After almost two years of construction, the island of Rügen and its famous chalk cliff are one attraction richer. Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) opened the new viewing platform above the Königsstuhl on Saturday in the best spring weather and bright sunshine and was one of the first guests to walk along the 185-metre-long elliptical circular route. "I am convinced that the Skywalk will be a new magnet for visitors, and not just during the high season," said Schwesig on what she considered to be a "historic event".

The so-called Königsweg is held by a huge guy mast and hovers above the 118-metre-high Königsstuhl, the largest chalk cliff in Germany. The new platform is a sky path that is second to none, and gives a clear view of the Baltic Sea, the chalk coast and cliff slope forests, said Schwesig. "I'm sure anyone who has ever been to the Skywalk will carry this enchanting sight in their hearts forever. This is where heaven and water come together."

Around 300,000 visitors annually

The previous viewpoint on the rock was cordoned off last September to protect the area from erosion. According to information from the Schwerin Ministry of Economic Affairs on Saturday, the total expenditure for the project amounts to around 11.37 million euros.

At the same time as the opening of the Skywalk, the modernized exhibition of the National Park Center was reopened after a five-month renovation period. According to the National Park Centre, around 300,000 visitors usually come to the Königsstuhl every year. The first known mention of the Königsstuhl dates back to 1584. Around the late 17th to 18th centuries, tourism began.

The environmental protection organization WWF emphasized that the Skywalk makes nature and the national park even more tangible. "WWF is very pleased about the completion of the Königsstuhl Skywalk, which is another highlight in the Jasmund National Park and raises awareness of the beauty and uniqueness of nature," said Heike Vesper, Managing Director Transformation at WWF Germany.

According to Economics Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD), the Skywalk is a significant contribution to the expansion of quality tourism in MV. "In order to be able to keep up with others in the tourism competition, such innovative, attractive and sustainable offers are necessary. This is the basis for more added value and for the future development of tourism in the country," says Meyer.