The island of Rügen has always had a special charm due to its location and beautiful beaches. Directly surrounded by the sea, it is one of the places of longing when it comes to relaxing vacations and recreation. The Baltic Sea, which is the subject of this sea, advanced from the 19th century to one of the most important vacation regions of well-heeled citizens. Artists and intellectuals. At the beginning, the main focus was on spa stays, because the healthy air and the stimulating climate at the sea had a positive influence on the course of numerous diseases. It was only later that the recreational and experiential character of the Baltic Sea was added as another reason for the development of the area as a vacation destination. Numerous artists and cultural figures subsequently settled on the island and created well-known and famous works of art. In addition to the famous painter Caspar David Friedrich, the ranks of artists included the writer Gerhart Hauptmann and the actress Asta Nielson.
Climate and vegetation on the island of Rügen
On Rügen there is a moderate stimulating climate with many hours of sunshine. The climate on Rügen is directly related to the water temperature. Due to the slow warming of the Baltic Sea throughout the year, pleasant temperatures prevail on Rügen until well into autumn, so that even in November it is possible to take relaxing walks by the sea or perhaps settle down in one of the many beach chairs and enjoy the still warm sun rays. In spring, on the other hand, it is longer cool on Rügen, because the temperatures of the Baltic Sea rise only with a delay. In summer, it is easy to swim in the Baltic Sea with average water temperatures between 17 degrees and 19 degrees. Only in the somewhat hidden Bodden areas the water reaches a temperature between 19 degrees and 22 degrees. With an average of 2000 hours of sunshine per year, Rügen is one of the areas with a high probability of sunshine. The average amount of rain is relatively low. The high salt content, especially on the coast, has a very pleasant effect on the respiratory system. The offshore water areas on the west and northwest coasts ensure a pleasant lack of pollen. This makes the region ideal for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory diseases.
The animal and plant world
On Rügen, recreation seekers will find a largely intact nature with numerous wooded areas, beautiful avenues that run straight through the island and a flora that is unique to the island. In addition to the typical mixed forests of the region with high beech and conifer populations, honeysuckle, dogwood and wood anemone grow there, among other things. Directly by the sea, on the other hand, beach plantain and sea mustard, salt aster and milkweed thrive. The sea buckthorn as for the entire Baltic Sea region typical plant may not be missing naturally also on Rügen. From the berry, which contains a high proportion of vitamin C, the islanders prepare jam, juices and even beer and schnapps. The forests are home to a variety of native animal species. In addition to rare insects, many migratory birds take a break on Rügen before setting off on their long journey to warmer regions of the world. Red and fallow deer, foxes, roe deer and wild boars also feel at home in the extensive forest areas as well as the biosphere reserves.
Vacation on Rügen
The above-mentioned reasons are one reason why the island of Rügen is still one of the most popular vacation areas in Germany. Numerous hotels, guesthouses and private accommodations are waiting for guests and rent rooms, apartments and even houses practically all year round. Rügen is something for every budget. Those who can afford it, book one of the perfectly equipped vacation homes, which lack nothing, or choose one of the elegant hotels. Particularly recommended is the coastal town of Binz, which has a number of sophisticated hotels right in the front row. In the high season, however, the nights are usually expensive. It becomes cheaper in the low season. A number of simple guesthouses or private accommodations are much cheaper even in the high season. Several modern campsites serve as overnight accommodation for all those who swear by camping. For self-supporters, there are many shopping facilities on the island, from supermarkets to drugstores and pharmacies. Restaurants, cafes and bistros provide for the culinary well-being. Freshly caught fish can be bought directly in the small outlets of the harbor towns or, ready prepared, can be enjoyed directly. The most important thing for all sun worshippers are of course the beaches, some of which have wonderful white sand. Especially on the guarded beaches there are public toilets. For the culinary well-being provide small outlets where you can buy coffee and cake, savory and ice cream.
Sights on Rügen
By far the most visited attraction on Rügen is the chalk coast with its beautiful white chalk cliffs. Already the painter Caspar David Friedrich was inspired by it to his world-famous paintings. The chalk coast is best viewed from a ship, numerous shipping companies offer corresponding trips around the island several times a day. Other sights of the island include the lighthouse at Cape Arkona. From there, all wanderlust sufferers have a dreamlike view of the wide sea. Right next to it is the fishing village of Vitt, which is one of the most original fishing villages in the whole region. The Jasmund National Park as well as the many other wooded areas invite to extensive walks as well as numerous other outdoor activities. The numerous beech stands as well as the proximity to the Baltic Sea coast give the national park its very own charm. For rainy days, as they unfortunately occur from time to time on Rügen, a visit to the Ozeaneum Stralsund or the German Oceanographic Museum are ideal. In the extensive exhibition areas, guests learn a lot about the history of the region and can admire the diversity of flora and fauna. Visiting the two museums is especially something for families with children.
Planning trips in and around Rügen
The many sights mentioned on Rügen literally invite you to an excursion. If you would like to take a day off from swimming and sunbathing, choose one of the sights mentioned and treat yourself to a trip to Cape Arkona, Vitt or Stralsund. Also worth seeing are the many small and larger towns on Rügen, which are still characterized by fishing and trade. In the small harbor towns it is wonderful to linger directly at the sea and perhaps enjoy one or the other typical regional specialty. Especially for families, an excursion with the Rügenschen Kleinbahn is a must. It takes its guests via Puttbus and Binz to Seelin, Baabe and Göhren. For all ship enthusiasts, a visit to the Stralsund harbor is recommended. The Stralsund harbor with its typical Nordic flair was already in the Middle Ages one of the most important harbors in the world. Today there are, among other things, several moorings for ferries as well as for sailing ships and boats. Directly at the ferry bridge is the famous sailing ship Gorch Fock. Today, the ship houses a museum.
Art and culture on the island of Rügen
A not insignificant attraction on Rügen is also the many offers in the field of art and culture. The event calendar is therefore well filled throughout the year. In addition to classical concerts and open-air festivals as well as readings with partly well-known national and international guests, there are numerous church and rock concerts on Rügen. Cabaret and children's festivals, weekly markets and many other events offer something for every guest when it comes to discovering what is typical for the island also in the areas of art and culture.
