Did you know that Bergen auf Rügen is the largest town on Rügen Island? This town has been renovated and decorated since the reunification of Germany in 1990. In 2018 Bergen auf Rügen was home to over 13000 people.
Bergen auf Rügen sits in the middle of Germany’s biggest island. This island lies on the Baltic Sea coast. The town is in a hilly area. The Rugard woods are on the town’s northeast outskirts. They reach a height of 91 meters above sea level.
The history of Bergen auf Rügen goes back more than a thousand years. In the 12th century a former Slavic castle declined. It gave way to a monastery. This monastery dominated the settlement until the 15th century. Bergen was granted town rights in the 17th century. Urban infrastructure was modernized in the 19th century during industrialization.
A popular destination in Bergen auf Rügen is the Rugard. It features the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Tower. This tower allows a panoramic view over Rügen.
Discover Rügen’s diverse history by visiting the Bergen museum. The museum resides in one of the carefully restored buildings of the former abbey. The exhibition covers prehistory and early history. It spans from the Stone Age to the end of the Slavic period in 1168. That is when Christianity came to the island. The exhibition upstairs covers Bergen’s town history. It goes from the foundation of the abbey to the mid-19th century.
Don’t miss St Mary’s Church. Construction began in 1168 as a palace church for the Rügen prince Jaromar I. It was completed before 1193 except for the westwork. The triple-aisled basilica church is the oldest surviving brick building in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The gravestone recessed into the outer wall of St Mary’s Church is believed to be that of the Prince. Of note is the Roman mural. It is the only example in northern Germany of the complete painting of a church. In the 14th century it was expanded into a hall church.
Bergen auf Rügen is a transport hub. The Bahnhof Bergen auf Rügen is on the main line to Binz. It provides connections from major German stations. These include Munich Frankfurt Airport Berlin and Stuttgart.
Not far from the historic town center lies the Rugard Forest. A summer luge track opened here in 2005. You can take the B96 to get there. Then take the Vieschstraße from the town center and then Rugardweg.
Since reunification the historical downtown has been renovated. It is decorated giving it a new appeal. Bergen auf Rügen offers a blend of history nature and modern amenities. Enjoy your visit to this charming town on Rügen Island.