Carry out research just like in the 19th century, slip into historical costumes or listen to Romantic-era songs in the open air: From 19 to 21 August, you can take this journey back in time at the KÖNIGSSTUHL National Park Centre from 11 am to 4 pm each day during the Romantic Days. For three days, the programme combines the landscape of the chalk coast with art, nature observation and the atmosphere of the 19th century.

In the very place where Caspar David Friedrich once found inspiration for his landscape paintings, visitors can still experience the fascination of nature at first hand and step back in time to the Romantic era. Friedrich travelled to Rügen a total of seven times; in 1818, his honeymoon with his wife Caroline also took him to the island. Every day at 11.30 am, ‘Caroline Friedrich’ leads the one-hour walk ‘In the Footsteps of Caspar David Friedrich’, recounting her life with the famous painter, the couple’s impressions of Rügen’s chalk coast and a landscape that constantly captivated Friedrich. Along the way, new perspectives on forest scenes, chalk formations and the sea open up. 

The short Romantic-themed guided tours at 10 am and 2 pm on all three days of the event focus on the Königsstuhl as a historic place of longing for travellers and Romantics. At the same time, they explore how perceptions of nature have changed and how it has increasingly come to be seen as a valuable retreat worthy of protection.

From 11 am to 2 pm, the ‘Exploring like in the 19th century’ activity invites visitors to search for clues with a magnifying glass and a curious eye. Königsstuhl postcards can then be designed using ink. Fairground games from days gone by – including throwing games, funhouse mirrors and a wooden carousel for the little ones – as well as a photo spot with costumes invite visitors to become part of the romantic world of imagery until 4 pm.

Looking closely, just like Humboldt

The first highlight of the day takes place on Wednesday 19 August, from 1 pm to 3 pm, with the ‘Drawing like Humboldt’ session. Following the example of the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, participants will observe plants and animals, noting their delicate structures and forms, before recording their observations with pen and paper to take home. The focus is not on artistic perfection, but on a keen eye for nature.

Nature Becomes Art

On Thursday, 20 August, artists from the Pomeranian Artists’ Association will be our guests. As early as the morning, walkers between Hagen, Herthasee and Königsstuhl can watch the artists capture their impressions of the landscape in their own works and look over their shoulders as they work.
From 1 pm to 3 pm, they will share their techniques with visitors in creative workshops. Through cardboard printing, watercolour painting and ink wash drawings, participants will create their own personal images of the forest, chalk cliffs and the sea. As the cardboard printing workshop is limited to eight participants, the National Park Centre recommends booking in advance by telephone or registering early on the day. The other workshops are open to all and can be attended on the spot, subject to availability.

Romantic concert on a picnic blanket

To round off the Romantic Days, music will be performed on Friday 21 August from 1 pm to 2 pm on the ‘Romantic Meadow’ right next to the Skywalk. At the picnic concert ‘Leise flehen meine Lieder!’, the duo ‘con emozione’ will combine soprano and piano with songs, intermezzos and anecdotes by Beethoven, Schubert and Mendelssohn, as well as texts by Goethe, Schiller, Rellstab and Heine.
Anyone wishing to combine musical and culinary delights can book a packed picnic basket for two in advance via the National Park Centre’s online shop. 

All events during the Romantic Days are included in the standard admission price for the KÖNIGSSTUHL National Park Centre. In addition to the programme of events, the ticket also covers the Skywalk, the interactive exhibition, the World Heritage Cinema, guided tours and the outdoor grounds. The picnic basket is an additional service that can be booked separately.

Further information on the programme and how to book the picnic basket can be found at www.koenigsstuhl.com.

Quick & Compact

Romantic Days at the Königsstuhl

What it’s
all about From 19 to 21 August 2026, the Romantic Days will be taking place daily at the KÖNIGSSTUHL National Park Centre, featuring guided tours, walks, historical games, creative activities and music.

Why it matters
Caspar David Friedrich travelled to Rügen seven times and found inspiration here for what is arguably his most famous painting, ‘Chalk Cliffs on Rügen’. The Romantic Days draw on this connection and showcase the Königsstuhl as a historic place of longing, a natural landscape and a source of inspiration for art and research.

How to take
part: The programme runs daily from 11 am to 4 pm and is included in the standard admission price. For the cardboard printing workshop on 20 August, booking by telephone is recommended. For the picnic concert on 21 August, a picnic basket for two people can also be booked for 49 euros. Travel arrangements are to be made individually via Hagen or Sassnitz. We particularly recommend using the combined tickets, which cover admission, the bus and, optionally, parking.