Jasmund National Park

Jasmund National Park is located in northeastern Germany on the island of Rügen, in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The park lies along the Baltic Sea coast, near the towns of Sassnitz and Lohme, and approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Stralsund. Established in 1990, Jasmund National Park is best known for its dramatic chalk cliffs, which rise up to 161 meters above the sea. These cliffs, including the iconic Königsstuhl (King’s Chair), have been admired for centuries and have inspired famous artists like Caspar David Friedrich. The park was created to protect this unique landscape and its rich biodiversity, as well as its cultural significance. There are several parking areas located near key entrances to the park, including in Sassnitz and Lohme. Visitors are required to pay a small fee to park, and during peak tourist season, the park encourages the use of shuttle buses or public transport to minimize environmental impact. Parking facilities are well-marked and equipped with information stations. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, with species such as the white-tailed eagle, peregrine falcon, and red deer frequently spotted. The park's chalk grasslands and ancient beech forests, part of the Primeval Beech Forests of Europe UNESCO World Heritage site, provide habitat for these animals. The flora includes ancient beech trees, rare orchids, and various coastal plants adapted to the chalky soil. Besides the chalk cliffs, notable landmarks include the Herthasee, a small lake surrounded by myth-laden forests, and the Königsstuhl National Park Centre, which offers exhibitions and breathtaking views. Public transportation to Jasmund National Park is available, with regular buses connecting it to Sassnitz and other towns on the island. From these towns, shuttle buses and walking trails lead into the heart of the park.