Discover Binz: resort villas, beach and trails

White resort villas with ornate balconies, several kilometres of fine sandy beach and monumental Prora give Binz a striking architectural contrast. There are also trails through the Granitz Forest, activities on the water and places to enjoy a quieter break. Binz is nestled in the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve.

Discover resort architecture and history

The well-preserved resort architecture can be explored on walks along the promenade and through the adjacent streets. The villas reflect the charm of the turn of the 20th century. Their appearance is defined by historic white façades and ornate balconies; Prora provides a monumental architectural contrast.

The Binz Villa Trail takes you through the Baltic Sea resort to villas in the resort style and the stories behind them. QR codes on the buildings explain each stop. You can follow the trail all year round and at your own pace—a way to discover the architecture and local stories in your own time.

The Documentation Centre Prora, a museum in the Binz district of Prora, offers a different historical perspective. Housed in a listed building, it examines the social and historical effects of Nazi concepts of leisure and holidays. The centre also explains the history and significance of the site. In Binz, the resort villas and the history of monumental Prora thus represent very different chapters in the architectural and local history.

Beach, water and trails through nature

Fine sandy beach stretches for several kilometres along Binz Bay. Excursion boats depart from Binz Pier for trips towards the chalk cliffs. The accessible beach promenade runs from Binz and, after an 890-metre extension, reaches the 76th beach access point in Prora. In the morning, guided yoga and beach fitness sessions are available at the activity beach sections in Binz and Prora. There are also watersports centres for activities with surfboards and stand-up paddleboards; equipment and opening times may vary.

There are several starting points and routes for hikes, too. From Fischerstrand, the high-bank trail leads through the Granitz Forest towards Sellin; along the way, there are numerous views over the bay and the Baltic Sea. Another hike starts at the Klünderberg car park, passes through the Granitz Forest and the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve on its way to Sellin, and stops at Granitz Hunting Lodge on the 106-metre-high Tempelberg. Trail conditions may change.

The hike “To the Rügen Natural Heritage Centre” starts at the promenade on Lake Schmachter and heads north through the Fangerien woodland. In Prora, the Rügen Natural Heritage Centre has a treetop walkway. The hike through the Fangerien and the treetop walkway in Prora add different nature experiences to the routes along the water and through the Granitz Forest.

Market, spa gardens and special events

Under the shade of old trees, Binz Spa Gardens offer 1.5 hectares of space to relax, exercise and play. The Schmachter Market by Lake Schmachter offers regional specialities and handmade products. So, as well as the beach and hikes, you can enjoy a break in the park or a visit to the market.

Every year around the summer solstice, PierSession turns the beach next to Binz Pier into a beach club with electronic and live music. If you would like to include the event in your trip plans, check the dates and programme for the year.

Getting there and finding your way around

Binz is accessible by train, with IC and ICE services from across Germany running to the Baltic Sea resort. Buses run daily between Binz and Prora and serve several stops. They operate approximately from 5:00 am to 11:50 pm, in some cases every half hour. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetable before setting off.

The activities you have planned may help you choose where to stay: resort architecture and history, the beach and water, or hikes with different starting points. The villa trail is available all year round and offers a way to discover the architecture at your own pace; for hikes, you can choose to start at Fischerstrand or the Klünderberg car park.

Discover more destinations: Stralsund, Marlow, Amt West-Rügen, Grimmen, Amt Bergen Auf Rügen, Amt Miltzow, Amt Niepars, Zingst.

Go to the regional travel overview: Vorpommern-Rügen.