RÜGEN, the largest island of Germany, lies in the Baltic and forms part of the Prussian monarchy, being included in the province of Pomerania. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel varying from half a mile to 2 miles in breadth, and has an area of 388 square miles. Its outline is very irregular; and as it is penetrated on all sides with arms of the sea, it has the appearance of several peninsulas joined together. Unlike the low coasts of the neighbouring mainland, those of this island are, except in the west, formed by steep chalk cliffs, and the whole bears a considerable resemblance to the Isle of Wight. The surface is varied with hill and dale, luxuriant woods and wild ravines, and the scenery is very beautiful and romantic. Many visitors resort hither in summer on account of the beauty of the island and its advantages for sea-bathing. The soil is fertile and well cultivated; cattle are reared in great numbers; and the fisheries are very productive. In the peninsula of Jasmund, on the eastern side of the island, stands a large beech forest called the Stubbenitz, which contains an oval lake, supposed to have been sacred in heathen times to Hertha, the goddess of the earth and patron deity of Rügen. There are also many sepulchral mounds of large size in the island. Rügen was originally independent of all the surrounding countries, under princes of its own; but in 1169 it was conquered by the Danish king Waldemar I., who made these princes his vassals, and on the extinction of their line gave Rügen as a fief to the dukes of Pomerania. By the peace of Westphalia it was ceded to Sweden, but in 1815 it was transferred to Prussia. Pop. (1852) 43,525.