Located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, on the east coast of Germany’s largest island, Rügen, Binz is a Baltic Sea resort that is famous for its historical significance as well as its modern, family-friendly leisure amenities and seaside location. The charming, traditional architectural style of buildings in Binz is well-preserved and is one of its main attractions. Surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, the resort, as this drone video of Binz shows is well worth visiting and exploring.
The Beach and its Many Attractions
Notwithstanding, the importance of the architecture and history of Binz and the lush beauty of the surrounding countryside, for many visitors (especially children), the main attractions of Binz in modern times are, as with all seaside resorts, the sea and beach.
The beach stretches over five kilometres and is composed of soft, fine sand. The gently shelving coast, shallow water and low breakers make this seashore excellent for swimming and also for younger children to play in the water safely. Lifeguards are on duty at several of the more popular beach areas, but thanks to the lack of dangers, they are rarely called upon to assist anyone in trouble in the sea. The beach and shore are not only very safe, they’re also kept clean and maintained in immaculate condition. These impressive achievements are internationally recognised, as evidenced by Binz constantly being awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ symbol of quality.
Getting to the Beach
There are over 70 access points to the beach. Some sign-posted access points are for sections of the beach frequented by nudists only, and there are also ‘doggy beach’ access points where dog owners are allowed to bring their dogs and let them run around freely. Dog litter bins are in place, and all dog owners are expected to dispose of dog litter responsibly. Most beach areas are dog-free and normal clothing or beachwear are standard dress.
What to Do in Binz
While there are pleasantly quiet and lonely stretches of sandy seashore along the five-kilometre beach, there are also many beach and sea activities that are popular at various beach locations.
Water Sports Activities
Some sections of the beach play host to water sports activities. You can rent pedal boats and inner tubes, try water skiing, have thrilling rides on banana boats, sail or have sailing lessons with a professional, English-speaking instructor.
Beach Activities
Thanks to the soft, stone-free sand of Binz Beach there are many beach activities to enjoy. These include: volley ball, beach football, aerobics sessions, Nordic Walking and, weather permitting of course, sunbathing.
Inshore Attractions
Away from the pleasures and fun of the beach, the town of Binz is a delight to explore. The traditional and well-preserved architecture is charming and a real pleasure to stroll around. The main historical importance of this town is that in 1885, it became Germany’s first bathing resort.
The town’s (and the whole island’s) more recent history under Nazi control in 1937 also provides a dark allure for many visitors. For those interested in that period of Binz’s history, the Dokumentationszentrum Prora is a museum dedicated to Nazi attempts to establish their ‘Strength through Joy’ scheme.
Visit Jagdschloss Granitz, too. It’s a magnificent former hunting palace dating from 1723. It can be accessed by taking the RBB steam train to Jagdschloss and Garftitz. It’s an interesting and very educational tourist attrction to visit. If driving, the nearest parking is two kilometres away and parking charges are around two euros per hour.
When to Go
Due to the temperate climate of this region of northern Germany, seasonal weather variations will make for different holiday experiences, depending on when you choose to visit.
Summer
Summer is the high season. It’s the warmest time of year and sea temperatures are comfortable. It’s also the busiest and liveliest time, with all beach activities in full swing.
Spring and Autumn
In spring and autumn, there’s still much to enjoy at the beach, although it’s not quite as warm as mid-summer, especially in the sea. The popular beach areas of Binz are less busy during these seasons, and some visitors choose those seasons for exactly that reason.
Winter
Winter is the low season. The sea temperatures are distinctly uninviting to all but those who actually enjoy the invigorating effects of swimming or bathing in cold water. The attractions of Binz at this time of year are the tranquil atmosphere, stark beauty of the surrounding natural winter landscapes and the interesting places in and around the town. The winter season, of course, also includes the festive periods of Christmas and New Year. Accommodation rates are higher at this time, but there are many lively and fun-filled events at hotels and elsewhere in the town during those periods.
Food and Drink
There is a wide range of food and drink available in Binz. Standard German and international dishes are readily available at all hotels and restaurants, but for a more authentic dining experience, don’t miss out on Pomeranian cuisine, which comprises the delicious, local traditional food and drink of Binz and the entire Pomeranian province. It is characterised by fresh and locally-grown vegetables including swede, tüften (potatoes served in a variety of ways), sugar beet and locally-raised livestock as well as freshly-caught freshwater fish from the region’s many lakes and rivers. In addition, there’s an excellent range of Baltic Sea fish and other seafood caught off the Pomeranian coast.
Popular restaurants in Binz include Freustil, a top-class restaurant known for deliciously prepared seasonal delicacies, and Fischräucherei Kuse, which specialises in highly-varied and tasty fish dishes that are very reasonably priced.
Travelling to Binz
Most visitors coming from elsewhere in Germany to Binz make their way to the town of Stralsund on the German mainland by bus, train or car. From there it’s a quick trip across the two kilometre Rügen Bridge and Causeway to the island of Rügen and then on to Binz, the island’s largest seaside resort. Fares are around six euros if crossing by train or bus. Rugen also has an international ferry port with services to and from:
- Trelleborg, Sweden
- Rønne, Denmark
- Klaipėda, Lithuania
- Baltiysk, Russia
- Saint Petersburg, Russia
In addition to its ferry port, Rügen also has a small airport with some flights serving Hamburg and Berlin.
Where to Stay in Binz
Hotel accommodation in Binz is plentiful, clean and comfortable. Three-star hotels such as Centralhotel Binz with its modern gym are popular, and prices range from around 70 euros per night for a double room in the low winter season to over a hundred euros per night in the high summer season as well as the festive Christmas and New Year period. Four-star hotels such as the Strandhotel Binz cost between 100 and 200 euros per night, depending on the season, while five-star hotels such as the Grandhotel Binz cost well over 200 euros per night but also offer special seasonal deals with generous low-season discounts.
Day Trips from Binz
The island of Rügen is blessed with many more interesting places to visit, both coastal and inland such as Jasmund National Park. Many are worth a visit, and one definite advantage of being based in Binz, the island’s largest resort, is that there are good bus and train transport links from Binz to many other parts of the island. Get around easily by car or the convenient local shuttle bus or the popular RRB steam train that serves various parts of the island.
With its many charms and attractions, Brinz is certainly a seaside resort par excellence. The locals are genuinely friendly and welcoming and will ensure that your visit to the charming seaside resort of Brinz is one that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
