Rügen

Rügen is Germany's largest island, located in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With an area of about 926 square kilometers, it is roughly 80 kilometers long and up to 40 kilometers wide. The island lies near Stralsund and is part of the Vorpommern-Rügen district.

Rügen features diverse landscapes, including the white chalk cliffs of the Jasmund peninsula, protected within Jasmund National Park. The cliffs include the Königsstuhl overlook and attract hikers and sightseers. The northern part of the island is dominated by Cape Arkona, a headland with lighthouses, sea stacks, and historic ruins, while the Bodden lagoons surround much of the coast. The island's rural interior includes beech forests and small villages.

Historically part of the Duchy of Pomerania, Rügen developed as a seaside resort in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is known for spa towns such as Binz, Sellin, and Göhren, whose architecture reflects the era's resort culture. The island also contains historic towns like Putbus, a planned 19th-century resort town with a distinctive park and ensembles.

Today tourism is the main economic activity, supplemented by agriculture and fishing. Rügen is connected to the German mainland by the Rügen Bridge (Rügenbrücke), opened in 2007, with the former Rügendamm dam providing earlier access. Rail and road networks link the island with Stralsund and the mainland.

Protected areas include the Jasmund National Park and the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft biosphere reserve, reflecting the island's ecological value. Rügen remains a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and coastal scenery, attracting visitors year-round.