Northern Rügen in April: cliff coasts, empty beaches and beech forest

This is where your trip begins. Pack the roof tent and head north to the Baltic.

Stralsund's brick Gothic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a lovely first stop before the island. At the harbour, you can stretch your legs and enjoy the view out over the Baltic before continuing on to Rügen.

A wind-sheltered, family-run site right on the water on the quiet island of Ummanz, usually open from spring onwards. A good, relaxed start with views over the Bodden and little bustle in the off-season.

Ummanz is flat, spacious and very quiet in spring, ideal for settling in and for long walks along the Bodden shore. Cranes and many waterbirds rest here in spring, so a pair of binoculars is worthwhile.

An easy walking and photography day along the peaceful Bodden shoreline. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon with no fixed plan, with a rest on a bench by the water.

The heart of Jasmund National Park, with the famous Königsstuhl chalk cliff and a viewing platform out over the sea. The interactive exhibition explains how the chalk coast was formed, while outside, the cliffs drop dramatically into the deep blue water.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The finest free view of the Königsstuhl, often quieter than the viewing platform. From here, the Hochuferweg leads through ancient beech forest, with ever-changing views of the white cliff coast.

A wooded, wind-sheltered site right behind the long sandy beach at Prora, conveniently located for Jasmund. The beach is wonderfully empty in April and perfect for long walks.

One of Germany's most beautiful coastal walking trails, running right along the edge of the chalk cliffs through UNESCO beech forest. You can walk part of the route and climb down over flint stones to the water at the beach.

A mile upon mile of fine sandy beach stretching almost endlessly along the Prorer Wiek. In the off-season, you'll have it almost to yourselves, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.

The short car ferry across the Rassower Strom carries you atmospherically over to the quiet Wittow peninsula. Only a few minutes' crossing, but a lovely start to the remote north.

Rügen's northernmost tip, with a steep chalk and scree coastline, two historic lighthouses and a Slavic hillfort. From the viewing tower, you can see far out over the Baltic, with cliff paths to walk all around.

A tiny, listed fishing village with thatched houses in a sheltered bay below the cliffs. A short footpath leads down from the cape, a very quiet, picturesque spot.

A spacious nature campsite among dunes and pine woods on Wittow's remote north-west coast, with wind-sheltered pitches among the trees. The long, wild beach lies right behind the dunes and is almost deserted in April.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The narrow spit of land at Bug near Dranske is one of Rügen's loneliest stretches of coast, with views over two Baltic bays. A final long beach walk to say goodbye, often with no one else around.

A short coastal path along the wooded cliffs near Nonnevitz, with quiet views out over the open Baltic. Ideal for soaking up Wittow's tranquillity one last time before the trip comes to an end.