The bridge's main pylon reaches a height of 128 meters, making it one of the tallest structures in the region.
It was constructed using a cable-stayed design to maintain a clearance of 42 meters for passing ships in the Strelasund.
The bridge spans a total length of 2,831 meters, with the main bridge section accounting for 583 meters.
Construction was completed in just over three years, with the official opening occurring in October 2007.
The Rügenbrücke handles the majority of transit traffic, while the older adjacent Rügendamm is frequently lifted for maritime traffic.
The Rügenbrücke is a high-clearance combined road and railway bridge connecting the city of Stralsund on the German mainland to the island of Rügen. Opened in 2007, the bridge spans the Strelasund strait and features a distinctive 128-meter-tall central pylon. It stands parallel to the older Rügendamm, which remains in use for local traffic and rail services. The bridge serves as the primary artery for high-speed travel to Rügen, reaching a maximum height of 42 meters above sea level to allow for maritime shipping. Its construction was part of a major infrastructure project to reduce traffic congestion during peak holiday seasons. The structure is part of the B96 federal highway and carries two lanes of vehicle traffic. It remains a notable example of modern cable-stayed bridge engineering in Northern Germany.
The Stralsund harbor promenade provides the clearest vantage point of the pylon against the skyline.
Plan your crossing during clear weather, as high winds occasionally lead to speed restrictions or closures for high-sided vehicles.
Observe the bridge from the Stralsund waterfront at night to see the pylon illuminated.
Check local traffic news for the island of Rügen before departure, as the bridge is the primary bottleneck for incoming holiday traffic.
Avoid crossing during the peak weekend check-in times for Rügen resorts, as traffic jams are frequent and can last for several hours.
Maintain high speeds consistent with traffic flow; stopping on the bridge is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
