Sassnitz – Beech Forest, Chalk Coast and Harbour
Accommodation in Sassnitz
Sassnitz combines the landscapes of Jasmund National Park with a harbour, a historic old town and experiences around the Baltic Sea. Families and other travel groups have a varied range of options: you can hike along a section of the high coastal path, visit the wildlife park, explore the boat trips and harbour, or learn about Sassnitz’s history.
Beech Forest and Paths along the Chalk Coast
The primeval beech forest in Jasmund National Park borders the north-eastern edge of Sassnitz’s old town. It was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2012. Nature shapes the town just as much as its historic buildings. If you enjoy walking, you can include the high coastal path in your plans: it begins in Lohme and runs for almost 12 kilometres along the high coast to Sassnitz. Along the way, the views highlight the interplay of sea, chalk and forest. The route and its course offer a practical reference point when planning your holiday days.
The Königsstuhl National Park Centre offers a different perspective on the landscape. Its exhibition for visitors of all ages includes a multi-vision show and a viewing platform above the Königsstuhl. From there, you can look out over the coast and the Baltic Sea. If you enjoy combining nature with an informative exhibition, this offers a different way to explore the area than the high coastal path.
Sassnitz Wildlife Park is also located in Jasmund National Park: it is set in a 2.5-hectare forest clearing and offers views of the Baltic Sea. For children, there is a water play area and a sandpit. This makes a visit to the wildlife park an easy activity to add to your stay.
Harbour and Experiences by the Water
Depending on the time of year, boat trips from Sassnitz town harbour run along the chalk coast, to Cape Arkona or to the piers of the Baltic seaside resorts. The destinations vary with the season. If you would like to experience the coast from the water, you can include these excursions in your holiday plans without making hiking the sole focus of your stay.
The outer breakwater is also ideal for a walk. It is about 1.5 kilometres long and open to walkers; the path leads to the green-and-white lighthouse. It has been guiding ships since 1903. At the harbour, you can enjoy both a waterside walk and a distinctive piece of maritime navigation history.
Old Town and Sassnitz’s History
Alt Sassnitz is a historic old town with old houses and villas, distinctive streets and squares, and views of the Baltic Sea. St John’s Church was completed in 1883: the single-nave brick building is designed in the Neo-Gothic style and has an octagonal tower attached to one side. The Fisheries and Harbour Museum traces the origins of Sassnitz’s fishing industry and town harbour, as well as the town’s development into a fishing and seaside resort. If you are interested in maritime history, you can also learn about HMS Otus, a former Oberon-class attack submarine of the British Royal Navy.
Choose the Right Focus for Your Holiday
If you are travelling with children, you can also take the wildlife park’s playgrounds and the National Park Centre’s exhibition into account. Sassnitz has its own municipal bus route for getting around; you can also consider the VVR regional bus routes.
Discover More Places
More pages about local areas: Recknitz-Trebeltal Municipal Association, Süderholz, Ribnitz-Damgarten Municipal Association, Franzburg-Richtenberg Municipal Association, Barth Municipal Association, North Rügen Municipal Association, Zingst, Bergen auf Rügen Municipal Association.
For the higher-level travel overview: Vorpommern-Rügen.
