Sassnitz GermanyCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
If tendered, you will arrive directly in the town center, making Sassnitz itself easily walkable. For exploring beyond Sassnitz, local buses and trains are available. To reach the Hanseatic City of Stralsund, trains depart hourly, and the journey takes just under an hour. A one-way ticket costs approximately €12.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Sassnitz: Visit Rügen's only zoo or tour the decommissioned British submarine HMS Otus, which now operates as a floating museum. Sassnitz also offers direct access for walks into Jasmund National Park.
- Jasmund National Park: This is Germany's smallest national park, known for its eerie beech woods. It's easily accessible from Sassnitz.
- Island of Rügen Exploration: Rügen, Germany's largest island at 976 square kilometers, offers a remarkably diverse landscape. You can explore genteel seaside resorts, quiet fishing villages, mile-long beaches, ancient megalithic graves, 100-year-old lighthouses, and tree-lined avenues. Consider a bus tour to cover more ground.
- Hunting Castle & Steam Train: Discover an old hunting castle from the early 18th century or experience a ride on a steam train that is still operational (specific locations on Rügen vary).
- Stralsund Day Trip: Take an hourly train to the Hanseatic City of Stralsund. The journey is just under an hour and costs €12 each way. Stralsund is home to three ancient churches and five abbeys.
Dining
German fast food (Schnellimbiss) is widely available, cheap, and hearty. Look for Bockwurst, Bratwurst, Currywurst, fries, and hamburgers. Turkish fast food, particularly the Doner Kebab (a pita filled with chicken or beef, fresh fries, and salad), is also very popular, affordable, and widely available.
Shopping
Special purchases include precision optical equipment like binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steel ware (such as Solingen knives), leather wear, sports equipment, and toys (from Nuremberg). Specific items from Eastern Germany include musical instruments, wooden carved toys from the Erzgebirge Mountains, and Meissen china. Opening Hours: Stores in Germany generally close by 8 p.m., with some closing as early as 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays, shops typically close by 1 or 2 p.m., though some in larger city centers may remain open until 2 or 4 p.m. Most stores are closed on Sundays, with the exception of some bakeries that open in the morning.
Weather
The cruise season in Sassnitz on Rügen island runs from May to September with Baltic summer temperatures between 59–72°F (15–22°C). Baltic weather is variable with occasional showers and sea breezes, so light layers and a packable rain jacket are always useful. The chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park, Germany's smallest UNESCO World Heritage site, are the iconic attraction — made famous by the Caspar David Friedrich painting.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available throughout Sassnitz. When shopping or dining in smaller establishments, it is advisable to ask if credit cards are accepted beforehand. German is the local language. While English may be spoken in tourist areas, Germans are generally regarded as punctual and formal. It is customary to use the formal "Sie" form when addressing people you don't know. For emergencies, dial 110 for Police and 112 for Fire or Ambulance. Most cafes offer free WiFi.