Rügen, Germany’s largest island, is located in the northeast of the country in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Rügen has been one of Germany’s most popular travel destinations for centuries; Bismarck, Sigmund Freud, Thomas Mann and Albert Einstein vacationed here, and during the GDR, the island became the favored spot of the government’s top politicians like Erich Honecker.
Rügen is famous for its romantic seaside resorts and spas, which date back to the 18th century, quiet fisher villages, and spectacular landscapes. On the coast, there are mile-long beaches, many of them clothes-free, while in the heart of the island, you can follow the scenic drive “Alleenstrasse” along cobble-stoned avenues lined with century old trees. The main draw of Rügen are the snow-white chalk cliffs (Kreidefelsen), which were brought to fame by Germany’s Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich.
A great way to get around the island is by taking the "Rasender Roland” (Racing Roland), a historic steam train that connects the towns and sea resorts of Lauterbach, Putbus, Binz and Göhren.
Highlights of Rügen