienhof: Breakfast on the terrace, © Rügen-Ferienhof

    Rügen vacation farm

    Read more: "Rügen vacation farm"
  21. Villa Rudenblick, © Nils Thorsten Volk

    Villa Rudenblick

    Read more: "Villa Rudenblick"
  22. © TMV/A. Wilken

    Restaurant and guesthouse "Zur Schaabe"

    Read more: "Restaurant and guesthouse "Zur Schaabe""
  23. Wonderful view of the Schaabe from the vacation apartment, © Cordula Schubert

    Vacation apartment Swallow's Nest

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Swallow's Nest"
  24. Landhotel Herrenhaus BohlendorfExterior view - entrance area, © Lieblingsplatz Hotels mbH

    Country Hotel Bohlendorf Manor

    Read more: "Country Hotel Bohlendorf Manor"
  25. Suite Hotel Binz exterior view, © Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Binz GmbH

    Suite Hotel Binz

    Read more: "Suite Hotel Binz"
  26. Directly on the kilometer-long sandy beach of Binz. Enjoy the sound of the sea and spend a vacation in the best location., © Rugard Strandhotel

    Rugard Strandhotel

    Read more: "Rugard Strandhotel"
  27. Front view Hotel Badehaus GoorDrive, © Mirko Boy/ hadiko

    Hotel bathhouse Goor

    Read more: "Hotel bathhouse Goor"
  28. © Schloss Ranzow / FotoArt Mirko Boy

    Hotel & Apartments Ranzow Castle

    Read more: "Hotel & Apartments Ranzow Castle"
  29. im-jaich Wasserferienwelt - vacation resort on the water, © Florian Melzer/im-jaich

    im-jaich Wasserferienwelt - vacation resort on the water

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  30. "Prince Jaromar" Hotel Resort & Spa, © Burwitz & Pocha GbR

    "Prince Jaromar" Hotel Resort & Spa

    Read more: ""Prince Jaromar" Hotel Resort & Spa"
  31. Aerial view of Precise Resort Rügen, © Precise Resort Rügen GmbH

    Precise Resort Rügen

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  32. © Grabowski/luftbildruegen.de

    DJH Youth Hostel Binz

    Read more: "DJH Youth Hostel Binz"
  33. Exterior view, © Schlosshotel

    Ralswiek Castle Hotel

    Read more: "Ralswiek Castle Hotel"
  34. Vacation home Binz, © www.binz-ferienhaus.de

    Vacation home Binz

    Read more: "Vacation home Binz"
  35. Welcome to the Strobel Manor - Experience a country vacation and enjoy wellness, © Gutshaus Strobel

    Strobel Manor

    Read more: "Strobel Manor"
  36. View of the experience farm Kliewe on the Rügen island Ummanz, © Erlebnis-Bauernhof Kliewe/Susanne Kliewe

    Experience farm Kliewe

    Read more: "Experience farm Kliewe"
  37. Our hotel Atrium am Meer is an ideal starting point for hiking tours on the Island of Rügen, © Albrechtshof Hotels

    Hotel Atrium by the sea

    Read more: "Hotel Atrium by the sea"
  38. Three bedrooms with TV, here no. 2, © Kathrin Koschwitz

    Vacation apartment Albert-INN-Glowe

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Albert-INN-Glowe"
  39. © TMV/Tiemann

    Hotel Four Seasons Binz

    Read more: "Hotel Four Seasons Binz"
  40. © Campingplatz & Ferienhausanlage Banzelvitz

    Banzelvitzer Berge campsite and vacation home complex

    Read more: "Banzelvitzer Berge campsite and vacation home complex"
  41. Restaurant view, © Friederike Hegner

    Family and Health Hotel Villa Sano

    Read more: "Family and Health Hotel Villa Sano"
  42. © Arkona Strandhotel

    Arkona Strandhotel

    Read more: "Arkona Strandhotel"
  43. Exterior view, © nymphe strandhotel & apartments GmbH & Co. KG

    nymph beach hotel & apartments

    Read more: "nymph beach hotel & apartments"
  44. 2-person apartment "Die Verträumte "Gallery apartment | 40 m² | living room with kitchen | 1 bedroom | shower | terrace, © Haus Düne31

    House Dune31

    Read more: "House Dune31"
  45. Our traditional 4-star hotel blends in harmoniously with the predominant brick architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage city., © Hotel Baltic/Henrike Schunck

    arcona HOTEL BALTIC

    Read more: "arcona HOTEL BALTIC"
  46. © Jugenddorf Wittow GmbH

    Youth Village Wittow

    Read more: "Youth Village Wittow"
  47. © TMV/Raff

    Farmer Long

    Read more: "Farmer Long"
  48. Vacation for the whole family on the farm, © Ostsee-Bauernhof-Hocke

    Baltic Sea-Farm-Hocke: 4*- vacation apartments & rustic party barn

    Read more: "Baltic Sea-Farm-Hocke: 4*- vacation apartments & rustic party barn"
  49. Exterior view, © Waldhotel Göhren GmbH

    Spa and Wellness Hotel Mönchgut

    Read more: "Spa and Wellness Hotel Mönchgut"
  50. Exterior view Travel Charme Nordperd & Villas, © Arne Nagel

    Travel Charme Hotel Nordperd & Villas

    Read more: "Travel Charme Hotel Nordperd & Villas"
  51. Üselitz Estate on the Island of Rügen, © Gut Üselitz / Ulrike Meutzner

    Üselitz Estate

    Read more: "Üselitz Estate"
  52. Gutshauskate, vacation under thatched roof, © Rittergut Streu

    Kate Manor Streu

    Read more: "Kate Manor Streu"
  53. © Schittko

    Hay Holiday Farm Altkamp

    Read more: "Hay Holiday Farm Altkamp"
  54. House Seeadler - exterior view, © Familienferienwerk LGV e. V.

    Evang. Familienferienwerk House Sea Eagle

    Read more: "Evang. Familienferienwerk House Sea Eagle"
  55. © AKZENT Waldhotel Göhren GmbH

    Akzent Waldhotel Göhren

    Read more: "Akzent Waldhotel Göhren"
  56. View guest house Astrids Strandmuschel, © Bernhard Franke

    Guest House Astrids Beach Shell

    Read more: "Guest House Astrids Beach Shell"
  57. © Maximilian Kajahn

    Hotel Kajahn Manor

    Read more: "Hotel Kajahn Manor"
  58. Exterior view Pension Haide-Hof, © Frau Bäder Weiderer

    Pension Haide-Hof

    Read more: "Pension Haide-Hof"
  59. Aerial view Cliff Hotel Rügen, © Cliff Hotel Rügen

    Cliff Hotel Rügen - Resort & SPA

    Read more: "Cliff Hotel Rügen - Resort & SPA"
  60. Krimvitz manor house on the island of Rügen, © Gutshaus Krimvitz / Mirko Boy

    Krimvitz manor house

    Read more: "Krimvitz manor house"
  61. The Vju Hotel Rügen warmly welcomes you, © Vju Hotel Rügen

    Hotel Hanseatic Rügen & Villen

    Read more: "Hotel Hanseatic Rügen & Villen"
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Top Excursion Destinations and Events

410 Ergebnisse
  • © KV

    Sunset SUP hike on the Sellin lake

    • Nächster Termin: 4/19/25
    • Alle Termine: 4/19/25 to 4/26/25
    • Am Bollwerk, 18586 Ostseebad Sellin

    A hike with a difference - and on the water, towards the sunset.

    Read more: "Sunset SUP hike on the Sellin lake"
  • © Kurverwaltung Binz/Christian Thiele

    Family tour: Living with the princely family

    • Nächster Termin: 2/5/25
    • Alle Termine: 10/23/24 to 2/5/25
    • Jagdschloss Granitz, 18609 Binz

    This guided tour is dedicated to the question: How did the princely family live in the Granitz hunting lodge back then? For children aged 5 and over and adults

    Read more: "Family tour: Living with the princely family"
  • © cb

    Seedorf harbor festival

    • Nächster Termin: 7/11/25
    • Alle Termine: 7/12/24 to 7/12/25
    • Marina, 18586 Seedorf

    In the beautiful marina in the small Sellin district of Seedorf, locals, vacationers, sailors, nature lovers and families celebrate the traditional harbor festival together this weekend in the middle of July.

    Read more: "Seedorf harbor festival"
  • © Karsten Kaie

    Karsten Kaie - Forget it!

    • Date: 12/28/24
    • Am Kurpark, 18586 Baabe

    After the huge success of "Caveman", "Lügen aber ehrlich" and "Ne Million ist so schnell weg" now finally the new solo program!

    Read more: "Karsten Kaie - Forget it!"
  • © Romantik Hotel Scheelehof

    "Scheels" - rustic cellar pub

    • Open today
    • Fährstraße, 18439 Stralsund

    Here you can comfortably end an eventful day.

    Read more: ""Scheels" - rustic cellar pub"
  • © Hafen- und Kurbetrieb

    Museum of local history Hiddensee

    • Kirchweg, 18565 Kloster

    The museum of local history, located in one of the oldest buildings in the village of Kloster, is one of the cultural focal points of the island of Hiddensee.

    Read more: "Museum of local history Hiddensee"
  • © Stefan Pocha

    Hiking spring 2025: Around Lake Sellin

    • Date: 4/17/25
    • Seeparkpromenade, 18586 Ostseebad Sellin

    Guided hike with information on history, landscape and culture. There is a separate charge for the ferry crossing in Moritzdorf. Distance: approx. 8 km.

    Read more: "Hiking spring 2025: Around Lake Sellin"
  • © Kurverwaltung

    Live music on the pier

    • Date: 3/22/25
    • Seebrücke, 18586 Sellin

    directly on Sellin's main beach.

    Read more: "Live music on the pier"
  • © Kurverwaltung Goehren

    8th Viking Days

    • Nächster Termin: 8/29/25
    • Alle Termine: 8/29/25 to 8/31/25
    • Bernsteinpromenade, 18586 Ostseebad Göhren

    Authentic Viking camp life, show fights, lots of crafts, fire shows & medieval live music.

    Read more: "8th Viking Days"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Sellin pier

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Seebrücke, 18586 Sellin

    The Sellin pier leads almost 400 meters out to sea. Since 1998, the dream castle by the sea has once again become a landmark of the Island of Rügen. Whether in the light-flooded palm garden, which extends over two floors, or the imperial pavilion reminiscent of the twenties, you always enjoy the free view of the sea and the beach, surrounded by an eventful gastronomic ambience.

    Read more: "Sellin pier"
  • © Kurverwaltung Goehren

    Mönchgut Herring Festival

    • Nächster Termin: 5/3/25
    • Alle Termine: 5/3/25 to 5/4/25
    • Bernsteinpromenade, 18586 Ostseebad Göhren

    Maritime event in a cozy atmosphere with musical and cultural program items - exciting stories - selected culinary delicacies.

    Read more: "Mönchgut Herring Festival"
  • © NZK

    Men's Day at the UNESCO World Heritage Forum

    • Date: 5/29/25
    • Waldhalle, 18546 Sassnitz

    We invite you to a nice family day in the middle of the world heritage. Look forward to a colorful program for young and old with live music, play action and delicious food from the grill.

    Read more: "Men's Day at the UNESCO World Heritage Forum"
  • © Biosphärenreservatsamt Südost-Rügen

    Discover the forest and beach with the ranger

    • Nächster Termin: 2/5/25
    • Alle Termine: 2/5/25 to 2/12/25
    • Heinrich-Heine-Straße, 18609 Ostseebad Binz

    Children's hike with a ranger from the age of 6. The little naturalists learn to experience the forest with all their senses.

    Read more: "Discover the forest and beach with the ranger"
  • © Oskar Manigk

    Oskar Manigk

    • Nächster Termin: 12/27/24
    • Alle Termine: 12/7/24 to 1/26/25
    • Circus, 18581 Putbus

    PICTURES

    Read more: "Oskar Manigk"
  • © pixabay

    Carnival party in Baabe

    • Date: 2/15/25
    • Am Kurpark, 18586 Baabe

    It's finally time again! In the large hall of the Haus des Gastes, people have fun and shake a leg together.

    Read more: "Carnival party in Baabe"

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Discover Hiddensee & Rügen

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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