Rügen archipelago

Rügen is the largest German island. It is connected to the mainland though a bridge across the Strelasund (opening bridge and bridge with a 42 m clearance).

The approach, like all navigation inside the Rügen archipelago is through narrow shallow channels, bordered with sand or mud banks, a paradise for sailing boats with a centre board like the OVNIs. The channels are well marked with buoys, which should be followed precisely!

The following rules apply:

• Pass close to the bigger buoys, the smaller one indicating shallow areas.
• Look at the white birds easy to spot from far away. If you see their legs, it is time to tack!
• Same with the cows, don't get too close and end-up in the fields!

Further caution should be applied:

• In the eastern entrance in the inlet, beware of the current, even in the absence of tide.
• The water level can vary in a range of more than 20 cm, depending on the wind direction and strength. This can make a difference in such shallow waters.
• Touristic boats have always the priority over leisure boats. Crossing larger boats may prove problematic in narrow channels. You can end aground, but in the mud bank where it is easy to get out.

Part of the inlet area is a national park, UNESCO World Heritage and a Reserve Biosphere where you can enjoy bird watching.

Barhöft is the marina straight ahead when you enter through the eastern channel.

The area is worth a week of exploration, biking around, experiencing small natural harbours and other guest harbours e.g. Vitte, Wiek or Grabow. Note that there is a powerline with 21 m clearance if you want to proceed to the western part of the Rügen inlet.