Jasmund National Park: Chalk Cliffs and Pristine Forests Galore

When most people think of visiting Germany, they envision themselves eating sausage, drinking beer and perhaps visiting a castle or attending an Oktoberfest celebration. In addition to being the birthplace of many cultural and culinary innovations, Germany is also home to some stunning natural spaces. Jasmund National Park—located on the island of Rugen—features majestic chalk cliffs, an ancient beech forest, and a panoramic view of the azure waters of the Baltic Sea.

The White Cliffs of Dover in England may be the world’s most famous chalk cliffs, but the stark white cliffs of Jasmund National Park are just as stunning as their English cousins. The cliffs of Jasmund National Park are framed by a dense forest that adds a vibrant splash of green. The deep blue waters of the Baltic Sea create a striking tableau that has been admired by painters, writers, and travelers from around the globe for centuries.

In the mid-1800s, the Emperor of Germany King Wilhelm I and his daughter Crown Princess Victoria Louise visited Germany’s celebrated chalk cliffs. A dainty platform known as the Victoria Viewpoint was constructed so that the royal pair could experience a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea and a towering white rock formation known as the King’s Chair. Two centuries later, the Victoria Viewpoint is still in use. Visitors can take regal selfies with the King’s Chair and the Baltic Sea in the background.

Jasmund National Park is home to an expansive beech forest which has been undisturbed by major human development for centuries. Visitors are free to hike in the peaceful ancient forest. Deer, wild boar, and several types of birds including the peregrine falcon are plentiful in the dense beech forest.

Since Jasmund National Park only occupies 12 square miles, there are several trails which allow visitors to make a loop through forests, meadows, and sandy beaches. The Ranzow-Konigsstuhl-Hochuferweg loop is an easy circular trail that covers a wide variety of different terrain in a short period of time. Thanks to a series of well-maintained trails, you don’t have to be a world class mountaineer to enjoy the splendor of Jasmund National Park.

Coastal Germany often gets overlooked by travelers searching for a rejuvenating seaside vacation. If wandering among serene forests and striking chalk cliffs is your idea of a holiday well spent, consider booking a trip to Jasmund National Park. The crashing waves of the Baltic Sea will surely calm your soul.

How to get to Jasmund National Park?

Jasmund National Park is located on the island of Rugen in northeastern Germany. To access Jasmund National Park by car, first, you need to drive to Stralsund town and then cross Germany’s longest bridge, known as the Rügenbrücke, to reach the island. Once on the island, simply follow the signs to the park, which is located in the northeast region.