Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Lancken-Granitz Beaches

Overview

Lancken-Granitz offers a unique approach to a beach holiday on Germany's largest island, Rügen. Rather than staying in a bustling seaside resort, this quiet, state-recognized resort town provides a peaceful, nature-focused base just a short distance from the coast. Located within the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve, it's the perfect choice for visitors who want to pair days on the sand with hiking and cycling. The island's most famous white-sand beaches are only a 5 to 10-minute drive or a scenic bike ride away, offering a perfect blend of tranquil countryside and vibrant sea life.

From your base in Lancken-Granitz, you have easy access to Rügen's most celebrated stretches of coastline. Head to Sellin to see its stunning and iconic pier, a landmark of the Baltic coast. For a touch of history with your beach day, the expansive sands of Prora are backed by a monumental historic complex. The main beach at Binz is another fantastic option, known for its fine sand and lively promenade. If you're seeking a more peaceful experience away from the main crowds, the beautiful Südstrand Göhren provides a more natural and serene setting for a relaxing day by the water.

Choosing Lancken-Granitz means you can enjoy the energy of the popular coastal resorts but retreat to a quieter setting in the evening. This offers a different pace of holiday, appealing to those who appreciate a rural atmosphere. For a truly local experience, you can visit smaller, calmer spots on the inland bay, such as the natural beach at Strand Neuendorf. Whether you prefer the grand resort beaches or hidden coastal gems, Lancken-Granitz is an ideal starting point for discovering all the seaside options the area has to offer, many more of which are detailed in our full guide.

FAQ

Is Lancken-Granitz a good place for a beach holiday?

Lancken-Granitz is an ideal spot for visitors who want a quiet, nature-focused holiday with easy access to famous beaches. The village itself is a state-recognized resort town located a few kilometers inland, nestled between the popular seaside resorts of Binz and Sellin. You can reach the fine sandy beaches of Sellin or Binz in about 5-10 minutes by car. The area is perfect for combining relaxing beach days with hiking and cycling in the surrounding Granitz forest and biosphere reserve.

How do you get to the beach from Lancken-Granitz?

From Lancken-Granitz, the main Baltic Sea beaches are about 4-7 kilometers away. The most common way to reach them is by a short car ride, which takes about 5-10 minutes to get to the Südstrand (South Beach) of Sellin or the main beach in Binz. Cycling is also a very popular option, with well-marked bike paths leading through the scenic Granitz forest to the coast. For a unique experience, you can walk to the nearby Garftitz station and take the historic 'Rasender Roland' steam train to the seaside resorts.

Which is better for a beach trip: staying in Lancken-Granitz or directly in Binz/Sellin?

Choosing between Lancken-Granitz and the larger resorts of Binz or Sellin depends on your holiday preference. Stay directly in Binz or Sellin if you want to be in the heart of the action, with immediate beach access, bustling promenades, restaurants, and shops right outside your door. Choose Lancken-Granitz if you prefer a quieter, more rural base surrounded by nature, from which you can easily travel to the beaches but retreat to a more peaceful setting in the evenings. Accommodation in Lancken-Granitz can also be more spacious and affordable.

What is the best time of year for a beach holiday in Lancken-Granitz?

The best time for a classic beach and swimming holiday is during the summer months of June, July, and August. During this period, air temperatures are warmest, often exceeding 20°C, and the Baltic Sea water temperature reaches its peak, averaging around 18°C in August. For those who enjoy long beach walks and cycling to the coast without the peak season crowds, May, September, and even early October can be wonderful, offering mild weather and a more tranquil atmosphere.

Are there holiday apartments (Ferienwohnungen) with beach access in Lancken-Granitz?

Since Lancken-Granitz is located a few kilometers inland, you won't find holiday apartments with direct beach access there. However, the village offers many 'Ferienwohnungen' (holiday apartments) in a quiet, rural setting. For direct beach access, you would need to look for accommodation in the seaside resorts of Sellin, Baabe, or Binz, which are only a short drive or bike ride away.

Are the beaches near Lancken-Granitz suitable for families with children?

Yes, the nearby beaches, particularly the main beaches in Sellin, Baabe, and Binz, are very family-friendly. They feature fine, white sand and the Baltic Sea here has calm, shallow waters, making it safe for children to play and swim. Many beach sections are monitored by DLRG lifeguards during the main season. Additionally, the resorts offer playgrounds and family-oriented activities.

Can I bring my dog to the beaches near Lancken-Granitz?

Yes, you can. While dogs are not allowed on all beach sections, the nearby seaside resorts like Sellin, Baabe, and Binz have clearly designated dog beaches ('Hundestrände') where your four-legged friend can run freely and enjoy the water. Look for the signs indicating these specific zones. Lancken-Granitz itself is very dog-friendly, with many walking paths through forests and fields.

Are there FKK (naturist) beaches near Lancken-Granitz?

Yes, FKK, or naturism (Freikörperkultur), is common on Rügen's beaches. The nearby Südstrand (South Beach) between Sellin and Baabe has designated FKK sections alongside the regular textile beach areas. The main beaches at Binz and Göhren also have well-marked FKK zones. These areas are clearly signposted, allowing for a seamless experience for both naturist and textile beachgoers.

People Also Ask

What is the 'Kurtaxe' and do I need to pay it to use the beaches?

The 'Kurtaxe' is a local tourist tax that visitors staying in recognized resort towns like Lancken-Granitz, Sellin, and Binz are required to pay. The revenue is used to maintain tourist infrastructure, including cleaning the beaches, maintaining promenades, and funding cultural events. You will typically pay this tax through your accommodation provider and receive a 'Kurkarte' (resort card), which you should carry with you as it is often checked at beach entrances. It also provides discounts on certain attractions.

What is the water and sand quality like at the nearby beaches?

The main beaches near Lancken-Granitz, such as Sellin's Südstrand and the beach at Binz, are known for their fine, white sand. The water quality of the Baltic Sea here is regularly monitored and consistently rated as excellent, earning the 'Blue Flag' certification in many areas. This award signifies high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. The water is generally calm and clear with a gentle slope, though you may encounter seasonal algae blooms, which are a natural occurrence.

Are there natural, less crowded beaches near Lancken-Granitz?

Yes, besides the main resort beaches, the area offers more natural and quieter options. The beach at Groß Stresow, on the shore of the Greifswalder Bodden (a bay), is a natural sand and pebble beach perfect for those seeking tranquility. You can also find quieter sections along the long Südstrand as you move away from the main access points of Sellin and Baabe. These natural beaches offer a more rugged and peaceful experience compared to the bustling main resorts.

Can you walk from Lancken-Granitz to the prehistoric stone graves and then to a beach?

Yes, this is a popular route for hikers. Lancken-Granitz is famous for its well-preserved Neolithic megalithic tombs (Großsteingräber). You can follow marked hiking trails from the village to these ancient sites. From the graves, you can continue your hike through the woods and fields towards the coast, for example, to the natural beach at Groß Stresow on the Bodden bay. This combines a unique historical sight with a relaxing beach walk.

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Lancken-Granitz: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
It's an okay day for the beach in Lancken-Granitz. The maximum air temperature will be 21 °C, with a sea temperature of 21.8 °C. Expect mostly cloudy conditions. The wind will be moderate, but occasional stronger gusts are possible. The waves are expected to be low.
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Air

Low / High17°C/21°C
Feels Like (High)20.6°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature21.8 °C
Wave Height0.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:07/21:16
Sunshine Hours7.3 hrs
UV Index5.8
Cloud Cover79%
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Wind

Speed16.6 km/h
Gusts27.4 km/h
DirectionW

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