It’s not hard to get that vacation feeling in and around Berlin—from artificial city beaches right in the heart of the capital to exclusive new beach clubs reminiscent of the South of France, there are plenty of options. But nothing can replace the sound of the real sea, kilometers of sandy beaches, and the Baltic Sea atmosphere. To experience that, you’ll have to leave Berlin behind for a bit, but you’ll be rewarded with one of Germany’s most beautiful coastal towns. Binz is the best-known and largest Baltic Sea resort on the island of Rügen and captivates visitors with a white sandy beach stretching about five kilometers, an elegant promenade, and the historic villas of the famous seaside resort architecture.
To get there, first take the RE3 regional express from Berlin Central Station to Stralsund. There, transfer to the RE9 regional express, which will take you directly to Binz. Depending on the connection, the trip takes about four to five and a half hours. Since only regional trains are used, the entire route is already included in the Deutschlandticket , and an ICE ticket is not required.
One of Germany’s most beautiful beaches awaits you in Binz. The fine white sandy beach stretches for about five kilometers and slopes gently into the water, making it ideal for swimming. The beach is considered particularly clean and has numerous access points. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty to ensure additional safety.
The nearly three-kilometer-long promenade runs right along the beach, inviting you to take a leisurely stroll. Along the way, you’ll find numerous cafés, restaurants, ice cream parlors, boutiques, and hotels, as well as plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea. A walk along the promenade at sunset is especially atmospheric. The town’s landmark is the Binz Pier. It is about 370 meters long and is one of Germany’s most famous piers. Excursion boats depart regularly from here to cruise along the coast, while visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the Baltic Sea.
Another highlight is the historic buildings in the “Bäderarchitektur” style. The magnificent villas from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are characterized by their white facades, ornate balconies, turrets, and large windows. Together with the elegant hotels, they give Binz its special charm.
A beach chair is also an essential part of any Baltic Sea vacation. Depending on the season, renting one for half a day costs about 10 to 15 euros, while a full day usually costs between 15 and 25 euros.
Jasmund National Park is located just about 20 to 30 minutes from Binz. There, you’ll find the famous white chalk cliffs, an ancient beech forest that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, numerous hiking trails, and spectacular viewpoints. The most famous destination in the national park is the Königsstuhl, which offers an impressive view of the cliffs and the Baltic Sea.
