Gustow offers a very different kind of beach experience on Germany's largest island, Rügen. If you are looking for a quiet, nature-focused holiday, Gustow is an ideal choice. Its beaches are located on the calm, sheltered waters of the Strelasund strait, not the open Baltic Sea. This creates a peaceful retreat with shallow, gentle waters, making it a particularly safe and appealing spot for families with small children, in stark contrast to the island's more famous and bustling resort towns.
While many visitors flock to Rügen for its grand seaside resorts, Gustow provides a tranquil alternative. The island's most popular destinations are found on the east coast, including the classic resort town of Binz and the iconic pier at Sellin. Another unique spot is Prora, a beautiful beach known for the colossal historic complex that lines its shore. These locations offer the quintessential German Baltic beach scene, but Gustow allows you to enjoy the island's natural beauty away from the crowds.
The beaches in Gustow itself are best described as 'Naturstrände,' or natural beaches. Here you will find a rustic mix of sand and coastal vegetation, offering a rugged and serene atmosphere with lovely views across the water to the mainland. These quiet shores are perfect for relaxation and escaping the bustle of modern life. For those interested in exploring the more traditional sandy beaches elsewhere on the island, our comprehensive guide provides a longer list of Rügen's diverse coastal destinations.
