Why Baltic Sea Visitors Should Be Particularly Vigilant Now - Rügen's Crumbling Cliffs Pose Deadly Risks Despite Decades of Warnings
Jasmund National Park on Rügen has long faced dangers from landslides and erosion. Despite no fatal accidents in decades, the cliffs remain hazardous—particularly in winter. Authorities continue to warn visitors about the risks of ignoring safety guidelines.
The park's chalk cliffs experience around 200 landslides each year, with most occurring in February and March. Cold and moisture weaken the rock, while freezing conditions create an unstable 'ice armour' that increases collapse risks. National Park Director Ingolf Stodian has repeatedly highlighted these seasonal dangers.
Past tragedies include the 2011 death of a 10-year-old girl at Cape Arkona, when a cliff collapsed. More recently, in July 2015, four hikers were injured by a 2.5-metre-high landslide at Jasmund. Investigations later revealed that many accidents stemmed from visitors straying off marked trails or climbing unstable rock faces.
While walking below the cliffs is still legally allowed, officials strongly discourage it due to rockfall hazards. A full ban on beach access would be unenforceable, but the park urges people to avoid the cliff edges entirely. Unofficial desire paths, often created by hikers seeking shortcuts, add to the danger, as they can lead too close to unstable areas.
Erosion issues extend beyond Rügen. On the island of Poel, a cliffside hiking trail has suffered damage, and near Ahrenshoop, an old East German observation bunker now faces threats from crumbling cliffs. Awareness campaigns over the past two years have helped reduce accidental deaths, but risks remain.
The park has recorded no fatal landslide incidents since the 1930s, aside from the 2011 tragedy. Yet the combination of seasonal weather, unstable terrain, and human behaviour keeps the threat alive. Visitors are reminded to stick to official paths and heed all safety warnings.
