Sassnitz is an ideal base for exploring the island. A ride on "Racing Roland", Rügen's historical steam railway, is an experience not to be missed. The small, thin island of Hiddensee lies just off Rügen's west coast. Hiddensee is a nature conservation area known for its delightful scenery, sandy beaches and fishing villages. The Rügendamm causeway runs to Stralsund, the "Venice of the north".Racing Roland
A ride on "Racing Roland", the historical steam railway, is one of Rügen's most popular attractions. Trains run several times a day on a 24km route from Putbus via Binz and Baabe to Göhren linking all the island's main seaside resorts and many other attractions. The engine's whistle is part and parcel of daily life in south-east Rügen.Hiddensee island
Hiddensee is a small, car-free island (19km²) just off Rügen. It is part of the West-Pomeranian Boddenlandschaft National Park. The lighthouse on the Dornbusch cliff offers glorious views of the picturesque village of Kloster, the harbour at Vitte and the flowering heathland to the south. Hiddensee is an island of snowy-white sandy beaches – some reminiscent of the Caribbean – steep, rugged cliffs, beech groves flooded with sunlight, rustling pine forests and expanses of salt marsh.Stralsund
Stralsund, the enchanting "Venice of the north", is almost completely surrounded by water. This Hanseatic town was once one of the most important towns in the Baltic region. The churches of St. Nicholas and St. Mary, the Abbey of the Holy Spirit and the townhouses make it a jewel of brick-Gothic architecture. The town hall with its magnificent gables is one of the most beautiful secular buildings in northern Germany. The historic centre of Stralsund is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Rügendamm causeway links Stralsund with Rügen.