Rügen: The White Cliffs of the Baltic

Rügen is Germany’s largest and arguably most beautiful island. Located in the Baltic Sea, it is a place of dramatic contrasts: from the blinding white chalk cliffs of the Jasmund National Park to the elegant, lace-like architecture of the seaside resorts in Binz and Sellin. It is an island that has inspired painters like Caspar David Friedrich and continues to inspire millions of visitors today.

In 2026, Rügen retains its charm as a classic holiday destination. It feels like stepping back into a more refined era of travel. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it accessible, yet its size (nearly 1,000 km²) allows for endless exploration of its beech forests, lagoons (Bodden), and sandy beaches.

Why Visit Rügen in 2026?

Rügen offers a distinct “Baltic Riviera” vibe. In 2026, the restoration of the historic resort architecture is largely complete, and the island’s commitment to nature conservation is stronger than ever. The new “Skywalk” at the Königsstuhl offers a breathtaking, safe view over the chalk cliffs without damaging the eroding rock. It is a destination for those who appreciate nature, history, and wellness.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (July - August): The main season. The beaches (Strandkorb chairs everywhere!) are full, and the promenade in Binz is lively.
Spring & Autumn: Beautiful light and fewer crowds. The beech forests turn vibrant green or rusty orange.
Winter: Quiet and atmospheric. Many hotels offer wellness and spa packages.

How to Get There

By Car: Cross the impressive Rügen Bridge (Rügenbrücke) from the Hanseatic city of Stralsund.
By Train: ICE and IC trains run directly from Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich to Binz.
By Ferry: From Trelleborg (Sweden) to Sassnitz (Mukran).

Iconic Experiences & Sights

1. Jasmund National Park & Königsstuhl

The smallest national park in Germany, but famous worldwide. The ancient beech forests are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They meet the sea at the famous white chalk cliffs (Kreidefelsen). The view from the Königsstuhl (King’s Chair) is the iconic Rügen image.

2. Binz and the Pier

The largest resort town. It is famous for its Bäderarchitektur (Resort Architecture)—white wooden villas with ornate balconies and turrets. The 370-meter long pier is perfect for a stroll.

3. Sellin Pier (Seebrücke Sellin)

Arguably the most beautiful pier in Europe. It features a stunning “wedding cake” style building (a restaurant) right over the water. A diving gondola at the end allows you to see the underwater world of the Baltic.

4. Rasender Roland (Racing Roland)

A nostalgic steam train that has been running since 1895. It connects the resorts of Putbus, Binz, Baabe, Sellin, and Göhren. Riding this narrow-gauge railway through the forests at 30km/h is a must-do family experience.

5. Prora

A colossal building complex built by the Nazis as a “holiday camp” for 20,000 workers. It stretches for 4.5 kilometers along the beach. Today, it has been controversially transformed into luxury apartments, a youth hostel, and a museum. The scale is terrifying and fascinating.

6. Cape Arkona

The northern tip of the island. Features two lighthouses and an old Slavic fortress wall. It is windswept and rugged.

Where to Stay

Binz: The glamorous center. High-end hotels like the Kurhaus Binz.
Sellin: Elegant but slightly quieter than Binz.
Göhren: Family-friendly and located on a hill.
Sassnitz: A port town near the National Park, great for hikers.

Gastronomy: Fish and Sea Buckthorn

Fischbrötchen: The staple diet. Fresh herring, smoked eel, or shrimp in a roll.
Sanddorn (Sea Buckthorn): The “Lemon of the North.” This orange berry grows on the dunes. You will find Sanddorn juice, cake, jam, liqueur, and ice cream everywhere.
Rügener Kreide: Yes, you can eat the chalk (in medicine) or use it in spa treatments!

Sustainability & Störtebeker

Störtebeker Festival: An open-air theater spectacle in Ralswiek involving ships, horses, and fireworks, telling the story of the legendary pirate Klaus Störtebeker. It draws huge crowds.
Nature: Please stick to the paths on the cliffs. Erosion is dangerous and real.

Safety and Tips

Kurtaxe: Like Sylt, you must pay a daily “spa tax” to access the beaches in the main resorts. Keep your card with you.
Traffic: In summer, the main road (B96) can be a traffic jam. Use the train or “Rasender Roland” to hop between towns.
Nudism (FKK): Freikörperkultur is huge in East Germany. Designated nude beaches are common and marked “FKK”.

Rügen is grand. It combines the raw power of the Baltic nature with the delicate beauty of 19th-century architecture. It is Germany’s white pearl.