On the Jasmund peninsula in the north-east of Rügen lies the the smallest of the three national parks in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Between Sassnitz in the south and Lohme in the north stretches a wide arc of spectacular white chalk cliffs, crowned by dense, unspoilt beech forest.
A hike along the cliff edge at a lofty height of 100 metres above sea level leads to such famous places as the Great Stubben Chamber and the Wissow Cliffs with their views stretching far beyond the Baltic Sea. There are also numerous hiking trails through the forest area (which, as the largest contiguous stand of beech trees on the Baltic coast, has recently been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The particularly species-rich flora and fauna, including white-tailed eagles and many wild species, and the exciting geological history of the region since the last Ice Age are explained to visitors at the National Centre. A contemporary adventure exhibition with a cinema for all ages, a forest playground, a restaurant and guided themed walks with national park rangers round off the offer.
The centre in Stubbenkammer can be reached either on foot, by bike or by shuttle bus from Hagen (line 20, timetable online at www.rpnv.de). The best starting point for boat tourists who want to explore the national park is the small, idyllic harbour in Lohme at the foot of the cliffs in the north of the island. In addition to 50 berths, the harbour has sanitary facilities and a kiosk.
The village itself can be reached via a long wooden staircase; from there there are also bus connections to Hagen (line 14) and to Sassnitz (with a change of bus). It is not advisable to enter or leave Lohme in strong onshore winds. The best alternative is the harbour in Glowe, a little further to the west, which has a modern rest area for boaters. There are also moorings in Sassnitz; however, it can be very uncomfortable there when the swell comes in.
The shallow waters off the coast are also part of the protection zone and are closed in a 500 metre wide, unbuoyed strip.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Jasmund National Park: Western Pomerania National Park Authority: Jasmund branch office, Stubbenkammer 2a, 18546 Sassnitz, Tel. 038392-350 11
Königsstuhl National Park Centre: open daily 9 am - 7 pm, admission 6 € (adults), 3 € (children 6 - 14 yrs.), children up to 6 yrs. Free admission, Stubbenkammer 2, 18546 Sassnitz, Tel. 038392-66 17 66
