Sagard is a town of 2,500 people (2018) on Rügen. It's a place on your journey rather than a destination, or a base for exploring other parts of the island. It's old town is being regenerated, and its centre has cobblestone streets with a mix of renovated and new businesses and houses, and those in need of a little attention.

Understand

St. Michaelis church of Sagard

History

Sagard is first mentioned in 1250 as Zagard. The name of the municipality of Sagard comes from the Slavic and means something like "stockade" or "fortified settlement". This points to a Slavic burgwall from the 12th century that used to be here, but which has been levelled.

Around 1750, there were the beginnings of a health resort. In 1795, the pastor Heinrich Christoph von Willich, and his brother, the country doctor Dr. Moritz von Willich, opened a Spring, Bathing and Leisure Institute. The bathing facility lasted until about 1830. Today the Historic Brunnenaue Park recalls the former idyllic spa park with its promenades, fountains and bath houses.

Get in

Sargard is on the B96 between Bergen auf Rügen and Sassnitz where the L30 joints from Glowe.

See

• 1 Dobberworth. At 15 metres tall, one of the largest prehistoric tumuli in northern Germany. (updated Feb 2016)

Buy

Supermarkets on the edge of town on the L30 towards Glowe.

Eat

• 1 Villa Italia, Ernst Thälmann Straße 46, ☏ +49 38302 71923. Good Italian food in a small, well-decorated restaurant. 

Sleep

• 1 Hotel "Am Markt", August-Bebel-Straße 14, ☏ +49 38302 3716. (updated Jan 2016)
• 2 Der Wilde Schwan, Neuhof 10, ☏ +49 38302 8030. (updated Jan 2016)

Go next

• Jasmund National Park
• Sassnitz
• Glowe