Cape Arkona
Kap Arkona
The northernmost point of Rügen, where the old lighthouse designed by Schinkel and the newer lighthouse stand side by side, with the ruins of the Slavic fortress of Arkona on the cliffs.
Cape Arkona is a headland of white chalk and clay cliffs about 45 metres high. It is home to the square old lighthouse designed by Schinkel in 1827 and a newer lighthouse built in 1902. In summer you can climb the lighthouse, and there is also an exhibition on military bunkers. On the eastern side, the earthwork ramparts of the Arkona stronghold were the site of the temple of the Slavic god Svantevit. The fortress fell to the Danes in 1168, and some sections have since collapsed into the sea due to coastal erosion. If you come by car, park in Putgarten, then walk about 1.5 km or take the sightseeing mini-train.
Opening hours
Scenic area open all day; lighthouse approx. 10:00–18:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Vitt
- Chalk Museum Gummanz
- Störtebeker Festival, Ralswiek
- Flint Fields
- Jasmund National Park
- Königsstuhl
- Sassnitz Harbour & Old Town
- Naturerbe Zentrum Rügen Treetop Walk