Sailing Rügen: The best routes and harbours for your trip

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The Rügen sailing area captivates with its diversity, charm and incomparable coastline. A sailing trip around Rügen is an experience that perfectly showcases the variety of coastal landscapes and historic towns. Interested in sailing Rügen? Here you will find the best routes and harbours for your perfect sailing trip around the island.

The essentials at a glance

• Rügen offers diverse sailing routes that include distinctive points such as Kap Arkona, the chalk coast and the island of Hiddensee. These routes offer not only spectacular views but also short distances and numerous anchorages.
• The island offers a variety of beautiful harbours, including Glowe, Marina Lauterbach and Stadthafen Sassnitz. These harbours are ideal for sailors to explore the island and offer extensive amenities.
• For sailing trips, both one-week and two-week routes are suitable, which make it possible to discover neighbouring islands such as Bornholm and coastal regions such as Gdańsk in addition to Rügen. Well-planned routes and proper preparation are essential for a successful sailing experience

The top sailing routes around Rügen

A sailing trip around Rügen is an incomparable experience that perfectly showcases the diversity of coastal landscapes and historic towns. Your journey starts from the Greifswalder Bodden or Stralsund and takes you to distinctive points such as:

• Kap Arkona with the imposing chalk cliffs
• the white beaches of Schaabe
• Prorer Wiek

This route offers not only breathtaking views but also short distances from harbour to harbour, making the sailing pleasant.

The east coast of Rügen is particularly attractive with its Baltic seaside resorts such as Binz, Sellin and Baabe, all of which are well worth a visit. Start your sailing trip in Stralsund or in Greifswald, an ideal starting point with its navigable River Ryck, which leads directly into the town centre. From here you can discover the beauty of the island of Rügen and enjoy the peace and comfort of the many anchorages.

Around Cape Arkona

Cape Arkona is a must on your Sailing trip around Rügen. This striking point on the northern coast of the island is known for its impressive views and historic lighthouses. To sail safely around the cape, you should sail from west to east in strong north-westerly winds. Conversely, in easterly winds, it is advisable to round the cape from east to west.

The harbour of Lohme is an ideal berth, as it offers around 50 moorings and a breathtaking view of Cape Arkona. Here you can spend a day in harbour and explore the surroundings before sailing on to your next destination on the route around Rügen.

Sailing around Cape Arkona is not only an adventure, but also an opportunity to experience the historical and natural beauty of the island of Rügen at first hand.

Sailing trip to Hiddensee

The island of Hiddensee, known as the 'Pearl of the Baltic', is an essential destination on your sailing trip aboard a sailing yacht. Hiddensee captivates with its picturesque harbours and charming atmosphere that enchant every Skipper who visits. The sailing harbour at Kloster offers modern amenities such as electricity, water, Wi-Fi and sanitary facilities. Another attractive harbour is Neuendorf, which is also well equipped and ideal for a stopover with 50 guest berths.

In addition to the harbours, Hiddensee offers many cultural attractions. Visit the fisheries museum in the former fish trap shed 'Lütt Partie' in Neuendorf or enjoy a relaxing day on the fine sandy beaches of the west coast. In Vitte you'll find everything you need for a successful day in port, from shopping to a tent cinema and the Karl Hucks Seebühne. Hiddensee is not only a place of relaxation, but also a cultural highlight on your sailing route.

Chalk coast and Königsstuhl

Rügen's chalk coast with the famous Königsstuhl is another highlight of your sailing trip. This impressive coastline is known for its snow-white chalk cliffs that rise majestically above the blue sea. From the entrance to Jasmund National Park on the outskirts of Sassnitz, you can take a hike to the Wissower Klinken, which are only two kilometres away.

A sailing trip along the chalk coast offers:

• breathtaking views
• numerous anchorages where you can enjoy the beauty of nature
• the iconic Königsstuhl viewpoint, which offers you an incomparable view of the Baltic Sea

This route is a must for every sailor who wants to experience the natural beauty and majestic coast of Rügen to the full.

The most beautiful harbours on Rügen

Rügen offers a variety of beautiful harbours, ranging from natural harbours to modern marinas. These harbours are not only perfect berths, but also ideal starting points for exploring the island and its surroundings. Three of the most beautiful harbours on Rügen are Glowe Harbour, Marina Lauterbach and Sassnitz Town Harbour.

Glowe Harbour captivates with its location on the beach promenade and offers 190 berths with comprehensive facilities. Marina Lauterbach is particularly suitable for beginner sailors and offers around 140 berths as well as regular passenger boats to the island of Vilm. Sassnitz Town Harbour impresses with the longest outer mole in Europe and numerous gastronomic establishments along the pier.

Glowe Harbour

At the end of the first leg of your sailing trip you reach Glowe Harbour, which is known for its beach promenade and spa gardens. With 190 berths, Glowe Harbour offers everything a sailor's heart could desire. Here you can round off the evening in one of the numerous restaurants along the promenade and enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea whilst preparing for the onward sailing.

Glowe is also an ideal starting point for explorations ashore. The surrounding area offers numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead you through the delightful landscape of the island. Whether you want to enjoy the peace of nature or explore the cultural attractions of the region, Glowe has something for everyone.

Marina Lauterbach

Marina Lauterbach, a district on the northern coast of the Greifswald Bodden, is a perfect harbour for beginner sailors. With 140 berths and a water depth of up to four metres, the marina offers all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay. The Yachtservice Rügen is also available to you for repair and service work on your boat.

In addition to the maritime amenities, Lauterbach also offers numerous leisure opportunities ashore. Regular passenger boats take you to the nearby island of Vilm, which is known for its pristine nature. Enjoy a relaxing day ashore and explore the beautiful surroundings of Lauterbach whilst experiencing the feeling of freedom.

Sassnitz Town Harbour

Sassnitz Town Harbour is another highlight on your sailing trip around Rügen. With the longest outer mole in Europe, which is around 1,500 metres long, the harbour offers:

• impressive views
• numerous berths for sailors
• numerous dining options along the pier
• a fishing and harbour museum offering insight into the maritime history of the region.

Sassnitz is also an ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding area. Visit the nearby Jasmund National Park, famous for its impressive chalk cliffs and the Königsstuhl. Sassnitz Town Harbour offers you the perfect combination of maritime atmosphere and cultural experiences.

Practical tips for your sailing trip on Rügen

A successful sailing trip begins with the right preparation. Make sure to:

• bring weatherproof clothing and sturdy, closed-toe footwear to be prepared for all weather conditions
• pack travel bags or kit bags rather than hard-shell suitcases, as they are easier to stow on board
• use a checklist to ensure you don't forget anything important.

Before the trip, it is important to plan the route carefully and obtain all necessary permits. Check the weather forecast regularly to avoid unpredictable weather conditions. A well-planned trip not only ensures safety but also enables you to enjoy the beauty of Rügen to the full.

The costs for sailing trips are inclusive of value added tax (VAT) to provide transparency for customers.

Experiences and activities ashore

Rügen has much to offer not only on the water but also ashore. From historic old towns to breathtaking nature parks, there are numerous experiences and activities that perfectly complement your sailing trip. Discover the historic old town of Stralsund, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or explore the Südost-Rügen Nature Park with its diverse flora and fauna.

A relaxing day at the beach in Baabe is also a wonderful way to enjoy time ashore. The fine sandy beaches and the lively spa promenade invite you to linger and offer a welcome change from sailing. Whether you're seeking culture, nature or simply relaxation, Rügen has something for every taste.

Historic old town of Stralsund

The historic old town of Stralsund is an absolute highlight and a must for any shore visit. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stralsund offers an abundance of attractions, including the Ozeaneum, which showcases the underwater world of the northern seas. The German Oceanographic Museum in the St Catherine's Monastery provides information about marine flora and fauna and is another significant museum in the city.

The Alter Markt, the heart of the city, is home to impressive buildings such as the town hall, the Wulflamhaus and St Nicholas' Church. A stroll through the narrow lanes and past the historic buildings allows you to immerse yourself in Stralsund's rich history. St Mary's Church and St Nicholas' Church are also outstanding examples of North German Brick Gothic and should not be missed on any sightseeing tour.

Südost-Rügen Nature Park

The Südost-Rügen Nature Park is a paradise for nature lovers and offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Numerous hiking and cycling trails lead through the park, enabling you to experience the beauty of nature at first hand. Particularly worth seeing are the ancient beech forests, some of which are part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage.

In the wetlands of the nature park, rare plants such as the carnivorous sundew grow, and the Zickersche Berge offer a unique landscape formation. The nature park is an ideal place to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature whilst observing the diverse wildlife. A visit to the Südost-Rügen Nature Park is a perfect complement to your sailing trip and offers unforgettable experiences in nature.

Beach day in Baabe

A beach day in Baabe is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach at Baabe is renowned for its fine, white sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Here you can hire a beach chair and spend a relaxing day by the sea.

Besides the beach, the Baabe spa promenade offers numerous cafés and restaurants that invite you to linger. Enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the Baltic Sea or stroll along the promenade and discover the many small shops. A beach day in Baabe is a wonderful way to escape everyday life and enjoy the beauty of the island of Rügen to the full.

Trip suggestion for week-long trips

A week-long sailing trip around Rügen is ideal for discovering the diversity of coastal landscapes and historic towns. Begin your journey in Stralsund and sail along Rügen's beautiful coastline. On this route, you should definitely plan stops at harbours such as Glowe and Marina Lauterbach, which offer excellent berthing facilities.

Rügen's coastline offers numerous bays and beaches that are ideal for stops during a sailing trip. A typical week-long route could look like this:

• Start in Stralsund
• Continue to Glowe
• Then to Sassnitz
• Finally to Lauterbach
• Return to Stralsund

This route allows you to experience both the natural and cultural highlights of the island, enjoy the feel of well-equipped harbours and make use of their amenities at the same time.

Suggested route for two-week trips

A two-week sailing trip gives you the opportunity to explore not only Rügen but also some neighbouring islands and coasts. A popular route leads from Sassnitz to the island of Bornholm in Denmark, about 65 nautical miles away, which can be circumnavigated in around three days. Here you can moor in picturesque towns such as Rønne or Gudhjem and enjoy the excellent local cuisine.

Another interesting route leads from the island of Usedom to Gdańsk in Poland. This route offers not only a varied sailing experience but also the opportunity to experience different cultures and cuisines.

A two-week sailing trip around Rügen can encompass the entire coast of the island and offers a comprehensive exploration tour. Stops in quiet bays and picturesque harbours such as Sassnitz and Lauterbach allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of Rügen and the coastal landscapes at your leisure.

Summary

A Sailing trip around Rügen is an unforgettable experience that perfectly showcases the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the island. From the impressive chalk cliffs at Königsstuhl to the charming harbours of Glowe, Lauterbach and Sassnitz, Rügen offers a wealth of highlights for every sailor. The short distances between harbours make sailing pleasant and allow you to enjoy the island's various facets to the full.

Whether you're planning a one-week or two-week trip, careful preparation and consideration of practical tips are crucial for a successful voyage. With the recommended routes and the numerous activities ashore, you're sure to have an unforgettable time on Rügen. So set sail and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the Baltic Sea!

Frequently asked questions

How long should I allow for a sailing trip around Rügen?

Two weeks' holiday is recommended for a relaxed circumnavigation of Rügen. This gives you enough time to explore the entire coastline and enjoy the experience to the full.

Which harbours are particularly suitable for sailing beginners?

Marina Lauterbach offers around 140 berths and is ideal for sailing beginners as it provides numerous amenities.

What are the best sights ashore on Rügen?

The best sights ashore on Rügen are the historic old town of Stralsund, the Südost-Rügen nature park and a day at the beach in Baabe. Include these highlights in your itinerary to experience the island's beauty.

Which route is suitable for a one-week sailing trip?

A typical one-week sailing trip route could run from Stralsund via Glowe, Sassnitz and Lauterbach, then finishing back in Stralsund. Enjoy your sailing!

Can I also visit neighbouring islands during a two-week sailing trip?

Yes, during a two-week sailing trip you can also visit neighbouring islands such as Bornholm in Denmark or Gdańsk in Poland. Enjoy planning your route!