Rügen (Rugia in Polish) is the largest German island, in the far north of the country. It has many cliff rock formations. They owe their white colour to chalk.
On the roughly 8 km trail you can see, among other things, the most famous of the chalk rocks that make up the cliff in Jasmund National Park – the Königsstuhl (German for “King’s Chair”). The rock rises to 118 m above sea level. Right next to it is a visitor centre – the Nationalpark-Zentrum Königsstuhl – with various exhibitions and a viewing platform. Unfortunately, entry is paid – an adult ticket costs €10 (current prices).
The surroundings are best admired from the free Viktoriasicht viewpoint. It’s a very small, narrow terrace. It is fenced off with railings, on which some people hang padlocks. Most of the trail runs through woodland. On the way we passed lots of wetlands and even a lake – Hertha.
Getting there
From Poland you can get to Sassnitz by train (changing in Pasewalk). The best deal is to go as a group of 5 and buy a Mecklenburg-Vorpommern-Ticket for 34 euros (detailed prices here). From there take a bus (e.g. the direct number 14) to Hagen, where there is also a large car park, which was the starting point of our walk. You’ll find the detailed bus timetable here.
