Experiencing nature and the world

The book tells the story of how the Island of Rügen became a place of longing for people from all over Germany in the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. Initially, it was mainly the myth of the legendary island that fascinated travelers, but this changed with the advent of tourism. From then on, experiencing nature and relaxation were the main reasons for a trip to Rügen. During this time, tourist books were also established. Such guest books were available in the lodging house at Cape Arkona and in the "Gasthaus zur Schaabe" in Glowe. Guests were happy to record their impressions and experiences in these books. They are therefore authentic testimonies to the spirit of the times and at the same time provide insights into the guests' emotional lives. In 1885, the poet Gerhart Hauptmann entered the following poetic images in the visitors' book at the Cape:

"Sea-clad and chalk-green
Tales resounding and heroic,
Herds in the hail, ripening field,
Whispering saga, Lug into the world!"

Or the following remarkable entry by two German-Austrians:

"It shall in our hearts covenant
No vile border post shall rise!
Everywhere is German ground,
Where German hearts beat."

The author of the book was born in Sassnitz in 1950 and studied German and history at the University of Greifswald. The Island of Rügen is still a second home for the Greifswald resident. "From many conversations with visitors to the island, I know that many guests are interested in learning more about the eventful history of the Island of Rügen. My book may be a contribution to this," says Werner Westphal.