VorpommernRügen

Vorpommern-Rügen is a rural district (Landkreis) in the north-eastern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It covers the western part of the historic region of Pomerania and includes the island of Rügen. The district was created in 2011 through the merger of the former districts of Rügen and Vorpommern-Greifswald as part of a state-wide reform. The administrative seat is Stralsund.

Geography and nature: The district lies along the Baltic coast and comprises the island of Rügen and parts of the mainland coast. It includes notable landscapes such as the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft nature reserve and the Jasmund National Park on Rügen, famed for its chalk cliffs. The area features coastal lagoons, beaches, forests and a network of rural communities.

Economy and infrastructure: Tourism is a major economic driver, particularly on Rügen, with seaside resorts and scenic routes supported by ferry connections to the island. Agriculture and forestry remain important in the rural mainland areas. The district is served by regional roads and ferries, with Stralsund acting as a regional transport hub linking the mainland and the island.

Administration and governance: The Kreis is governed by a district council (Kreistag) and a district administrator (Landrat). It coordinates with neighboring districts and the state government on planning, tourism development and environmental protection. The district also works with national parks and nature reserves to balance economic activity with conservation.