Hiddensee Island                             

The island of Hiddensee - community "Seebad Insel Hiddensee" - with its breathtaking landscape is one of the most beautiful Baltic islands and therefore highly appreciated by tourists. Located off the western coast of Ruegen island, it has beautiful sandy beaches and consists of the higher elevations at the Dornbusch (max. 72m above sea level), the lowlands extending to the Gellen, the old and new Bessin and the Faehrinsel (bird sanctuary). The island's overall length is approx. 17km and it covers approx. 19sq.km. Vast heathlands, dune areas and moor meadows can be found in the lowlands. Major areas of this part of the island have an average altitude of only 1 to 2m above sea level and must be protected from flooding.
The four villages of the island - Grieben, Kloster, Vitte and Neuendorf - have specialised in tourism. Since 1995, these villages joint together as the community "Seebad Hiddensee." The most northern village, Kloster, was named after a monastery (in German - Kloster) which was founded there in 1296. The gates and some remnants of the walls can still be seen today.
The island's church was built during the 1780s on the remains of a former chapel and was preserved in its simple style to his day. The Dornbusch is one of the most popular hiking destinations. It provides a complete panorama view from the lighthouse which was built on the Schluckwieck hill (highest hill on the Dornbusch, altitude 72m) in 1888.
Depending on the season, larger passenger boats call frequently at Hiddensee from Schaprode (Ruegen), Wiek (Ruegen), Breege (Ruegen) and Stralsund. The island can also be reached via sea-taxi from Schaprode (Ruegen).
Text and photos by R.R.

Above: Passenger vessels in the harbour of Vitte Above: The island's church in Kloster The Dornbusch viewed from sea Partial view of the harbour of Vitte Schaprode, a gate-way for trips to Hiddensee island View of Kloster The "Blaue Scheune" in Vitte

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