Gingst Beaches

Overview

While Gingst itself is a charming inland town on the calm Bodden lagoons, it serves as a perfect, tranquil base for exploring the island of Rügen's famous Baltic Sea coastline. Visitors often wonder about its proximity to the sea, and its central location means that the island's most celebrated sandy shores are just a scenic drive away. This makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a quiet retreat after a day spent at the bustling coast.

A short drive will take you to some of Germany's most iconic seaside spots. For the classic resort experience, head to Binzer Strand, the island's largest and most popular beach. Nearby, Sellin captivates visitors with its stunning and highly photographed pier. For those seeking a more natural and peaceful setting away from the crowds, the hidden gem of Strand Nonnevitz on the northern coast is an excellent choice. Many also enjoy the long, sandy expanse of the Schaabe, another fantastic option for a classic beach day.

Choosing Gingst means embracing a quieter, rural holiday experience, a stark contrast to the lively energy of the main coastal resorts. It's a haven for those who enjoy mixing beach excursions with cycling, nature, and exploring historic towns. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal destinations you can discover from Gingst, be sure to explore our full guide to the best beaches on Rügen.

Binzer Strand

As the island's largest and most popular resort beach, it offers the classic German seaside experience with a long promenade and endless beach chairs. The beach stretches for five kilometers, boasting stone-free, fine white sand that slopes gently into the calm waters of the Prorer Wiek bay. Lining the shore is a stunning collection of gleaming white villas, whose turrets and ornate balconies are hallmarks of the region's historic resort architecture. The wide, bustling promenade is the heart of the resort, perfect for a leisurely stroll with views across the Baltic Sea. This combination of a vast, beautiful beach and sophisticated charm makes it the quintessential German island destination. It is a place full of life, where the elegant past feels very much present.

Prorer Strand

Experience the unique and haunting juxtaposition of a beautiful sandy beach with the colossal, historic Nazi-era 'Colossus of Prora' complex. This expansive beach stretches for nearly six kilometers along the bay of Prorer Wiek, offering plenty of space for visitors. Its fine, white sand is a hallmark of Rügen's coastline, meeting calm and shallow Baltic Sea waters perfect for a relaxing day. Beyond the imposing historical structure, the beach is framed by a protective line of dunes and a fragrant pine forest, adding to its natural appeal. This creates a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere where serene nature stands in stark contrast to the monumental architecture looming behind. A walk along this shore is therefore not just a typical beach day, but a memorable journey through both nature and history.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Does Gingst have a proper sandy beach on the Baltic Sea?

No, Gingst is an inland town on the island of Rügen and does not have a sandy Baltic Sea (Ostsee) beach. It is located on the shore of the Bodden, which are shallow, calm brackish water lagoons. While there are simple, small swimming spots along the Bodden, these are not the expansive, sandy beaches the island is famous for.

Can you swim in the water near Gingst?

Yes, you can swim in the nearby Bodden waters. There are designated small, natural swimming spots ('Badestellen'). The water in the Bodden is typically much calmer, shallower, and often warmer than the open Baltic Sea, which can make it suitable for families with small children. However, it lacks the sandy shores and waves of a typical sea beach.

How far is it from Gingst to the famous Rügen beaches?

Gingst's central location means you can reach most of the island's famous beaches by car. The popular Baltic Sea resorts are a drive away: the long sandy beach of the Schaabe (near Juliusruh) is about a 25-30 minute drive, while the major seaside resorts like Binz or Sellin are typically a 30-40 minute drive.

Strand Juliusruh

Binz

Sellin

Is Gingst a good base for a family beach holiday?

Gingst can be an excellent base for families who want a quieter holiday and are happy to drive to the beach. The town itself is less crowded and offers family-friendly attractions like the Rügen Park. Accommodations are often spacious holiday homes. This setup is ideal for families who want to mix beach days with other activities like cycling and exploring the island's nature, away from the bustle of the main resorts.

Are there holiday apartments in Gingst within walking distance of water?

Yes, there are holiday apartments and houses in Gingst that are within walking or cycling distance of the Bodden shoreline. These offer access to the small, natural swimming spots and the tranquil landscape of the lagoons. This is a popular accommodation choice for those looking for a peaceful, nature-oriented stay.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Should I stay in Gingst or in a seaside resort like Binz?

Choose Gingst if you prefer a quiet, rural base to explore the entire island from, enjoy cycling and nature, and don't mind driving to various beaches. Choose a resort like Binz if you want to be directly on a lively promenade with immediate access to a wide, sandy beach, restaurants, and shops, and prefer a classic seaside holiday experience with less driving.

Binz

Do I need a car if I stay in Gingst?

Yes, a car is highly recommended if you are staying in Gingst and want to visit the Baltic Sea beaches or explore the island's attractions efficiently. While there is some public transport, a car provides the flexibility needed to reach the various coastal towns and natural parks at your own pace from Gingst's central, but inland, location.

What are the best beaches for a day trip from Gingst?

For a classic, long sandy beach, the Schaabe between Glowe and Juliusruh is a great option and one of the closer choices. For a livelier atmosphere with promenades and piers, the beaches at the famous resorts of Binz and Sellin are popular day trips. For a quieter, more natural setting, the beaches on the Wittow peninsula, like at Nonnevitz, are also accessible.

What is the vibe of Gingst compared to the coastal resorts?

Gingst has a quiet, historic, and rural village atmosphere. It's known as a historic craft and artisan town and is surrounded by the nature of the West Rügen Bodden Landscape National Park. This is a stark contrast to the bustling, tourist-focused energy of coastal resorts like Binz, which are defined by their grand seaside architecture, busy promenades, and beach-centered tourism.

Binz

When is the best time to visit Gingst for a holiday?

The best time for a holiday that includes beach trips is from June to August, when the weather is warmest and the Baltic Sea is most suitable for swimming. However, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are also beautiful times to visit for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the nature around Gingst with fewer crowds, though the sea will be cold.

Gingst: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025

Today might be an average beach day in Gingst. Expect a fair amount of clouds. The air temperature will reach a high of 21.4 °C. The sea temperature is a comfortable 21.9 °C, ideal for swimming. The wind will be moderate, with stronger gusts possible at times. The UV index will reach 6.1, so be sure to apply sunscreen if you're planning to spend time in the sun.

🌬️

Air

Low / High	18°C/21.4°C
Feels Like (High)	20.3°C

🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature	21.9 °C
Wave Height	0.2 m

🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance	5%
Rainfall	0 mm
Rain Duration	0 h

🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset	05:08/21:18
Sunshine Hours	11.5 hrs
UV Index	6.1
Cloud Cover	68%

💨

Wind

Speed	21.1 km/h
Gusts	34.2 km/h
Direction	W

Gingst Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Sellin

Strand Nonnevitz

Binzer Strand

Prorer Strand

People Also Ask

Does Gingst have a proper sandy beach on the Baltic Sea?

Can you swim in the water near Gingst?

How far is it from Gingst to the famous Rügen beaches?

Is Gingst a good base for a family beach holiday?

Are there holiday apartments in Gingst within walking distance of water?

Should I stay in Gingst or in a seaside resort like Binz?

Do I need a car if I stay in Gingst?

What are the best beaches for a day trip from Gingst?

What is the vibe of Gingst compared to the coastal resorts?

When is the best time to visit Gingst for a holiday?

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Gingst

Nudist Beaches in Gingst

Classic Rügen Day Trips

Binz

Sellin

Strand Juliusruh

Prora

Rügen's Quieter Side

Strand Nonnevitz

Der Bakenberg Mit Ostseestrand

Dranske Strand Beach

Strand Neuendorf

Explore More Local Beaches

Öffentlicher Sandstrand

StrandGlowe

Glowe Strand

Strand Lietzow

Wiek Strand

Strand Goos

Südstrand Binz

Strandpromenade Altefähr

Kleiner Badestrand

Strand Juliusruh

Binz

Gingst Beaches Map

Gingst: Weather Today

Air

Sea

Rain

Sun

Wind

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