|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Binz (Ostseebad Binz) – |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The
Beach – The long curving white sand beach at Binz extends for miles,
almost farther than the eye can see. Tiny little waves lap on the beach
– the clear shallow water is perfect for little kids. They can dig
in the sand, paddle with water wings, wade in the water, or bounce on the
beach trampoline. Bigger kids will enjoy pedaling around on an aqua bike
(water bike with these big inflated tires). Spending a day at the beach?
Rent a bright red or white "Strandkorb," rattan beach chairs,
where you can pile all your stuff. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
While strolling along the tree lined promenade, be sure to
try an ice cream or delicious crepe. Stop to watch the street performers,
perhaps some stilt walkers dressed in flamenco costumes, strumming on a
guitar, tooting a saxophone and playing the accordion. At the Kurplatz,
there's frequent music and entertainment at the small concert shell. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Go
for a bike ride – The countryside around Binz is ideal for bike
rides. There are well-maintained bike paths through the forests, fields
and little towns. And best of all, it's practically level! Take a lovely
morning bike ride around the Schmachter See, a small lake on the edges of
town. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For a longer ride, explore some of the charming
little towns south of Binz. At Sellin, take the little funicular down to
the beach and pier below. Around Baabe, you'll bike down country lanes,
past wooly sheep and duck ponds, through woods where people may be stopping
to pick blueberries. From Gohren, follow the bike paths through the forest
to Thiessow, the southern tip of Rugen. Along the way, there are cafes next
to the beach, where you can stop for cake and ice cream. Tip: For a shorter
round trip, put your bikes on the train (Rasender Roland) to Gohren, then
bike back to Binz. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To rent bikes, ask at your hotel or Ferienwohnung
to arrange for bikes (kid's bikes are available), or there's a bike shop
near the train station. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boat
trip – Pick up a boat at the pier for a trip the chalk cliffs,
Kreiderfelsen. On this 2 1/2 hour ride, the boat chugs north along the coast
of Rugen. Once you reach National Park Jasmund, the dramatic white chalk
cliffs, topped with a fringe of dark green trees are in full view. The highlight
of the trip is the impressive "Kings Chair" (Konigsstuhl) rock
formation – a stone avalanche of soft vanilla ice cream, flowing into
the blue ocean. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Go
for a hike in the woods – Take a hike through the woods from Binz
to Sellin. The forest seems right out of a Grimm's fairy-tale – dark
leafy trees, dense ferns and lacey white flowers, birds warbling in the
trees, chubby glossy slugs having a "slug-fest" along the path
(when was the last time you saw some really nice slugs?). Start on the trail
at the eastern edge of Binz, or take the Rasender Roland train from Binz
to Sellin and hike back. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jagdschloss (Granitz) – The Jagdschloss, a 19th century hunting
castle, is not some rustic little retreat. Rosy pink crenelated towers
rise above a two story mansion – hunting in a luxurious setting.
Inside, the downstairs rooms have an incredible collection, row and after
row, of elk, deer, big horn sheep skulls and antlers, wild boar tusks,
a majestic stuffed stag, and even tables and chairs made out antlers.
It's a pleasant walk from Binz to the castle, but you can also pick up
the cute tram (Jagdschloss Express) in the center of Binz, it goes directly
to the Jagdschloss. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rasender Roland – The Rasender Roland
is a pint-size narrow gauge steam train, always filled with families on
a day outing. Little kids will enjoy standing on the platform, watching
the black and red engine puff into the station. The train goes from Putbus
(west of Binz) to Gohren, with stops at the Jagdscholoss, Sellin and Baabe
along the way. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eisenbahn and Technik Museum Rugen (Rugen
Railway and Technical Museum) (Prora) – This isn't a big gleaming
technical museum, but it has a few gems, especially from the East German
era. See an original "Trabi," fiberglass cars made in East Germany
or a hulking big WWII locomotive. |
