The Mönchgut peninsula consists of several headlands and bays, which separate the Greifswald Bodden from the Baltic Sea. The landscape, marked by wind and weather, is an impressive natural spectacle in every season. The area was owned by a monastery for a long time, whence the name derives (Mönchgut translates as „Monk’s Estates“). Mönchgut has been recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve on Rügen since 1991 and has been designated a natural reserve for the animals and plants living therein.
Covering an area of over 23,000 hectares, the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve not only consists of the Mönchgut peninsula, but also of the island of Vilm as well as the Granitz forest with its old beeches. Meadows and hills, with sheep grazing on them in summer, are typical for this picturesque landscape, which invites to long, relaxing walks in the fresh sea air. Lucky visitors of the natural reserve may even sight grey seals, finding in Rügen one of their last refuges. Furthermore, rare orchid species can be discovered.
The largest holiday resort on the island of Rügen is the Baltic Sea resort of Binz. Its historic pier allows for a wonderful view on the Baltic Sea. The palm tree garden in Sellin surprises visitors with gastronomical offers in special ambience. The places Baabe and Göhren are connected by a seaside promenade, where the northernmost part of the German Avenue Route (“Deutsche Alleenstraße”) ends. The fishing village Göhren, situated in the middle of the Mönchgut Natural Reserve, is a popular destination for holidays at the seaside, and it is easily reachable by famous island railway „Rasender Roland“ (“Racing Roland”). Taking a ride with this narrow-gauge railway, which has been operating once more with historic steam locomotives since 1996, is a unique experience.
On top of this, more information about history and tradition of the peninsula can be discovered in the four museums of Mönchgut. The exhibition of traditional costumes in the open-air museum is worth a visit, not only for culturally interested visitors. In addition, ancient burial mounds as well as huge foundlings from the ice age can be discovered.