- National Park on Jasmund Peninsula:
The snow-white cliff "Königsstuhl" on the Jasmund peninsula rises 118 meters out of the Baltic Sea; for best views of the majestic cliff, take a boat tour around the peninsula and enjoy the perspective from the water.
Miles and miles of pristine beaches, many of them more than 130 feet wide; among them, you’ll find many designated nude beaches (look for the signs that say FKK). For a map of Rügen's family-friendly nude beaches, check out the Rügen Tourism Website. Rügen’s beaches also attract water sports fans from all over Germany; surfing, kiting, and sailing are especially popular here.
Sellin is a beautiful seaside resort with lots of elegant architecture, which dates back to the beginning of the 19th century; many villas and hotels here feature Art Nouveau elements like turrets, steeples, and wooden loggias. Highlight of Sellin's historic heart is the reconstructed Seebrücke from 1901, the longest pier on the island.
The northernmost tip of Rügen is famous for its lighthouses (one of them, built by Friedrich Schinkel in 1826, is the oldest lighthouse on the Baltic Sea coast); the picturesque fishing village Vitt, and the remains of a Slavic castle that was conquered and destroyed by the Danes in 1168.
On this little island west off Rügen, cars are banned, and the only way to get around is by bike, horse carriage or on foot – the ultimate cure for the city blues. Large parts of Hiddensee are designated nature conservation areas, and between steep rugged cliffs, white sandy beaches, salt marsh, and fisher villages, you’ll find the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Make sure you try one of Rügen’s culinary treats: Sanddorn (sea-buckthorns), little orange berries that grow on shrubs all over the dunes of the island. Sanddorn contains 15 times more Vitamin C than an orange and local Sanddorn products like jams, honey, juices, liquors, and oils make thoughtful souvenirs.
