Sassnitz lighthouse, Rügen, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Feb. 17, 2024

This winter wonderland is Rügen, Germany"s largest island. From the iconic chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park to sandy beaches, the island provides a diverse landscape for nature enthusiasts to revel in. Many artists have come here in the past to give free rein to their creativity. The chalk cliffs inspired one of Germany"s most famous painters—Caspar David Friedrich. Pictured here is Sassnitz lighthouse, a maritime beacon that has guided sailors through the Baltic Sea since its establishment in 1905. Though ice may be covering the shore, the lighthouse still stands, frozen as over, shining a light for ships to sail by.

© Christian Back/eStock

palette

Today in History

Let the Great Backyard Bird Count begin!
Feb. 17, 2025Coll dAres, Catalan Pyrenees
Feb. 17, 2026Chinese New Year

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun. 16, 2025World Sea Turtle Day
Feb. 20, 2026Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, California, United States
A smooth landing, feet first
Nov. 5, 2024Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Jun. 6, 202581st anniversary of D-Day
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sep. 2, 2024Milky Way over the Elbow River in southern Alberta
Sep. 24, 2025Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, United States
Nov. 19, 2025Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
Jun. 6, 2024The 80th anniversary of D-Day
Apr. 25, 2025World Penguin Day
Nov. 4, 2025Tower Bridge, London, England
Nov. 11, 2024Banff National Park, Alberta
Isn’t this view mesmerizing?
Dec. 1, 2025Antarctica Day
Aug. 28, 2024Paralympic Games begin in Paris
Aug. 13, 2024Telašćica Nature Park, Dugi Otok, Croatia
On a dark and stormy night...
Dec. 22, 2023Ljubljana, Slovenia
Zebras enjoying their day
Jun. 14, 2024Peggys Point Lighthouse
Feb. 24, 2024Almond trees in full bloom, California
Aug. 17, 2024International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
Nov. 6, 2024Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
World’s largest tulip festival
Nov. 14, 2023Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Jan. 24, 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
Where are these illuminated walkways?
Hangin around
Living rock