Rügen Travel Guide (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Rügen

Rügen is the largest island in Germany and is situated in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, in the Baltic Sea. The island is known for its pristine beaches, charming seaside towns, majestic chalk cliffs, and vast national parks. With its beautiful natural landscape, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor adventures, Rügen has become a popular destination for travelers visiting Germany.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will walk you through the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay during your Rügen trip. We also include tips on local culture, food, and safety. So, keep reading to plan your perfect Rügen getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Rügen

Rügen has a lot to offer, which can be overwhelming to tourists. Here is a list of the must-visit places in Rügen, divided into cultural and natural attractions, along with the best hiking/biking trails and activities to do.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history buff or intrigued by cultural heritage, Rügen has several museums and historical places worth exploring.

Jasmund National Park: This ancient forest is home to several hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the famous Königsstuhl chalk cliffs, native beech forests, and unique flora and fauna.
Ralswiek Castle: The medieval castle hosts an annual summer festival showcasing local folk music, dance, and drama.
Putbus Theatre: This stunning neoclassical theatre offers outstanding performances and plays throughout the year.
Rügen Museum: The museum has a diverse collection of artifacts, including world-renowned Amber art, prehistoric stone and bone tools, and traditional fishing gear.

Natural Attractions of Rügen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

With its diverse landscape and ecological diversity, Rügen is a nature lover’s paradise. Here are some of the top natural attractions to explore:

Jasmund National Park: The park features a unique coastal landscape, including the world-famous chalk cliffs at Königsstuhl.
Binz Beach: One of the most popular beaches on Rügen, Binz is a sandy beach backed by a charming promenade with several restaurants and cafes.
Cape Arkona: This picturesque cliff offers stunning views across the Baltic Sea and an opportunity to see the oldest lighthouse in Germany.
Rasender Roland: An old steam train that takes you through charming small towns, forests and the seaside.
Kreidefelsen coastline: A scenic walk to see the famous scenery surrounded by deep blue water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rügen

Rügen’s diverse geographic and ecological landscape offers several hiking and biking trails that will take you through forests, countryside, and picturesque towns.

Coastal Trail: A 200 km trail that runs along the coast of Rügen, taking you through spectacular chalk cliffs and natural beaches.
Granitz Hunting Lodge Trail: A picturesque trail that will lead you through the Buchenwald forest to the Granitz Hunting Lodge, a stunning castle-like building.
Rügen Cycling Trail: A 250 km cycle route that runs through the heart of Rügen, taking in the island’s most beautiful landscapes, countryside, and towns.

Best Things to Do in Rügen: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, Rügen offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do:

Sailing tours: Explore the coastline of Rügen aboard a sailing ship, taking in the stunning views and fresh sea breeze.
Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle through the Rügen National Park or other scenic lakes.
Cultural tours: Take a guided tour through Rügen’s charming fishing villages, historical towns, and cultural landmarks.
Swimming and beach activities: Relax on the sandy beaches, enjoy water activities such as surfing, swimming, or even kite surfing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rügen

Rügen can be explored in a single-day trip, but we recommend spending at least a week to fully experience the island’s unique charm. Here’s a week-long itinerary for Rügen, so you can make the best use of your time:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Arrive at Rügen, check-in at your hotel, explore the town of Binz
Day 2	Visit Jasmund National Park, see Königsstuhl chalk cliffs, take a hike or bike ride on one of its scenic trails
Day 3	Visit Sellin pier, spend time relaxing on the beach, go swimming or try a beach activity
Day 4	Take a cultural tour of Rügen’s historical landmarks, visit town of Putbus
Day 5	Visit the Cape Arkona, the oldest lighthouse in Germany, have lunch in Sassnitz
Day 6	Take a sailing or kayaking tour on the Baltic Sea or go for Readender Roland train
Day 7	Explore more of Rügen’s small towns, beaches, souvenir shopping and departure from Rügen

Food and Drink Scene of Rügen

German cuisine is a blend of regional and traditional specialties. Rügen offers several dishes worth trying, along with some unique local drinks and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

Fish specialties: Rügen is known for its fresh and locally caught fish, and you must try smoked herring, Fischsuppe, and Solja (a fish dish with mustard sauce).
Rügen Klops: Meatball dish with crispy potato crust
Zwiebelkuchen: Onion and bacon pie
Rügenwalder: Klopse Meatballs with Hamburg Sauce.

Local Beverages

Rasender Roland Bier: A locally brewed beer named after the famous steam train.
Rügen Fisch Schnapps: Schnapps made from northern German herbs and spices with a base of fish.
Kilch: A herb-based tea, commonly drank in Rügen.

Where to Stay in Rügen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Choosing the right accommodation - hotel, hostel or guesthouse - can make or break your trip to Rügen. Here are some of the best places to stay on the island:

Grand Hotel Binz: A 5-star hotel situated near the pier, which offers a spa and wellness center.
Pension Sanddorn: A guest house that provides a tranquil and cozy environment near the beach.
Rügen Hostel and Hotel: A budget-friendly hostel situated near the Rügen train station suitable for solo travelers.

What to Buy in Rügen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rügen has a unique and diverse artisanal and antique market that offers a wide range of souvenirs and local products. Some of the most recommended items to take home are:

Amber Jewelry: Rügen is a famous nesting source of Baltic Sea Amber, which is considered one of the best worldwide.
Traditional Fishermen’s Gear: Local vendors often sell traditional fishing gear, including ropes, nets, baskets and fish traps.
Herbs and Spices: Many local markets sell distinctive northern-German herbs and spices that you can bring home to use in your cooking.

Local Culture and Customs of Rügen

Germans are known for their punctuality, and Rügen locals are no different. It is polite to arrive on time for any appointment or tour and notify your guide if you’re running late. Additionally, Rügen has a very eco-conscious culture, and you are expected to clean and recycle after yourself while enjoying outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Rügen

The best time to visit Rügen is between June and August, where you can experience the warm summer weather and long daylight hours. However, it’s also the busiest season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) offer mild temperatures and colorful landscapes, perfectly suitable for nature lovers. Winter in Rügen (November-February) brings unique events such as the annual herring festival in Sassnitz and winter walks along the shore.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rügen

Do:

Be respectful of the local natural environment and people.
Try to learn basic German words if possible.
Clean up after yourself, recycle and dispose of waste in the right container.
Honouring local customs and traditions and following dress codes accordingly during your visit.

Don’t:

Don’t trespass or litter while exploring Rügen’s natural beauty.
Don’t miss your public transportation or meet up times, especially regarding scheduled tours.
Avoid using single-use plastics, and opt for refillable water bottles during tours and hikes.

Safety and Health

Rügen is a relatively safe destination, with low reported levels of crime. However, it’s always better to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re out at night. In case of medical emergencies, Rügen has several hospitals and clinics around the island.

Safety in Rügen

Beware of sudden wave surges when swimming.
Be careful when biking or hiking on steep terrain.
Don’t leave your valuable belongings unattended while on the beaches.

Health in Rügen

Use protective clothing and sunscreens to prevent sunburn.
Check for ticks after hiking or staying in the forested areas.
Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated.

Getting to Rügen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rügen is accessible by several means of transportation, including buses, trains, ferries, and cars.

Airports Near Rügen

Rostock-Laage (RLG) airport near Rügen offers flight connectivity within Europe and is around 131 km away from Rügen.

Bus Stations Near Rügen

Binz ZOB: The island’s central bus station, situated near Binz train station.
Bergen auf Rügen ZOB: Another significant bus station situated on the main island’s Westside.

Other Options

Trains: With the Rasender Roland train, you can reach from nearby towns and cities in Germany.
Ferries: During summers, several ferries take you to and from surrounding islands.
Cars: Rügen is easily accessible by car. You can rent vehicles from major car rental services.

How to Get Around in Rügen

Public transportation in Rügen is relatively safe, reliable, and affordable. The public transportation system consists of buses and trains, which connect various towns and cities on the island. You can also rent a bicycle, moped, or motorcycle to get around the island at your leisure. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, but can be costly.

Where to Go Next from Rügen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Rügen, you can visit other parts of Germany, such as Berlin, Hamburg, or Lübeck. You can also visit nearby Baltic islands Voyeur and Hiddensee by ferry or Bremerhaven on the coast of the North Sea.

Conclusion

Most tourists who visit Rügen are looking for a natural escape and relaxation in charming seaside towns. Whether you’re hiking and biking through the woods, lounging on beaches, or exploring historical landmarks, Rügen has something to offer for everyone. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to Rügen, and make your perfect vacation a reality. Remember to respect traditions, ensure the preservation of natural environments, and enjoy the island’s unique culture safely.