Glowe Beaches

Overview

Glowe, located on Germany's largest island, Rügen, is a quintessential Baltic Sea beach destination. Many visitors come seeking a classic, family-friendly seaside holiday, and Glowe delivers with its famously long stretch of fine, white sand and calm, shallow waters. The main beach is part of a bay that provides a gentle and safe environment, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed and nature-focused getaway.

The coastline offers some of the island's most celebrated beaches. At the heart of the town is StrandGlowe, the main beach perfect for families with its easy access to the promenade. This beach marks the beginning of the impressive Schaabe, a nearly 12-kilometer sandy spit known for being the longest on Rügen, ideal for extensive walks. For a different experience, Nordstrand provides a wild and scenic escape beneath dramatic cliffs, while Prora offers a beautiful sandy shore set against a monumental historical backdrop.

Beyond the primary sandy shores, Glowe's coast reveals a quieter, more rugged character. To the east of the harbor lies Königshörn, where the landscape transitions to a stony beach at the base of a high shore, offering a peaceful alternative for walks and searching for fossils. From the expansive main bathing areas to its wilder, more secluded stretches, Glowe provides a diverse beach experience. For even more options, be sure to explore the longer list of beaches included in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Glowe a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Glowe is considered an excellent destination for families. The main beach is part of a long, ten-kilometer sandy stretch called the Schaabe. The water in the bay is often calm and the beach slopes gently into the sea, making it a safe environment for children to play and swim. The area near beach access points 1-4 is particularly shallow. Additionally, there are amenities like playgrounds, mini-golf, and a promenade perfect for family strolls.

StrandGlowe

Can I bring my dog to the beach in Glowe?

Yes, dogs are welcome on certain sections of Glowe's beach. There is a designated dog beach located between beach access points 12 and 13. In the main season, from June 1st to August 31st, dogs are only permitted in this designated area between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. A year-round leash law is in effect throughout the municipality of Glowe, with the exception of the designated dog beach.

StrandGlowe

What is the beach at Glowe actually like? Is it sandy?

The main beach in Glowe is a long, fine, white sand beach that stretches for about 12 kilometers, forming part of the 'Schaabe' land bridge. It is considered one of the longest sandy beaches on the island of Rügen. While the main bathing beach is sandy, to the east of the harbor, the coastline transitions to a stone beach with a high shore, which is popular for long walks and searching for fossils.

StrandGlowe

Do I have to pay a tourist tax (Kurtaxe) to use the beach in Glowe?

While access to the beach itself is free, Glowe is a state-recognized seaside resort and does charge a tourist tax (Kurtaxe). This visitor's tax helps fund the cleaning and maintenance of the beach, public toilets, and other tourist infrastructure. The amount varies between the main and low seasons, and there are discounts for children and families. Dogs also require a small daily fee.

Are there holiday apartments with direct beach access in Glowe?

Glowe offers many holiday apartments and houses ('Ferienwohnungen' or 'Ferienhäuser') that are very close to the beach. While direct, private access from a property onto the sand is rare, numerous accommodations are located just a short walk away, often just across the promenade or a few hundred meters from the beach entrances. Many newer holiday homes have been built in quiet areas a short walk from the sea.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Is it possible to swim in the sea at Glowe, and what is the water like?

Yes, swimming is very popular at Glowe's main beach. The beach is located in the Tromper Wiek bay, which means the water is often calmer than the open sea. The water entry is very shallow and gradual, especially in the area in front of the harbor, making it ideal for casual swimming and for families. The water quality is generally good, though due to wind and currents, seaweed can sometimes be washed ashore.

StrandGlowe

What's the best time of year for a beach holiday in Glowe?

The best time for a classic sunbathing and swimming holiday in Glowe is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when temperatures are warmest. However, the shoulder seasons of May and September can also be very pleasant with fewer crowds. Rügen is one of Germany's sunniest regions, but the Baltic Sea climate means you should always be prepared for changing weather.

Are there nudist (FKK) sections on Glowe's beach?

Yes, there are designated areas for nudist sunbathing, known as FKK in Germany. The beach sections at access points 1 through 9 are for both textile and FKK use, while the sections from access points 10 to 12 are designated exclusively for FKK. These areas are clearly marked.

People Also Ask

How does the beach in Glowe compare to Binz?

Glowe and Binz offer different beach experiences on Rügen. Glowe's beach is part of the long, natural Schaabe spit, backed by dunes and a pine forest, giving it a more tranquil and nature-oriented feel. It's generally considered less crowded. Binz is one of Rügen's largest and most famous seaside resorts, known for its grand pier, historic 'Bäderarchitektur' (resort architecture) lining the promenade, and a more bustling, lively atmosphere with more shops and restaurants directly on the beachfront.

Binz

Is it easy to find parking near the beach in Glowe?

Yes, there are several parking options available near the beach in Glowe. You can find parking directly at the beach, some of which is free of charge, while other lots are fee-based. There are also parking areas near the harbor and the Ostseeperle restaurant, providing convenient access to the promenade and different beach sections.

Can you rent beach chairs (Strandkörbe) in Glowe?

Yes, you can rent the iconic German beach chairs, known as 'Strandkörbe', at the beach in Glowe. You can find them at various points along the main beach, particularly during the high season. They offer a comfortable way to relax and find shelter from the wind or sun.

What is there to do on the beach besides swimming and sunbathing?

Besides relaxing, the beach in Glowe offers various activities. The long stretch of sand is perfect for extensive walks, especially along the Schaabe towards Juliusruh. There is a beach volleyball court near beach access 2. A surf and sailing school is located directly on the beach, offering courses and rentals for activities like stand-up paddling. The nearby promenade is ideal for strolling and has cafes and snack bars.

Strand Juliusruh

What makes the beach in Glowe special compared to other Rügen beaches?

The most special feature of Glowe's beach is its connection to the 'Schaabe', the nearly 12-kilometer-long spit of land connecting the Jasmund and Wittow peninsulas. This creates an exceptionally long and uninterrupted stretch of fine sand, backed by a protective pine forest. This unique geography provides a sense of vastness and natural beauty. Additionally, from the beach and promenade, you can enjoy a direct view across the bay to the famous Cape Arkona.

StrandGlowe

Is the beach in Glowe usually crowded?

Due to its extensive length of over ten kilometers, the beach in Glowe and the adjoining Schaabe generally offers plenty of space for everyone. Even during the peak summer season, you can find a quiet spot if you walk a little way from the main access points near the town center. It is typically considered less crowded than the main beaches in larger resorts like Binz.

StrandGlowe

Binz

Are there any hidden gems or alternative beaches near Glowe?

For a different beach experience, you can head east from Glowe's harbor to the 'Königshörn'. Here, the coast becomes a stony beach at the base of a high cliff shore. It's a much wilder, more natural setting, ideal for quiet walks, beachcombing, and finding fossils, especially after a storm. It offers a dramatic contrast to the long, sandy bathing beach.