Rügen Island: The Complete Guide

Rügen Island is one of Germany’s most beloved coastal destinations, offering dramatic chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside resorts. Located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the island is ideal for nature lovers, cyclists, and anyone looking to escape into tranquil landscapes. The Jasmund National Park is a highlight, home to the famous Königsstuhl (King’s Chair) cliff and ancient beech forests that are perfect for scenic hikes. Coastal towns like Sassnitz and Sellin offer easy access to the sea and are known for their traditional architecture and relaxed pace of life.

The island’s mix of natural beauty and cultural flair makes it a unique destination for all seasons. Visitors can enjoy long walks along the beach promenades, explore historic piers like the one in Sellin, or take a nostalgic ride on the narrow-gauge steam train, Rasender Roland. The resort towns are full of cozy cafés, fresh seafood, and spa hotels, making Rügen not just a place to see—but a place to unwind. Whether you’re after outdoor adventure or coastal calm, Rügen offers an unforgettable island escape.

History of Rügen Island

Rügen Island: Prehistoric and Early Settlements

The history of Rügen Island begins in prehistoric times, with archaeological findings indicating human presence as early as the Stone Age. Various ancient tribes, including the Germanic Rugii and later Slavic tribes, left their marks on the island’s landscape. Burial mounds, megalithic tombs, and other archaeological sites from this era remain visible today, especially around the Jasmund and Mönchgut regions. These early communities thrived on fishing, farming, and trade, laying the foundation for the island’s future significance.

Rügen Island: Slavic Rule and the Ranen Period (8th–12th Century)

From the 8th century onward, Rügen was inhabited and ruled by the West Slavic tribe known as the Ranen. They established their religious and political center at Cape Arkona, where a grand temple to the god Svantevit stood. The Ranen were known for their naval strength and conducted raids across the Baltic. Rügen became a spiritual center for the Slavic world until the Danish King Valdemar I conquered the island in 1168, destroying the temple at Arkona and initiating the Christianization of the island.

Rügen Island: Danish and Pomeranian Rule (12th–14th Century)

Following the Danish conquest, Rügen became a principality under Danish overlordship and was gradually integrated into the Christian world. Churches were built, monastic orders were introduced, and German settlers began arriving on the island. During this period, Rügen was governed by native princes who recognized Danish authority but ruled locally. Over time, the island’s control shifted to the Duchy of Pomerania, marking the end of the native Rügen princely line by the early 14th century.

Rügen Island: Hanseatic Influence and Swedish Period (14th–19th Century)

During the late Middle Ages, Rügen experienced the growing influence of Hanseatic cities like Stralsund, which held economic and political sway over the island’s affairs. In the aftermath of the Thirty Years’ War, Rügen, along with Western Pomerania, came under Swedish control in the 17th century. Swedish rule brought about administrative changes and further integration into northern European trade networks. This period lasted until the early 19th century, shaping Rügen’s cultural and architectural landscape.

Rügen Island: Prussian Era and Rise of Tourism (19th–20th Century)

In 1815, Rügen became part of the Kingdom of Prussia, aligning it with mainland developments in infrastructure and governance. The 19th century marked the beginning of Rügen’s transformation into a tourist destination. With the expansion of railroads and steamship routes, visitors from Berlin and beyond began to arrive, drawn to the island’s natural beauty. Seaside resorts like Binz, Sellin, and Göhren flourished, and Rügen gained a reputation as a fashionable retreat for the German elite.

Rügen Island: 20th Century to Present Day

The 20th century brought significant change to Rügen, from the disruptions of two world wars to the division of Germany during the Cold War. Under East German rule, tourism remained important, but the island also housed military installations and was subject to state-planned development. After reunification in 1990, Rügen reemerged as a top destination, with efforts focused on restoring historic villas, improving infrastructure, and preserving natural areas. Today, Rügen Island blends a rich cultural legacy with a thriving tourism economy, offering a unique look into both past and present.

Visiting Rügen Island for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Rügen Island on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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1. Rügen Island: Königsstuhl and Jasmund National Park

Königsstuhl, the iconic white chalk cliff rising over the Baltic Sea, is the crown jewel of Jasmund National Park. Surrounded by ancient beech forests, this dramatic natural landmark offers sweeping views and a sense of serene isolation. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas from the viewing platform or explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the UNESCO-listed park.

The park itself is a haven for nature lovers, with well-maintained trails, educational exhibits, and guided tours available. The combination of sea cliffs, dense woodland, and rich biodiversity makes it a perfect destination for photographers, hikers, and families alike. Jasmund’s beauty changes with the seasons, offering something new on every visit.

2. Rügen Island: Binz Seaside Resort

Binz is one of Rügen’s most elegant and popular seaside resorts, known for its Belle Époque architecture, wide beach promenade, and vibrant atmosphere. The sandy beach stretches for kilometers, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or just strolling along the shore. The historic Kurhaus and the pier add to the town’s classic charm, evoking the glamour of early 20th-century beach holidays.

Beyond the beach, Binz also offers access to the Schmachter See and the nearby Granitz Forest, home to the Granitz Hunting Lodge. Cafés, restaurants, and boutiques line the promenade, making it a lively yet relaxing place to spend the day or base yourself while exploring Rügen Island.

3. Rügen Island: Cape Arkona

Cape Arkona sits at the northern tip of Rügen and is famous for its rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and Slavic history. Visitors can walk or cycle from the nearby village of Putgarten, as cars are restricted in the area. Two historic lighthouses and a former naval command bunker are open to the public, offering a fascinating mix of history and sweeping sea views.

The area is steeped in ancient history, once home to the Slavic temple fortress of the Ranen tribe. Today, you can still visit the nearby Jaromarsburg ruins and feel the historic weight of the landscape. It’s a great place to combine scenic walking with a deep dive into Rügen’s pre-Christian past.

4. Rügen Island: Sellin Pier (Seebrücke Sellin)

Sellin’s iconic pier is one of Rügen’s most photographed landmarks, stretching 394 meters into the Baltic Sea. The charming building at its entrance houses a restaurant with stunning sea views, while the pier itself serves as a hub for boat tours and seaside relaxation. Its fairytale appearance, especially when illuminated at night, creates an unforgettable coastal scene.

The town of Sellin complements the pier perfectly, with a picturesque main street that leads from the forested highlands down to the beach. The resort’s elegant spa architecture and clean, quiet beaches make it a favorite for couples and families seeking a more refined holiday experience on Rügen Island.

5. Rügen Island: Rasender Roland Steam Railway

The Rasender Roland is a narrow-gauge steam train that runs between Putbus, Binz, Sellin, Baabe, and Göhren. This nostalgic journey through forests and coastal resorts offers a unique way to experience Rügen at a slower pace. The rhythmic chug of the train and the vintage carriages evoke a sense of timeless travel.

It’s not just about the destination—the ride itself is the main attraction. Kids and train enthusiasts will especially enjoy the experience, and the stops along the way provide opportunities to explore several of Rügen’s top resorts without needing a car. It’s a delightful piece of working history still going strong.

6. Rügen Island: Granitz Hunting Lodge (Jagdschloss Granitz)

Located on a wooded hill near Binz, Granitz Hunting Lodge is a striking neo-Gothic castle surrounded by lush forest. Visitors can climb the 154-step cast-iron spiral staircase to the tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the island. The interior rooms have been beautifully preserved or restored, showcasing 19th-century furnishings and hunting trophies.

The lodge is accessible by foot, bike, or a tourist train from Binz, making the journey as charming as the destination. It’s one of the most visited castles in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and offers a mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventure that captures the spirit of Rügen.

7. Rügen Island: Prora Complex

Prora is a fascinating and controversial remnant of Nazi-era architecture, built as a seaside resort by the Third Reich but never used as intended. Stretching over four kilometers, this massive concrete structure now houses museums, a youth hostel, and modern holiday apartments. Visitors can explore the Documentation Center to learn about its complex history.

The beach in front of Prora is one of the most beautiful on the island—wide, clean, and less crowded than the ones in Binz or Sellin. Prora presents an intriguing contrast: a tranquil holiday destination with a deeply layered past, perfect for those interested in modern history and beach relaxation alike.

8. Rügen Island: Sassnitz Harbor and U-Boat Museum

Sassnitz is Rügen’s main harbor town and a great base for boat excursions to the chalk cliffs and Königsstuhl. The harbor itself has a pleasant promenade with cafés, seafood restaurants, and fresh sea breezes. It’s also home to one of Germany’s longest outer piers, perfect for a relaxed walk.

A major highlight is the U-Boot Museum, where visitors can board a real Soviet-era submarine and get a close-up look at life under the sea. Combined with the nearby Fischerei- und Hafenmuseum, Sassnitz offers a great maritime experience with educational value and engaging exhibits.

9. Rügen Island: Mönchgut Peninsula

The Mönchgut Peninsula is a more rural and serene part of Rügen Island, offering beautiful coastal landscapes, gentle hills, and traditional fishing villages. The area is protected as a biosphere reserve and is perfect for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Small harbors like Gager and Thiessow provide an authentic local experience.

This corner of Rügen feels untouched by mass tourism and is a haven for nature lovers. Beaches are quieter, and the rhythm of life is slower. Mönchgut is ideal for travelers seeking peace, natural beauty, and a sense of Rügen as it once was.

10. Rügen Island: Putbus and the Circus

Putbus is Rügen’s “white town,” known for its neoclassical architecture and elegant gardens. The town was developed as a cultural and spa destination in the 19th century and still retains an air of refinement. The central Circus—a circular green space lined with white houses—is unique in Germany and gives the town its distinctive layout.

Visitors can also explore the Putbus Theatre, the Orangerie, and the former palace park, now a landscaped public space. Putbus is also the starting point for the Rasender Roland steam railway, making it a convenient and picturesque place to start your Rügen adventure.