Reaching the Sights and Delights of Hiddensee
To fully enjoy the sights and delights of Hiddensee requires a bit of preparation. Because Hiddensee is off the beaten path a phrase book and dictionary are essential. When I visited Hiddensee five years ago most people I encountered spoke only a smattering of English. That said I was certainly able to use my limited German to figure out menus and signs or ask a basic question or two. I believe based on my current research that a visit today would be manageable even for those speaking only English.
There are now a number of Hiddensee websites in English. Germany has made great effort to make Hiddensee more user friendly for those of whose native language is English.The following websites offer information on sights of Hiddensee.
Web Cam Hiddensee (Keep the time difference in your mind when viewing the web cam.)
Germany Tourism Information in English
Ferries to the island depart from Rugen and Straulsund in Northern Germany. The ferry ride to Hiddensee from Schaprode (Rugen) is approximately forty-five minutes; from Straulsund the ferry is approximately two hours. Visitors can take a train from Berlin to Straulsund to reach the ferry.
IC (high speed) trains from Berlin take approximately three hours. If you take an IR train (regional) you will have a longer journey with more stops. The train can also be taken from Berlin to reach Rugen/Bergen, where you then catch a local bus to the Schaprode ferry. Train tickets can be purchased at the Berlin Zoologischer Station. Ferry tickets are available online or at the Schaprode and Straulsund Ferry departure stations. Ferry ticket prices from Schaprode to Kloster or Vitte are as follows; single adult round-trip fare (euros) 24.60. A family card for parents and children or grandparents and children can be purchased for (euros) 43.90. Bicycle/Surfboard tickets cost (euro) 6.70. Fares for the Neuendorf port are slightly different.
Photo Credits Hiddensee and Dornbusch Lighthouse Lisa Overman
2 comments
This place looks absolutely precious! And having two companion pieces posted really gives people a chance to explore the option of going there in a fair amount of depth.
It is such an amazing place. One of those delightful finds I will always treasure.