Chalk cliffs, forests, wetlands and hiking trails – A nature reserve on the island of Ruegen, Germany – Nationalpark Jasmund

Looking for the Kings Chair Königsstuhl on the Baltic Sea!

Koenigsstuhl / Kings Chair - Jasmund National Park - Ruegen, Germany — Koenigsstuhl / Kings Chair

Up early in the Feriendorf Rugana, bread bought, sandwiches made and on our way for the 40 minutes drive to Jasmund National Park on the Jasmund Peninsula of the northern Germany Island Ruegen.

We had a horrible time finding the actual entrance to the park. For some strange reason, google maps kept leading us to a camping place which had a gate blocking entry to what we assumed was the road. Finally, a very frustrated gatekeeper told us to follow the signs, not the GPS. Poor guy must have been overwhelmed with people expecting to get through that gate! We met several cars of people with the exact same problem.

Tree Lined Roads - Ruegen, Germany — Tree Lined Roads

Finally, thanks to the gate keeper’s directions, we found the Hagen parking lot to the 30 square kilometer forest area which boasts Germany’s largest chalk cliffs and the smallest national park.

Fritz Dog - Hiking Jasmund National Park - Ruegen, Germany — Fritz – Hiking Jasmund Park

Wiki Bit of Interest: UNESCO World Heritage Site - Official Name: Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany

The entrance showed the possibility of several trails which can be hiked through the forest, all with the intent on viewing the famous Königsstuhl, otherwise known as the Kings Chair. Trails are easy to follow and colour coded markings guide you through.

Trail Signs in Jasmund National Park - Ruegen, Germany — Trail Signs

We chose the “blue” trail, which guided us approximately 2.5 km through the hardwood beech tree forest which was showing off it’s crispy golden coloured autumn leaves before arriving at the steep rock face. For those who want a little challenge, you can take a longer route. The Königsstuhl offers breath taking views of the naturally eroding chalk cliffs, as well as the impressive baltic sea.

Fall Day at Jasmund National Park - Ruegen, Germany — Fall Day at Jasmund National Park

Due to time constraints – so much to do, so little time – we took the shuttle bus #19 back to the parking lot. The bus stop is right at the paid entrance for the Koenigsstuhl; it cost €3.40 for 2 persons and one dog.

Links:
→ Ruegen Island / Rügen
…..⇒ Guide to Kap Arkona – How to Cape Arkona
….⇒ Stay: Feriendorf Rugana
…..→Eat Rugana Restaurant

Location: Europe > Western Europe > Germany > Northern Germany > Mecklenburg – Western Pomerania > Baltic Sea > Ruegen > Jasmund Peninsula > Sassnitz > Jasmund National Park