Rügen also has a lot to offer away from the tourist hotspots - especially in the west of the island, where the island shines with surprising cultural and scenic highlights.
Culinary starting point
Old Pommernkate & island brewery
Anyone who listens to Marco von Kessel for a few minutes will be fascinated by his knowledge and enthusiasm. When he talks about his „noodle workshop“ in the „Alte Pommernkate“ and how he makes his unusual spicy noodles here every day, you can't help but be amazed: the world has rarely seen such regionally rooted rosemary, garlic or potato noodle recipes before. To do so, you first have to come to Rambin, this charming little town in the west of the island of Rügen. The „Alte Pommernkate“ – once built as a sawmill and wheelwright's workshop – was given a new lease of life in 2002 by the same Marco von Kessel after a long period of vacancy. Today, the cottage is a pasta factory, farmers' market, farm café and fish smokehouse in equal measure. A lively collection of the sustainable art of living, if you will - and definitely one of the most popular places to visit in western Rügen. But by no means the only one.
In fact, the western part of the island of Rügen is always a little overshadowed by the supposed attractions on Rügen. Yet the region between Rambin, Dreschvitz and Samtens itself has a lot to offer - at least at second glance. One could say that this is almost the somewhat mysterious, but in any case modestly reserved part of the island. Here, Rügen gets by without flashy sensations and large crowds. Places such as Samtens, whose charm is hidden in its name, have a charm all of their own. Samtenze is the Slavic word for "lonely" and the vast landscapes, meadows and fields surrounding Samtens are certainly that. They offer perfect conditions for walks and extended hikes with the whole family. Or let's take Rambin. With its tranquil landscape, the former farming and craftsmen's village is a perfect starting point for exploring the various charms of the south-west of Rügener.
A lot of hiking makes you hike
Only people who are out and about on foot and at a measured pace can really penetrate the character of a landscape, it is said.
This is particularly true for this part of the island of Rügen: On relaxed hiking routes through the „mild west“ of the island, it is easy to understand what a truly meditative effect the impressive landscapes of the region have. Especially as you can also observe wild geese and cranes during this form of transportation.
West Rügen: Retreat into nature
Another highlight in Rügener West is the Kubitzer Bodden with its idyllic reed banks, which are bathed in golden light in the evening as the sun slowly sinks into the Bodden. It is part of the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park and is perfect for long walks in self-preserved solitude. Only in the fall is the silence sometimes interrupted by trumpeting cranes in the shallow waters. The Kubitzer Bodden is also a good fishing area. If you believe the anglers from the region, it is mainly pike, but also zander and eels that are caught here. Incidentally, the word "Bodden" comes from Low German and is unsurprisingly called "Boden" or "Grund". But not everyone knows this: Compared to the Baltic Sea, the Bodden waters have a much lower salt content and a considerably greater abundance of nutrients.
Culture in a medieval half-timbered church
Western route hikers are likely to come across the oldest half-timbered church in Central Europe on these almost excursions. The church in Landow dates back to the 14th century and is a regular venue for cultural highlights in the region. It is a so-called cultural and wayside church, which is often chosen as the starting or finishing point of a hike. On the one hand, this is due to the beautiful hiking trails in the area, which wind along the entire west of the island between Altefähr, Dreschvitz and Landow. On the other hand, the ornate interior of the church, which is only used twice a year for religious purposes, is also interesting. Instead, it is a much more frequent venue for cultural events such as art exhibitions or classical concerts. A busy circle of friends of the church ensures that the good condition of this Rügener jewel is maintained.
Beer from Rügen's only brewery
The fact that the west of Rügen also has plenty of culinary delights is already clear from the reference to the „Alte Pommernkate“ in Rambin. In addition, another gastronomic highlight of the region has been strategically located directly opposite the Pommernkate. Rügens only brewery has been located here since 2015. Markus Berberich, trained in Weihenstephan in Bavaria and employed for many years at Störtebeker Braumanufaktur in Stralsund, founded his „Rügener Insel-Brauerei“ here in 2015. His wish: „I define my goal as achieving the highest, previously unknown enjoyment value for beer. The island of Rügen is the home of the brewery and our beers. Inspired by the local nature, I have developed an individual brewing recipe with bottle maturation.“ More than 20 beers – rare beers, as Markus Berberich says – are produced here each season in the modern and tastefully furnished brewery. His creations are also repeatedly honored with a World Beer Award. In such an environment, hops and malt are not lost!
St.Catherine Church Trent
- Freely accessible at any time
- Dorfstraße, 18569 Trent
St. Catherine's Church in Trent is a church building of the 14th century and because of its location it is also called the "wayside church".
Rügen vacation farm
- Lieschow, 18569 Ummanz
The Rügen vacation farm with riding school is located in the west of the Island of Rügen, on the Lieschow peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the National Park of Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft. An idyll for nature lovers, riders, anglers, cyclists and hikers.
Pansevitz castle ruins and park
- 18569 Pansevitz
Built in the 16th century and since then owned by the family of Baron von Krassow, the estate, originally built in Renaissance style, was rebuilt and extended in neo-Renaissance style around 1860.
Finest regional goods & pottery
- Markt, 18569 Gingst
Farm store and pottery of Roswitha Burgmann-Seewald
Schillings Inn
- Hafenweg, 18569 Schaprode
Inn with tradition in the harbor of Schaprode. Best beef from the island Öhe and fresh Hiddenseer cutter fish.
Church Landow
- Landow, 18573 Landow
The church in Landow on the Kubitzer Bodden - a cultural and path church.
Church St. Jacobi Gingst
- Kirchplatz, 18569 Gingst
St. Jacobi Church in Gingst is the second largest on the Island of Rügen.
Schaprode village church
- Lange Straße, 18569 Schaprode
Stankt Johannes church in Schaprode is the third oldest church on the Island of Rügen
Farmer Long
- Lieschow Hof Nr., 18569 Ummanz OT Lieschow
Spend happy and exciting days on Germany's largest island. But not just on Rügen, but on our great farm. Here you will experience everything your heart desires if you dream of a vacation on the farm.
Forest adventure trail Ummanz "Des Försters Wald" (The forester's forest)
- 18569 Ummanz
Since spring 2014, the Rügen island Ummanz offers the forest adventure trail "Des Försters Wald" as a new excursion destination for the whole family. On 1.9 kilometers you will find varied, informative and adventurous offers to get to know nature, especially the forest.
Atonement stone Schaprode
- 18569 Schaprode
At the end of Schaprode stands the legendary atonement stone from times long past.
Children's playground "Fischer un sin Fru"
- Pluderbarg, 18565 Insel Hiddensee
Entrance to Neuendorf
Art barn Vaschvitz
- Vaschwitz, 18569 Trent
Gutshaus & Kunstscheune Vaschvitz - located directly on the Bodden, the combination of art and nature succeeds here.
Manor house Streu
- Streu, 18569 Schaprode OT Streu
Streu near Schaprode on Rügen was an old estate owned by the von der Osten family. In the first half of the 18th century, the von Platen family acquired the estate, followed by the von Lotzow family in 1749 and the von Bohlen family in 1757.
Shore leave & sea buckthorn witch Island of Rügen
- Dorfstraße, 18569 Ummanz/OT Klein Kubitz
Do you also dream of idyllic vacation days under a cane roof on the Island of Rügen? So you have discovered your "home" for this time with us!
Rügen Park Gingst - miniatures and amusement park
- Mühlenstraße, 18569 Gingst
Miniatures and amusement park with roller coaster
St. Mary's Church Waase / Ummanz
- Neue Straße, 18569 Waase
The chapel, created in 1291 by Cistercian monks, received its current brick church form in 1440.
Historic craftsmen's parlors
- Karl-Marx-Straße, 18569 Gingst
The museum, housed in two half-timbered houses from the 18th century, was established in 1971. The permanent exhibition shows the living and working conditions around 1900, of shoemakers, tailors, whitewashers and weavers. A smithy, toys, kitchen and agricultural equipment, as well as special exhibitions and the romantic museum courtyard with café & store, invite you to remember the "good old days".
Bird watching platform Tankow / Ummanz
- Freely accessible at any time
- 18569 Ummanz OT Tankow
A popular viewing platform to watch the "birds of happiness", the cranes.
Experience farm Kliewe
- Mursewiek, 18569 Ummanz
Adventure farm on the Island of Rügen with cozy and comfortable apartments, own farm store and restaurant - located directly on the water. Many animals, horseback riding, a beautiful playground, bike and kettcar rental are guarantees for a great family vacation!
Atonement stone Gingst
- 18569 Gingst
The atonement stone in Gingst is a memorial stone dating back to the Middle Ages in honor of the priest Laurentius Krintze.
Strobel Manor
- Ganschvitz Nr, 18569 Trent
Experience the Island of Rügen from its quiet side and combine country vacation & wellness. Our manor house offers you vacations in lovingly furnished vacation apartments, family fun at campfires, riding lessons, visits to the petting animals or the weekly beekeeper tour as well as relaxation in the wellness area with steam sauna, massage treatments with Rügen healing chalk, cosmetics and much more.
Surfhostel Rügen
- OT Haide, 18569 Ummanz
The Rügen Surfhostel with the TikiBar has many faces. The hostel is located in the west of the Rügen island Ummanz, in the middle of the National Park of Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft. In the tree house restaurant and the TikiTukaLand, an adventure playground for the youngest, groups, surfers and families, nature lovers as well as party people meet.
Hiddensee view
- 18569 Ummanz
The entire west of the island of Rügen Ummanz borders on the Bodden. At any time of day or year, you have a fantastic direct view of the silhouette of the island of Hiddensee.
Ummanz ceramics
- Pappelweg, 18569 Ummanz
Lovingly painted cups and plates, bowls and jugs. This pottery, painted with motifs typical of the island, is particularly appealing to visitors to Ummanz pottery. The team around potter Susan Schmorell attaches great importance to quality and understands his craft to perfection. This art comes from the skill and her attention to detail.
1st noble distillery on Rügen
- Lieschow, 18569 Ummanz - OT Lieschow
Refinement of old Rügener fruit varieties to high-quality noble brandies, mainly in BIO quality and production of fruity liqueurs, to the pleasure for highest requirements
Fishing Museum Hiddensee
- Pluderbarg, 18565 Neuendorf
Fishing history to touch in the old fish trap shed of the "Lütt Partie" in Neuendorf
Tankow crane observation point
- 18569 Tankow/ Ummanz
Every year in spring and autumn, tens of thousands of cranes gather in the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft, using the area as a roosting and resting place. The wooden lookout in Tankow on the Rügen island of Ummanz offers one of the most spectacular observation sites for this unique natural spectacle.
Beacon Gellen
- 18565 Hiddensee
The "Little Lighthouse" in the south of the island of Hiddensee
Parish hall "Uns Tauflucht"
- Dörpstraat, 18565 Neuendorf
Uns Tauflucht - our refuge is the name of the Protestant parish hall in Neuendorf.
Groot Partie" fish trap shed
- Königsbarg, 18565 Neuendorf
The building was built in 1884 by the fishermen of the then fish trap community "Groot Partie" and was ceremoniously opened in 2016 after 10 months of renovation.
Granskevitz manor
- Granskevitz, 18569 Granskevitz
The only preserved complex of this kind on the Island of Rügen with a beautiful, walkable rampart.
Freesenort
- 18569 Freesenort/ Ummanz
In the west of the Rügen island Ummanz you will find the still originally preserved fishing village Freesenort. The small village with its four cane-roofed houses is a listed building. From there you have a fantastic view to Stralsund and Hiddensee.
Kate Manor Streu
- Streu, 18569 Schaprode
The listed manor Streu is located in the west of the Island of Rügen and was built in the 18th century in the style of classicism. It is located in the middle of a spacious park with old trees. The thatched manor house cottage on the estate is available for vacation guests.
Haflinger breeding Ummanz - Rügen
- Neue Straße, 18569 Waase
High on horseback - if you like, you can explore the idyllic municipality of Ummanz on a leisurely carriage or charabanc ride with the Ummanz Haflingers. Active people also get their money's worth. Whether accompanied rides in the countryside or an adventure day on the farm, a varied offer is individually arranged.
Be prepared for the mysterious, quiet part of the island! Here in the west, you can experience Rügen authentically, without the crowds. Vast landscapes, meadows and fields invite you to take long walks, where you can feel the meditative effect of nature and simply take a deep breath. Discover a side of Rügen that shines with quiet charms and surprising highlights and deliberately sets itself apart from the hustle and bustle of the hotspots.
The West is a true paradise for anyone who likes to get out and about on foot. On relaxed hiking routes through the „mild west“ you will discover the true character of the landscape. Let your mind wander while you enjoy the meditative tranquillity and, with a bit of luck, observe wild geese and cranes. Here you can explore nature step by step and find your inner self again.
In Rambin, the „Alte Pommernkate“ awaits you, a lively mixture of noodle shipyard, farmers' market and fish smokehouse. Just opposite is the island's only brewery: the „Rügener Insel-Brauerei“ has over 20 award-winning, rare beers brewed with love and inspiration from nature. A pleasure for all the senses!
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Kubitzer Bodden, whose reed banks are bathed in golden light in the evening. As part of the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park, it is perfect for walks in self-preserved solitude. Especially in the fall, you can experience the impressive spectacle of the trumpeting cranes here. An unforgettable natural spectacle that will touch you deeply and stay in your memory for a long time.
Western Rügens is an adventure playground for the whole family. Discover the forest adventure trail on Ummanz together, visit the Kliewe adventure farm with lots of animals and pony rides or spend an exciting day at Rügen Park Gingst. There is plenty of space for young and old explorers to romp around, be amazed and experience nature together.
Yes, discover a real gem: the church in Landow. It is the älst half-timbered church in Central Europe and dates back to the 14th century. Today, it is a cultural church and a place of worship where you can not only enjoy the peace and quiet, but also experience art exhibitions and classical concerts. A magical place that combines history and culture in a wonderful way and is often the starting point for beautiful hikes.
The Kubitzer Bodden is a unique lagoon in the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park. Its name comes from the Low German word for "ground". Compared to the open Baltic Sea, its water has a lower salt content and is richer in nutrients. This makes it an important habitat for many animals and plants and a fantastic fishing area, where pike, zander and eels in particular can be found.
Ummanz is Rügens little sister island in the west and a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the forest adventure trail, visit an adventure farm, go surfing or watch the cranes from the viewing platform in Tankow. Here you can experience nature in its most pristine form, take a carriage ride with Haflinger horses or simply enjoy the fantastic view of the neighboring island of Hiddensee.
