What to Do on Ruegen Island
Chalk Cliffs, Jasmund Park, and Rasender Roland Are Rügen Must-sees
While on Germany's Rügen Island, a Baltic Sea holiday destination, don't miss the dazzling chalk cliffs, Jasmund National Park, and historic Rasender Roland train ride.
Ruegen Island, the largest of Germany's islands, lies a short watery distance from the region of Mecklenburg. A Baltic Sea holiday zone with primarily European clientele, Rügen offers geographical sights and tourist activities unique to the island. After relaxing on the sandy white beaches and swimming in the Baltic Sea, be sure to put the following at the top of the "not-to-be-missed" list.
Rasender Roland Steam Train
The Rasender (Racing) Roland narrow gauge steam train is over 100 years old. It puffs and lurches and chugs its nostalgic, smokey way down a track that is only 750 mm wide and just over 24 km long. When the whistle wails, take a seat and watch the island pass slowly by, beyond the window.
The train travels between Gohren and Lauterbach, with stops at Binz and many other towns along the way. To go direct from one end of the line to the other takes about 2 hours but travelers will want to stop and see the many attractions enroute. A fun and historic way to see the sights of Rügen.
The Chalk Cliffs
The chalk cliffs run along 10 km of Ruegen's east coast, predominantly between the towns of Lohme and Sassnitz. Framed by dark green trees on top and azure Baltic seawater below, the dazzling white cliffs reach a height of 117 m, according to the Germany Tourism website. Perhaps the most famous feature of the island, the cliffs are located in Jasmund National Park.
Jasmund National Park
The park encompasses marshes, wetlands, dry grassland, the cliffs, and 8-century-old beech forests. Visitors may walk, hike, cycle, attend seminars or guided tours. According to the Germany Tourism website, the park also gives special "guided tours on themes such as Hertha, the Germanic goddess, and Störtebecker, a pirate said to have buried treasure there."
There are many ways to get to Jasmund. If coming from Binz, a scenic way to travel is on the ferry to Sassnitz. Then take the bus up to Jasmund's information centre. From there, choose to hike over to the cliff tops, down to the beaches below the cliffs, or countless other destinations within the park's confines.
Jagdschloss Granitz Castle
Built in the mid-1800s, and located in the town of Binz, the castle houses a museum and restaurant and serves as a popular wedding location in warmer months. Most days are clear in high-season, but be sure to go on a clear day. Then climb the spiral iron stairs to the top of the tower to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Island of Rügen.
Know what you want to do in Rügen but have no idea where to stay? Read Ruegen Island Baltic Sea Holiday for ideas.
Sources
Rasender Roland website (accessed January 10, 2008).
Germany Tourism website (accessed January 10, 2008).
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