Thanks to the Störtebeker festival, the Ralswiek open-air theatre by the Jasmund lagoons is one of the most successful theatres of its kind in Germany. Every summer Ralswiek goes into a state of emergency as the most notorious of the Victual Brothers, Klaus Störtebeker, takes over this peaceful town with his band of pirates.

Pirates ahoy!
Watch out for pirates and buccaneers - Störtebeker is in town! This festival takes place in Ralswiek on the island of Rügen in honour of this "Robin Hood of the Seas". Each year plays about the famous pirate, based on real historical events, are performed on the charming waterside stage. More than 120 members of cast and crew, four ships, several horses and special effects make this festival a real treat. The highlight of every evening is the firework display over the "Great Jasmund Lagoons".

At 976 square kilometres, Rügen is Germany's largest island and is actually an archipelago of around 30 small islands and peninsulas. There is much to discover on Rügen - pleasant seaside resorts and small fishing villages, mile-long beaches, palaces, lighthouses and Jasmund National Park, the smallest in Germany.

Rügen is also somewhere you can enjoy art and culture. The Boddenbarsch variety theatre is the only one of its kind in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and is popular with fans of cabaret. Art lovers can discover new artists at Putbus orangery and if you are keen on traditional handicrafts you will be in good hands at Rügenhof Arkona.