Limestone, seaside resorts and lighthouses

Rügen's limestone cliffs are immortalised in paintings by the romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. Not only is the gleaming white chalk a glorious sight, it also has considerable healing properties and is used in treatments at old-established resorts on the island. Usedom, Rügen's "sister island", also has some stunning seaside resorts. Dating back to imperial days, Usedom's magnificent architecture and the fabulous pier at Ahlbeck have visitors in nostalgic mood in no time at all. The tiny island of Hiddensee is popular with people looking for somewhere a bit different. Not only does it have the finest lighthouse on Germany's Baltic coast, green hills and a stunningly beautiful beach against a backdrop of cliffs, it is also totally peaceful - cars are not allowed.