Stones on the beach on the island of Rügen

by Silva Wischeropp

This maritime nature photograph was taken on 4 August 2013 in the early evening hours. The subject was photographed with the Nikon D90. The balance of the stones conveys relaxation and tranquillity. This meditative photo motif is perfect for hanging in bathrooms and bedrooms.

Rügen is the largest and most populous island in Germany. It lies off the Baltic coast of Western Pomerania and belongs to the district of Vorpommern-Rügen in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The island has an area of 926 km², a maximum length of 52 km (from south to north) and a maximum width of 41 km in the south. Due to the ice age, Rügen is very hilly and water-rich. The coast is heavily indented by numerous bays and lagoons (Bodden and Wieke) as well as protruding peninsulas and headlands. In June 2011, UNESCO awarded the Jasmund National Park on Rügen, known for its enormous beech forests and white chalk cliffs, the status of World Heritage Site.

Rügen is home to the central capital of Bergen, the harbour town of Sassnitz, the princely residence of Putbus, the country town of Garz and the Baltic seaside resorts of Binz, Sellin, Göhren, Baabe, Thiessow, Breege and Altefähr. Rügen is a popular holiday destination above all thanks to its diverse landscape and nature, the thatched and spa architecture with many listed buildings, the growing range of hospitality and cultural offerings and the long, fine sandy beaches.