Binz, Germany: A Short Guide To The Baltic Seaside Town

Are you planning to visit Binz, Germany for the first time? If so, you’re in luck! This blog post will provide a complete guide to this beautiful and unique seaside resort.

I’ll cover everything from what to see and do, the best restaurants to visit and my absolute favourite hotel in town. Read on to find out more about Binz, Germany and start planning your trip today.

A brief overview of Binz, Germany

Binz is a seaside resort town on the German island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its sandy beaches, ornate architecture and lively pier and beach promenade.

As the largest holiday resort on the island, it’s hugely popular with German tourists who want to soak in the town’s nostalgic flair. With historical landmarks and unspoiled nature right on its doorstep, it offers a bit of variety whether you’re a keen hiker, sun seeker or just enjoy exploring underrated destinations, unique shops and restaurants.

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Travelling to Binz

In this section, I’ll cover how to get to Binz by train and the best ways to get around town. As I only live a couple of hours away, both times I’ve visited I’ve gone by car. However, if you’d like to go by train, Binz is surprisingly well-connected.

Getting to Binz by train

Ostseebad Binz railway station is in a handy location pretty much in the centre of town. However, being on a small island in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania does mean that travelling by train from elsewhere in Germany will take a you a while. Here’s a look at the journey times from cities relatively nearby.

Travelling from	Journey time
Berlin	From 3h 39m
Hamburg	From 5h 12m
Rostock	From 2h 15m
Schwerin	From 3h 59m

Exploring Binz

When visiting Binz, Germany, the best way to get around is by foot. The town itself is very small and easy to explore, particularly in the pedestrianised centre.

However, if you want to venture further afield, for instance to Prora or Jasmund National Park, then public transport is your best option. Luckily, the area is pretty well served by trains and buses, particularly in the high season.

Accommodation

As a beachside resort town, there’s no shortage of accommodation options in Binz, no matter what your budget or preference. In this section, I’ll share my absolute favourite hotel as well as some other top-rated options for hotels and holiday apartments.

Hotels

My go-to in Binz is LOEV Hotel. A little more luxurious than my usual picks, I decided to treat myself as I visited over Christmas, and it really felt like a little gift to myself. After a warm welcome from hotel staff, I headed up to my suite. It was not only beautifully designed, but struck the perfect balance between modern and cosy. A big plus, the bed was one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in.

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LOEV has a pool and sauna area downstairs that’s incredibly relaxing, and was just the thing after coming in from a chilly winter walk. Breakfast is served down in the hotel restaurant, and had a huge variety of delicious food with something for every taste.

Another big plus in my book is that LOEV also allows dogs (although my girl was still a little too unwieldy to take during my second visit to Binz…) Next time though, LOEV Hotel is definitely number one on my list.

Book your stay in LOEV Hotel, Binz

Other highly rated hotels include:

• Travel Charme Kurhaus Binz
• Hotel Villa Belvedere
• Strandhotel Binz

Holiday Apartments

For our second visit to Binz I booked a lovely Airbnb a short walking distance from Binz town centre. This surprisingly spacious holiday home has two double rooms, and is kitted out with its own sauna and a smart TV kindly loaded up with numerous TV shows and films.

Our host Frederick was very friendly, and even stocked up the fridge with some local beers and canned cocktails which made for a really nice touch. Though it’s not fenced it, the house also has private use of the front garden, where there’s also a deck and BBQ you can make use of.

For those of you who value your privacy, this Airbnb is a great pick thanks to having no neighbours above or below you and a private entrance to your holiday home.

If you’d like to take a look at other holiday homes available, I’d recommend checking out the following websites. As they’re specifically for stays in Germany, you’ll often find more choice on there than if you were looking at Airbnb alone.

• FeWo-direkt
• Casamundo

Things to do in Binz, Germany

How will you spend your time in Binz? In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to see and do, as well as some of my personal restaurant recommendations.

Sightseeing

Binz may not be as jam-packed with famous sites as some of Germany’s better-known destinations, but there are a few things in town that you shouldn’t miss.

• Binz Pier – The iconic landmark stretches out into the water and offers a great view of the baltic sea as well as the town itself. It also makes for a lovely stroll, particularly as the sun is setting.

• Schmachter See – A peaceful lake located in the heart of Binz. It’s a great place to go for a walk, do some dog spotting and enjoy the scenery.

• Granitz Hunting Lodge – The Granitz Hunting Lodge is a beautiful castle-like building located in a forested area just outside of Binz. It offers great views of the lush natural surroundings, and if you fancy a longer walk you can fairly easily hike there through the woods from town.

• Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower – The Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower is a historic tower located on the outskirts of Binz. It offers stunning panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

• Binz Beach – Naturally, this Baltic sea resort is known for its beautiful sandy beach. It’s a great place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the sea. Stretching 5km (just over 3 miles) it’s split into several areas, including a family beach, a dog beach and even two nudist areas if you dare.

• Müther’s ‘UFO’ – Ulrich Müther shaped the architecture of Rügen like no other, and his ‘UFO’ rescue tower on the beach of Binz is one of his best-known buildings on the island. Made of concrete and glass, it appears to almost float above the dunes.

Eating

When it comes to eating out in Binz, Germany, you won’t be short on great food options. From romantic restaurants with sweeping ocean views to traditional German guesthouses and seafood eateries, there’s something for everyone when dining in Binz.

Buddhas Bowl

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If you visit just one restaurant in Binz, go here. Buddhas Bowl is a modern Asian fusion, showcasing beautifully plated dishes with an innovative twist on traditional flavours from Japan.

My experience at Buddhas Bowl began with a starter —I tried the tempura vegetables which were cooked perfectly and had a great crunchy texture. For my main course I ordered a squid-filled bao bun that was not only huge, but absolutely bursting with flavour.

In addition to the delicious food offerings, they also have a wide selection of Japanese teas that are sure to please any tea enthusiast or anyone who wants to try something new. All in all, it was an amazing culinary experience, and definitely one of the more memorable restaurants I’ve visited in Germany.

Restaurant Strandhalle

If you’re looking for a more traditional German dining experience then Restaurant Strandhalle is the place to be. I only noticed this restaurant during my last visit and unfortunately couldn’t go as we were holidaying with our dog. However, given the chance I would definitely book a table.

Restaurant Strandhalle offers a unique dining experience with its old school interior and beachside location. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting, making it perfect for a romantic dinner.

The menu features regional classics like Labskaus, as well as creative fish dishes like cod in a potato rosemary crust, served with a basil and mustard sauce. There’s even a vegan section on the menu, which can be a rarity in this part of the world!

The beach promenade in Binz is pretty much completely lined with restaurants, so there are loads of good options to choose from. Some of my other top recommendations include:

• Weltenbummler
• Bootshaus Binz

Shopping

One of the things that contributes to Binz’s nostalgic feel is the wealth of independent shops that line the town centre’s streets.

While there are some big names like pharmacy Rossman and budget clothes store Ernsting’s family, there are also some great places to find yourself a unique souvenir or gift. Here are some of my top picks:

• DOGSTYLE – This franchised pet shop is a must-visit for dog lovers, with high-end toys, clothing and food. Inside you’ll find very helpful staff who will even treat four-legged visitors to a sample of their trademark deer treats.

• LYCKAN – This nice gift shop stocks everything Scandinavian, from adorable Moomin merch to wooden Dala Horses. It’s an excellent place to find gifts you won’t see elsewhere.

• Der Bernstein Fischer – Inside this well stocked store, you’ll find beautiful driftwood decor and amber jewellery, plus its own workshop where you’ll see owner Finbarr working on his finds

Tips for your visit to Binz

• Though it is a famous seaside resort, don’t feel like it’s only worth visiting in summer! I’ve visited a couple of times in December and had a wonderful trip. Sure, you won’t be sunbathing, but you skip the crowds and there’s still plenty going on (even a cute little Christmas market if you time it just right).

• If you want to do want to visit in summer, make sure to book ahead. This Baltic sea beach town is hugely popular with Germans, and from my experience they like to have their accommodation booked well ahead of time.

Summary: A Complete Guide to Binz, Germany

So, there you have it – a complete guide to the town of Binz, Germany! From getting around and where to stay, to what you can do during your trip. I hope this blog post has been helpful for those of you planning a visit here soon, even if it’s just a stop off during a holiday on Rügen island.

If you’re thinking about extending your trip to northern Germany, don’t forget to check out my other posts about the region! With its stunning landscapes, rich history and varied holiday destinations, Northern Germany offers plenty of opportunities for culture and exploration. So why not start planning your next getaway today?

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