There are four towns on the island of Ruegen. Having about 2000 inhabitants Garz is the smallest one among them. On a map you can find it in the central southern area of the island. However, it is also the oldest town on the island for its town charter was granted by the prince of Ruegen already in 1319.

Bergen is the island´s second-oldest town. At the beginning of the 17th century it was given its town charter by the Duke of Pomerania, but the settlement itself is far older. It was first mentioned in a document of 1232. At that time St. Mary´s at Bergen had already been mostly completed. Today, this medieval brick church is considered to be one of the most remarkable cultural places of interest on the island of Ruegen.

The towns name meaning "mountains" refers to its location for Bergen is situated on top of a hill in the central area of the island. Today, the town having about 15000 inhabitants is a regional administration centre. For this reason, it is also called the island´s capital.

Sassnitz is situated in the north-east of Ruegen on the slopes of the hilly chalk cliffs coastline. In past times chalk was quarried even in the town area. Today, however, only two branches of industry are still of importance. Like many other places on the island, Sassnitz also gains profit from the flourishing tourism on Ruegen. Until the beginning of World War 1 the town could even pride itself on being among the most frequented German seaside resorts. Today this is rather difficult to achieve, because most of the current holidaymakers do not really prefer a stony beach. Nevertheless, the town´s location, its surroundings and its historic centre, in which many beautiful ancient houses have been preserved, do make Sassnitz an attractive place to stay for holidays.

In the first place, however, Sassnitz is a seaport town. There has been an important ferry connection between the town and Sweden for about 100 years now. A large modern ferry harbour at the suburb of Neu Mukran today eases the traffic and workload in the old harbour near the town centre. This old harbour is also a popular stomping ground of tourists who obviously enjoy seeing fishing trawlers and are wild about buying fresh fish.

By the way, Sassnitz has about 10000 inhabitants.

If you like to see large quantities of white painted classicistic buildings, you will have to visit Putbus taking a closer look at the historic town centre. These impressive ancient houses including a theatre adorned with a portico were built in the first half of the ninenteenth century, after the prince of Putbus had decided to redesign and enlarge his seat of power, or rather: his princely town. Most of them line the large market square and a picturesque round place which is called the Circus of Putbus. 

Unfortunately, the monumental palace of the Prince was pulled down about 15 years after the end of World War 2, but the surrounding park and its tall old trees have been preserved. The orangery today houses a museum that among other things presents exhibitions about the town´s history. 

Putbus is situated in the south of Ruegen a few kilometres away from the shore. 5000 people live in this beautiful one-horse town which a lot of holidaymakers staying in the nearby seaside resorts visit for a day trip.