Sassnitz

Sassnitz is a town on the Jasmund peninsula, Rügen Island, in the Federal State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, in northern Europe.

The Jasmund National Park is a nature reserve. Famous for the largest chalk cliffs of Germany, it is also home to many rare plants and animals and is a popular visitor attraction.

The former British submarine HMS Otus has been turned into a floating museum and is located near the disused ferry terminal.

Sassnitz Wildlife Park is the only zoo on Ruegen and can be found on the outskirts of the city, tucked away in the old beech forests of the National Park Jasmund. Around 250 animals of 60 species are kept in the park, mainly native animals, but also several exotic species too.

The Gummanz Chalk Museum (Kreidemuseum Gummanz) is the only chalk museum in Europe and lies not far from Sassnitz near Sagard on the terrain of an old chalk pit.

In the harbour area, the "glass station" (Glasbahnhof) houses an exhibition and events hall as well as the Museum for underwater archaeology. There are several exhibits of the Ralswiek boat discovery (Bootsfunde von Ralswiek).

The Fishing and Harbour Museum (Fischerei- und Hafenmuseum) documents the history of fishing on Rügen and the old Sassnitz harbour.

The Alaris Butterfly Park is home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a tropical environment.

Sassnitz's old town is near the town hall. In Karlstraße is the oldest house in Sassnitz, clearly visible from its blue and white exterior.

The Evangelical St. John's Church stands on a hill between Sassnitz and Crampas on Stubbenkammerstraße and dates back to around 1880.

The 274m long suspension bridge has since 2007 connected the town centre, between the railway station, Rügen Gallery, the spa hotel and the high street, to Sassnitz Port.

Dwasieden Castle is set in a park in the Dwasieden Forest. Its ruins give an idea of the varied history of this once magnificent building. The mansion was built between 1873-1876 in a Italian Neo-Renaissance style.

There is a wide choice when it comes to shopping in Sassnitz, good buys include handmade crystal, silver, steelware and leather goods.

Fresh fish and seafood including prawns, salmon, herring and cod are popular menu items as well as a variety of meat dishes, pasta and salads. Tasty snacks to try include local jams and cheeses, bratwurst (grilled sausage) and currywurst (spicy sausage).

Most cruise ships will anchor and tender passengers ashore. Smaller vessels may be able to dock in the ferry harbour which is around 6km from town. Shuttle buses are usually provided.