A Walk around the Island of Rügen 2012Romantic paintings, coastal walks, fabulous beech forests |
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At almost 1 000 square kilometres Rügen is certainly
the largest and arguably the most beautiful of Germany's islands. It is an
island of contrasts, with a wide variety of landscapes. With a coastline of almost 360 miles, two National Parks and a biosphere reserve, Rügen is unique. Among the points of especial interest: the chalk cliffs in the Jasmund National Park, the Schinkel lighthouse at Kap Arkona, Granitz hunting lodge and the historic narrow gauge railway "Rasende Roland". |
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Rügen was of particular interest to the Romantic painters, such as
Caspar David Friedrich, and is one of four prime walking areas covered
in the BBC TV series
German Wanderlust featuring Julia Bradbury. The terrain is largely flat, or gently rolling, open countryside. There is no real climbing, apart from on day 4, spent mainly on the Jasmund peninsula. Walking the hills of the Jasmund National Park requires ascents of around 450 feet. Daily distances on this walk vary significantly, and often more than one route option is available. There is also reasonable public transport available, allowing you to shorten some of the days if you want. |
| Day 1. Arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Stralsund. |
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Day 2. Take the ferry across the sound of the Baltic to the small island of
Hiddensee which lies just off the main island of Rügen. Much of the island
lies within the National Park. Land at Neuendorf and walk north, exploring the heathland that makes up much of the island. Walk via Vitte to Kloster, from where you take another ferry to Breege on the Wittow peninsula at the north end of the main island (depending on the route you take, between 7½ and 10 miles). Day 3. The coastline in the north of Rügen consists mainly of chalk sea cliffs. The days walk follows the coast, at times along the top of the cliffs, sometimes along the beach. The route includes the northernmost tip of the island, Kap Arkona with its famous lighthouses and the Jaromarsburg, the remains of a slavic pre-christian fortified temple. From here there are fine views across the Baltic. Return to Breege for a second night (about 10 miles). |
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Day 4. Today you walk along the narrow spit of land towards Glowe,
the gateway to the Jasmund peninsula. You can walk either along the Baltic
coast, or alongside the lagoon. From Glowe to Hagen, either on foot or by
service bus. Hagen is on the edge of the Jasmund National Park, through which
the way continues to the best known chalk cliffs on the island, the
Königstuhl (King's Throne). One of Caspar David Friedrich's most famous paintings is a view of the Königstuhl. From here follow the superb coastal walk along the top of the chalk cliffs to the port of Sassnitz (about 13 miles). |
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Day 5. Today's destination is either Binz or Sellin, both attractive
resorts. You can walk all the way, along the coast and through forest, or
you can make the short sea journey from Sassnitz to Binz by ship (fare not
included). From Binz you can walk through the forest
to Granitz hunting lodge. Set at the top of hill and dominated by a fine
tower, the view from the top is magnificent. Continue over forested hills
either back to Binz or on to Sellin (from 6 to 16 miles). Day 6. As you return to the same hotel at the end of the day, you have considerable flexibility today. Start by walking from Sellin between the forest and the sea to Baabe, then across heathland to Göhren. For a really relaxing day, take the narrow gauge steam train back to Sellin. Alternatively, continue your walk through the Mönchgut peninsular (between 7 and 14 miles). |
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Day 7. From Sellin walk round the Selliner lake, then either alongside the
lagoon or across country to Putbus, known as the white town, and the home of the
lords of Putbus since the middle ages. While the castle no longer exists, visiting
the current neo-classical town, dating from the first half of the nineteenth century,
is an essential part of any trip to Rügen. At the end of the day, take the train
back to Stralsund (about 12 miles). |
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