Brief information
Some brief information
to the island of Rügen
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Some information about Rügen Island
Brief description
Rügen is the largest German island in terms of surface area and, with around 77,000 inhabitants, also the most populous. It lies off the Baltic coast of Vorpommern and belongs to the district of Vorpommern-Rügen in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The "gateway" to the island of Rügen is the Hanseatic city of Stralsund. Rügen is connected to the mainland by the Rügen Dam and the Rügen Bridge across the two-kilometre-wide Strelasund. The island has an area of 926 km², a maximum length of 52 km (from south to north) and a maximum width of 41 km in the south. The island's beaches and white chalk cliffs are well known, including the Königsstuhl on the Jasmund peninsula. On the rock there is a viewing platform and a visitor centre with exhibitions on Rügen's nature. The Königsstuhl is part of the Jasmund National Park, where you can find original beech forests and the sea eagle. The coast is strongly indented by numerous sea bays and lagoons (Bodden and Wieke) as well as protruding peninsulas and headlands. In June 2011, UNESCO awarded the Jasmund National Park on Rügen, known for its vast beech forests and white chalk cliffs, the status of World Natural Heritage Site.
Rügen is home to the central capital Bergen, the harbour town Sassnitz, the princely residence Putbus, the country town Garz and the Baltic resorts Binz, Sellin, Göhren, Baabe, Thiessow, Breege and Altefähr. Rügen is a popular holiday destination, above all thanks to its diverse landscape and nature, the thatched and spa architecture with many architectural monuments, the growing range of hospitality and cultural offerings, and the long, fine-sand bathing beaches. The island recorded a good 6 million overnight stays in 2014, slightly less than the German island record holder Sylt. The traffic situation on Rügen is considered problematic for residents and holidaymakers, especially due to frequent traffic jams and a lack of alternatives such as bus, rail, ferry and air connections.
The Latin and historical name of the island of Rügen is Rugia. The adjective for referring to the island is Rügenisch, also Rüganisch or Rügener. The islanders are called Rügener or Rüganer.
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