Rail traffic on Rügen is at a standstill: SailGP collides with school enrollment!

Rail traffic on Rügen is at a standstill: SailGP collides with school enrollment!

There will be some significant changes coming to the popular island of Rügen in the coming week. From November 7th, rail traffic on the main routes will be suspended for a week. Anyone who relies on regional or long-distance transport has to resort to bus detours, which entail earlier departure times and longer travel times. Only the trains between Bergen and Putbus and the narrow-gauge railway will remain in operation, as the Ostsee-Zeitung reports.

While rail traffic becomes a challenge, the city of Sassnitz is preparing for an exciting major event. On August 16 and 17, 2025, the city will host the international sailing series SailGP. This event not only brings spectacular racing to the waters off Rügen, but also attracts numerous international teams and visitors. Preparations are already underway to make the journey easier for both travelers and locals.

Traffic management during SailGP

To ensure smooth operations during the event, a temporary traffic and parking concept will be implemented. Access to Sassnitz via the B96, Dorfstraße, Mukraner Straße and L303 is only possible with a special permit on August 16th and 17th between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Meanwhile, leaving the city remains permitted at any time.

In addition, the main road between RügenFisch and the water police will be closed from July 28th to August 29th, 2025, which will cause temporary inconveniences. The lower Hafenstraße and the Straße der Jugend will also be closed to vehicle traffic from 10:00 a.m. to around 7:00 p.m. on the event days.

A positive highlight is the establishment of attractive shuttle services that run regularly between different stops from August 16th to 17th from 10:00 a.m. A small courtesy for all visitors!

School enrollments and challenges for citizens

If the SailGP and the children's school enrollment take place at the same time, this creates some organizational challenges. Mayor Leon Kräusche plans to hold the training earlier on the day of the event to ease traffic flow. This demonstrates the city's commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of its citizens, even during such turbulent times.

The situation on Rügen is also made more difficult by the unexpected closure of the Stralsund Hotel Scheelehof, where 89 employees have lost their jobs. The company had attempted to restructure itself under self-management, but negotiations with investors unfortunately failed. Such developments create additional uncertainty for those employed in tourism, which is already in high demand on the island.

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There are also changes within the political sector. The district board of the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) in Western Pomerania-Rügen has announced his resignation due to internal disagreements. Treasurer Ann-Kristin Behm is acting as head of the district association and is already preparing the election campaign for the 2026 state elections.

However, residents remain hopeful that despite the challenges, solutions will be found in a timely manner. The anticipation for the SailGP is great and the city is busy preparing to make an unforgettable event possible. Visitors and residents are invited to find out about traffic regulations and possible diversions in order to make their stay as pleasant as possible. Visit the official websites for detailed information about the SailGP and the traffic restrictions: the Ostsee-Zeitung provides comprehensive reports and clear details about the developments on Rügen, while sassnitz.de provides specific information about the events.