Binz

Binz is the largest and best-known seaside resort on Rügen, Germany's biggest island, on the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It's famous for a fine, white sand beach about 5 kilometers long, a promenade lined with ornate white villas, a grand Kurhaus (spa hotel) and a pier where excursion boats leave for the island's chalk cliffs. For many Germans, Binz is the classic Baltic beach vacation, and it makes an ideal base for exploring Rügen.

A brief history of Binz

Binz was a small farming and fishing village between the sea and the Schmachter See lake until the first summer visitors arrived around 1875. About a decade later it became an official seaside resort, and a building boom followed. Hotels and villas went up in the distinctive local resort style known as Bäderarchitektur, with white wooden balconies, turrets and bay windows. The first Kurhaus opened in 1890; today's building dates from 1908.

Just north of town lies Prora, a colossal beach resort the Nazis began building in 1937 for their "Strength Through Joy" (KdF) leisure program. It was never finished, and today parts of it house apartments, while others are dedicated to documenting its history.

Things to do in Binz

• Stroll the promenade from the Kurhaus past villas, cafés and dunes.
• Walk out on the pier, about 370 meters long and opened in 1994; its predecessor was destroyed by ice in 1942. Boats depart from here to the chalk cliffs.
• See the lifeguard tower by East German engineer Ulrich Müther, a futuristic concrete shell from 1981 that now hosts weddings.
• Admire the villas on the streets behind the promenade, some of the finest examples of Baltic resort architecture.
• Escape the crowds at the reed-fringed Schmachter See, home to many water birds.

Beach, season and resort tax

The beach is up to 50 meters wide and slopes gently, which makes it great for families. Peak season runs from June through August; May, September and early October are quieter and often just as lovely. The promenade, pier and beach are free to access. Overnight guests pay a resort tax and receive the Binzer Bucht Card, which includes free rides on local bus lines 22, 24 and 27 between Binz and Prora. Prices are in euros, and the tourist office can give you current rates.

How to get to Binz

Binz is one of the few Rügen resorts with long-distance train service: according to the local tourism office, IC and ICE trains run to Ostseebad Binz station, making it an easy trip from Berlin or Hamburg. The historic Rasender Roland steam railway also stops in Binz and connects it with Putbus, the Granitz Hunting Lodge, Sellin and Göhren.

By car, cross the toll-free Rügen Bridge at Stralsund and follow the B 96 to Bergen, then continue to Binz. Expect roughly four hours from Berlin. The nearest airport is Rostock-Laage, about 120 kilometers away.

Is Binz worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a classic German seaside experience with elegant architecture and a lively promenade. A day is enough to see the Kurhaus, pier and villas, but Binz really shines as a base for a week on Rügen. In July and August, head north toward Prora for quieter stretches of sand. The flat promenade works well for strollers and wheelchairs, and dogs are allowed only on designated beach sections.

Nearby

• Granitz Hunting Lodge, a fairy-tale castle in the forest just south of town.
• Sellin Pier and its diving gondola, a short drive southeast.
• Jasmund National Park and its chalk cliffs north of Sassnitz.
• Cape Arkona at the island's northern tip.