Rügen – the largest of Germany's islands has typically fine, sandy beaches and fashionable seaside resorts. Its little sister island of Hiddensee is an impressive place, exuding a natural, genuine charm.

Open full screen map

Elegant seaside resorts and still unassuming fishing villages, steep coasts of snow-white chalk and beaches with fine sand, dead-straight avenues and wild hedges of sea buckthorn, ancient stone burial mounds and hundred-year-old lighthouses, spooky beech forests and sparkling lakes – it's probably down to its diverse and unique nature that Rügen is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Germany today. A well-developed hiking and biking network attracts nature-lovers to explore the largely undisturbed natural landscape and water enthusiasts find excellent conditions in place for sailing, surfing and diving.

Just off Rügen's west coast, a mere flap of the wings away, lies the stunning Island of Hiddensee. The car-free island measures a mere 125 metres at its narrowest point but the diversity to be found along its 17 kilometre length is unparalleled. From the lighthouse on the steep coast of the Dornbusch, you can look across the picturesque village of Kloster and the harbour at Vitte and on to the flowering heather in the south.

Moving pictures of Island Rügen