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. © TMV/A. Wilken

    Restaurant and guesthouse "Zur Schaabe"

    Read more: "Restaurant and guesthouse "Zur Schaabe""
  2. © Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Binz GmbH

    Suite Hotel Binz

    Read more: "Suite Hotel Binz"
  3. © Reit- und Fahrverein Poseritz e.V./ Thomas Krimmling

    Riding farm Groß-Stubben

    Read more: "Riding farm Groß-Stubben"
  4. © Jugenddorf Wittow GmbH

    Youth Village Wittow

    Read more: "Youth Village Wittow"
  5. © Maike Budwig

    Vacation apartment MeerOstseeZeit

    Read more: "Vacation apartment MeerOstseeZeit"
  6. © nymphe strandhotel & apartments GmbH & Co. KG

    nymph beach hotel & apartments

    Read more: "nymph beach hotel & apartments"
  7. © Erlebnis-Bauernhof Kliewe/Susanne Kliewe

    Experience farm Kliewe

    Read more: "Experience farm Kliewe"
  8. 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"
  9. © Frau Bäder Weiderer

    Pension Haide-Hof

    Read more: "Pension Haide-Hof"
  10. © Gut Zicker

    Manor house Zicker

    Read more: "Manor house Zicker"
  11. © Franke

    Hotel Villa Schwanebeck

    Read more: "Hotel Villa Schwanebeck"
  12. © TMV

    Rügen vacation homes on the high shore

    Read more: "Rügen vacation homes on the high shore"
  13. © Familienferienwerk LGV e. V.

    Evang. Familienferienwerk House Sea Eagle

    Read more: "Evang. Familienferienwerk House Sea Eagle"
  14. Üselitz Estate on the Island of Rügen, © Gut Üselitz / Ulrike Meutzner

    Üselitz Estate

    Read more: "Üselitz Estate"
  15. © DJH MV / Danny Gohlke

    DJH Youth Hostel Sellin

    Read more: "DJH Youth Hostel Sellin"
  16. Aerial view of Ranzow Castle area, © Schloss Ranzow / FotoArt Mirko Boy

    Hotel & Apartments Ranzow Castle

    Read more: "Hotel & Apartments Ranzow Castle"
  17. © Precise Resort Rügen GmbH

    Precise Resort Rügen

    Read more: "Precise Resort Rügen"
  18. © Lieblingsplatz Hotels mbH

    Country Hotel Bohlendorf Manor

    Read more: "Country Hotel Bohlendorf Manor"
  19. © Mirko Boy/ hadiko

    Hotel bathhouse Goor

    Read more: "Hotel bathhouse Goor"
  20. © Hiddenseezimmer

    Dune House Hiddensee

    Read more: "Dune House Hiddensee"
  21. © TMV/Tiemann

    Hotel Four Seasons Binz

    Read more: "Hotel Four Seasons Binz"
  22. © Ponyhof Rügen

    Pony farm Rügen

    Read more: "Pony farm Rügen"
  23. © Maximilian Kajahn

    Hotel Kajahn Manor

    Read more: "Hotel Kajahn Manor"
  24. © Rittergut Streu

    Kate Manor Streu

    Read more: "Kate Manor Streu"
  25. © Bernhard Franke

    Guest House Astrids Beach Shell

    Read more: "Guest House Astrids Beach Shell"
  26. © Jochen Tack, Hotel Bernstein

    Hotel Amber

    Read more: "Hotel Amber"
  27. Exterior view, © Schlosshotel

    Ralswiek Castle Hotel

    Read more: "Ralswiek Castle Hotel"
  28. The AKZENT Waldhotel Göhren on the Island of Rügen directly on the beach, © AKZENT Waldhotel Göhren GmbH

    Akzent Waldhotel Göhren

    Read more: "Akzent Waldhotel Göhren"
  29. Baking yourself gives such pleasure, © TMV/Raff

    Farmer Long

    Read more: "Farmer Long"
  30. © Cordula Schubert

    Vacation apartment Swallow's Nest

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Swallow's Nest"
  31. © Vju Hotel Rügen

    Hotel Hanseatic Rügen & Villen

    Read more: "Hotel Hanseatic Rügen & Villen"
  32. © Haus Düne31

    House Dune31

    Read more: "House Dune31"
  33. © Rügen-Ferienhof

    Rügen vacation farm

    Read more: "Rügen vacation farm"
  34. © Gutshaus Strobel

    Strobel Manor

    Read more: "Strobel Manor"
  35. © Gutshaus Krimvitz / Mirko Boy

    Krimvitz manor house

    Read more: "Krimvitz manor house"
  36. © Cliff Hotel Rügen

    Cliff Hotel Rügen - Resort & SPA

    Read more: "Cliff Hotel Rügen - Resort & SPA"
  37. © TMV

    Rugana Holiday Village

    Read more: "Rugana Holiday Village"
  38. © Friederike Hegner

    Family and Health Hotel Villa Sano

    Read more: "Family and Health Hotel Villa Sano"
  39. © Schillings Gasthof

    Schillings Inn

    Read more: "Schillings Inn"
  40. © Campingplatz & Ferienhausanlage Banzelvitz

    Banzelvitzer Berge campsite and vacation home complex

    Read more: "Banzelvitzer Berge campsite and vacation home complex"
  41. © Celina Häfker

    Park Hotel Sellin

    Read more: "Park Hotel Sellin"
  42. © DJH MV / Danny Gohlke

    Jugendherberge Prora mit Zeltplatz

    Read more: "Jugendherberge Prora mit Zeltplatz"
  43. © Kastanienhof

    The Chestnut Farm Pension & Apartments

    Read more: "The Chestnut Farm Pension & Apartments"
  44. © Strandhotel Baabe

    Beach Hotel Baabe

    Read more: "Beach Hotel Baabe"
  45. © Hotel Baltic/Henrike Schunck

    arcona HOTEL BALTIC

    Read more: "arcona HOTEL BALTIC"
  46. © www.binz-ferienhaus.de

    Vacation home Binz

    Read more: "Vacation home Binz"
  47. © Parkhotel Rügen

    Parkhotel Rügen

    Read more: "Parkhotel Rügen"
  48. © Reitanlage Tegelhof/ Werner Wahlich

    Riding facility Tegelhof

    Read more: "Riding facility Tegelhof"
  49. © Rugard Strandhotel

    Rugard Strandhotel

    Read more: "Rugard Strandhotel"
  50. © Burwitz & Pocha GbR

    "Prince Jaromar" Hotel Resort & Spa

    Read more: ""Prince Jaromar" Hotel Resort & Spa"
  51. 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"
  52. © Nils Thorsten Volk

    Villa Rudenblick

    Read more: "Villa Rudenblick"
  53. im-jaich Wasserferienwelt - vacation resort on the water, © Florian Melzer/im-jaich

    im-jaich Wasserferienwelt - vacation resort on the water

    Read more: "im-jaich Wasserferienwelt - vacation resort on the water"
  54. © Arne Nagel

    Travel Charme Hotel Nordperd & Villas

    Read more: "Travel Charme Hotel Nordperd & Villas"
  55. © Schittko

    Hay Holiday Farm Altkamp

    Read more: "Hay Holiday Farm Altkamp"
  56. Exterior view of the Arkona Strandhotel, © Arkona Strandhotel

    Arkona Strandhotel

    Read more: "Arkona Strandhotel"
  57. © Aquamaris/K. Grabowski

    Aquamaris beach residence Rügen

    Read more: "Aquamaris beach residence Rügen"
  58. © Grabowski/luftbildruegen.de

    DJH Youth Hostel Binz

    Read more: "DJH Youth Hostel Binz"
  59. © Kathrin Koschwitz

    Vacation apartment Albert-INN-Glowe

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Albert-INN-Glowe"
  60. © Florian Melzer/im-jaich

    im-jaich natural oasis Gustow

    Read more: "im-jaich natural oasis Gustow"
  61. © Waldhotel Göhren GmbH

    Spa and Wellness Hotel Mönchgut

    Read more: "Spa and Wellness Hotel Mönchgut"
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Top Excursion Destinations and Events

381 Ergebnisse
  • Ocean Film Tour 2025 / Volume 11

    • Nächster Termin: 2/27/25
    • Alle Termine: 2/27/25 to 5/5/25
    • Hafenstraße, 18439 Stralsund

    The ultimate film event for all ocean lovers can also be experienced at the OZEANEUM in 2025! Packed with inspiring stories from the seven seas and the best water sports action of the year.

    Read more: "Ocean Film Tour 2025 / Volume 11"
  • © R.F. Leipzig

    Eco farm "Ranch at the peat bog

    • Am Törf, 18586 Göhren

    At the "Ranch am Torfmoor" you will get to know the native rough-wool Pomeranian sheep. Species-appropriate animal husbandry and ecological production are emphasized here. Try also the culinary delicacies.

    Read more: "Eco farm "Ranch at the peat bog"
  • Elaborate obstacles provide fun for young and old., © TMV/ Fischer

    Adventure dune golf Göhren

    • Nordstrand, 18586 Göhren

    Overlooking the Baltic Sea, the imaginatively and lovingly designed Adventure Golf course on the Island of Rügen offers many exciting challenges.

    Read more: "Adventure dune golf Göhren"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Pier Binz

    • 18609 Binz

    The Binz pier on the Island of Rügen, with a length of 370 meters, is the second longest pier on Rügen after the Sellin pier.

    Read more: "Pier Binz"
  • © Lars Wehrmann

    Ranger hike around Thiessow

    • Nächster Termin: 5/22/25
    • Alle Termine: 5/22/25 to 10/16/25
    • Hauptstraße, 18586 Thiessow

    Join our rangers on a guided hike around Thiessow

    Read more: "Ranger hike around Thiessow"
  • © Biosphärenreservatsamt Südost-Rügen

    Rügen Hiking Spring 2025: Experience the Thiessow nature trail

    • Date: 4/22/25
    • Dampferweg, 18586 Thiessow

    A ranger from the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve will take you on a hike along the Thiessow nature trail. Learn interesting facts about the culture, history, animals and plants of the region.

    Read more: "Rügen Hiking Spring 2025: Experience the Thiessow nature trail"
  • © © Nikolaj Lund

    For a coffee with Alexei

    • Date: 3/25/25
    • Strandpromenade, 18609 Binz

    Artist talk

    Read more: "For a coffee with Alexei"
  • © © Nikolaj Lund

    Opening concert

    • Date: 3/21/25
    • Park, 18581 Putbus

    Five Elements

    Read more: "Opening concert"
  • © © Jeanne Degraa

    The sound of dreams

    • Date: 3/23/25
    • Strandpromenade, 18609 Binz

    Music & Recitation

    Read more: "The sound of dreams"
  • © NZK-Christian Thiele

    Family Forest Festival at the UNESCO World Heritage Forum

    • Date: 9/28/25
    • Waldhalle, 18546 Sassnitz

    We invite you to a colorful family program in the middle of the Old Beech Woods! Look forward to an exciting program for young and old in the middle of the beautiful glade!

    Read more: "Family Forest Festival at the UNESCO World Heritage Forum"
  • © Design von Jacobguse.de

    Baltic Sea Trail Rügen - Move your life!

    • Date: 9/20/25
    • Wittower Straße, 18556 Juliusruh

    Experience a wonderful day of hiking in the beautiful countryside on the Island of Rügen. Pre-registration is possible online at www.ostseeweg.com and on the day of the event until shortly before the start.

    Read more: "Baltic Sea Trail Rügen - Move your life!"
  • © KV Mönchgut

    Legends - fall hike

    • Nächster Termin: 9/15/25
    • Alle Termine: 9/15/25 to 10/27/25
    • Zum Höft Parkplatz Ortseingang, 18586 Gager

    Legendary autumn hike in the Zicker mountains with nature guide René Geyer

    Read more: "Legends - fall hike"
  • © kv

    Spring cleaning in the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve

    • Date: 3/29/25
    • Warmbadstraße, 18586 Sellin

    Under the motto "Making a difference together - spring cleaning in the biosphere reserve".

    Read more: "Spring cleaning in the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve"
  • © KV Mönchgut

    Evening hike

    • Nächster Termin: 5/12/25
    • Alle Termine: 5/12/25 to 5/26/25
    • Zum Höft Parkplatz Ortseingang, 18586 Gager

    with legends and stories on the Zicker mountains into the sunset

    Read more: "Evening hike"
  • © Biosphärenreservatsamt Südost-Rügen

    Culinary hike through the Goor nature reserve

    • Date: 4/17/25
    • Am Yachthafen, 18581 Lauterbach

    A ranger from the biosphere reserve will take you on a hike through the Goor nature reserve. The hike ends with a stop at the Kormoran restaurant.

    Read more: "Culinary hike through the Goor nature reserve"

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Discover Hiddensee & Rügen

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Family tour of the Granitz hunting lodge on Rügen

    Read more: "Family tour of the Granitz hunting lodge on Rügen"
  2. Wellness on Rügen: Happiness booster for body and soul

    Read more: "Wellness on Rügen: Happiness booster for body and soul"
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    Beach bars on the Baltic coast and inland

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  4. Rügen's quiet west

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  6. Time out in fall and winter

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  7. Environmentally conscious vacation with children

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  8. Living tradition

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