The reserve protects the 'Zickersche Berge,' a landscape formed during the last glacial period consisting of dry grassland unique to the region.
It is one of 18 UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves in Germany, emphasizing the interaction between humans and the environment.
The reserve contains specific habitats for the rare fire-bellied toad and the white-tailed eagle.
The northernmost part of the reserve, near the Granitz hunting lodge, features some of the best-preserved beech forests on Rügen.
The area includes the 'Reddevitzer Höft,' a narrow, 4.5-kilometer-long peninsula extending into the Bodden waters.
Unlike a national park, the biosphere reserve allows for traditional land use, including sheep grazing which maintains the open meadow landscapes.
The Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve encompasses a diverse 228-square-kilometer coastal landscape on the island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea. It protects a unique mosaic of lagoons, cliffs, forests, and salt marshes, designated by UNESCO as a model region for sustainable development. The terrain includes the Zicker Berge, a hilly terminal moraine ridge providing elevated views of the Greifswalder Bodden. Coastal erosion and shifting sediment have formed long, narrow sand spits known as 'Haken' that characterize the reserve's shoreline. The area serves as an essential migratory stopover and breeding ground for thousands of waterbirds. Historically significant sites, including the classical-style town of Putbus and various Neolithic megalithic tombs, are integrated within the protected boundaries. The reserve maintains a strict zoning system to balance intensive nature conservation with local agricultural, fishing, and tourism activities.
The elevated ridgeline of the Zicker Berge offering panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and coastal lagoons.
Bring high-quality binoculars to observe bird life across the Bodden lagoons without disturbing nesting areas.
Plan your visit to coincide with the flowering season of the protected orchids found in the Zicker Berge during late spring.
Check local wind conditions before visiting the peninsula areas, as they are exposed and lack significant wind protection.
Do not attempt to traverse the base of active chalk cliffs, as they are prone to frequent, unpredictable rockfalls.
The reserve is open year-round, though some visitor centers and exhibitions follow seasonal cycles, typically reducing operations during winter months.
Stay strictly on marked paths to protect fragile coastal dune vegetation and nesting birds; dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.
