Cape Arkona and Jaromarsburg

About Cape Arkona and Jaromarsburg

On the chalk cliffs at the northern tip of Rügen, the Slavic Rani people built a fortress called Jaromarsburg around a temple of Svantevit, a four headed god of war, fertility and divination. The chronicler Saxo Grammaticus described a giant wooden statue holding a drinking horn and a sacred white horse whose steps were read as omens. Tribute flowed here from across the Baltic Slavic world.

In 1168 King Valdemar I of Denmark captured the fortress and burned the statue, ending the last major pagan sanctuary of the western Slavs. Much of the site has since fallen into the sea, but the earth rampart survives. Modern Slavic pagans and Rodnovers occasionally visit to honor Svantevit, and two lighthouses now stand nearby.

What to see

• Slavic earth rampart of Jaromarsburg
• Chalk cliffs over the Baltic
• Schinkel and newer lighthouses
• Fishing village of Vitt
• Coastal walking path

Visiting Cape Arkona and Jaromarsburg: practical guide

Best time

May to September

Hours

Outdoor area open at all times; parts of the rampart closed for erosion

Entry

Free; parking and lighthouse fees

Dress code

Windproof clothing

Nearest airport

Rostock Laage Airport (RLG), 160 km

Tips from experienced pilgrims

• Cars must park in Putgarten; walk or take the small tram
• Stay behind fences near unstable cliffs
• Combine with the Jasmund chalk cliffs

Festivals and special days

• Kupala Night (around the summer solstice)

Etiquette for visitors

Guidance drawn from Slavic Paganism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.

• Remember many reconstructed idols are modern creations; ask guides about evidence.
• Respect active Orthodox and Catholic churches built on former pagan sites.
• Treat modern Rodnover shrines as living sacred spaces.
• Stay away from eroding cliff edges at Cape Arkona.
• Ask before photographing participants at folk festivals.

Location map

Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions

Frequently asked questions