Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Putbus Beaches

Overview

Putbus offers a unique gateway to the magnificent beaches of Rügen island. While the town itself rests on the calm shores of a sheltered bay, it serves as a perfect, tranquil base for exploring Germany's most famous seaside destinations. The island's iconic long, white sandy beaches are just a short journey away, allowing visitors to enjoy the coast by day and the town's classical elegance by night.

Rügen's coastline is dotted with world-class resorts. Visitors flock to Binz, the island's most popular and vibrant beach, or to Sellin to see its famously beautiful pier. For a unique mix of nature and history, the wide sands of Prora lie next to a monumental landmark. Nearby, Göhren provides another classic seaside experience, often with a slightly quieter atmosphere.

Choosing Putbus as a base means you don't have to choose between a cultural holiday and a beach one. From the bustling main resorts to more tranquil shores, the island has a perfect beach for every taste. For more inspiration, including quieter spots on the Mönchgut peninsula, explore our complete guide to the best beaches on Rügen.

FAQ

Does Putbus have its own beach?

Putbus is located on the shores of a sheltered bay known as the Rügischer Bodden, not the open Baltic Sea. It has small, natural bathing spots, such as at Neuendorf and Lauterbach, but these are different from the classic seaside experience. For the iconic long, white sandy beaches Rügen is famous for, you will need to travel a short distance to the major seaside resorts like Binz, Sellin, or Göhren.
Binz
Binz
Sellin
Sellin

How far are the main Baltic Sea beaches from Putbus?

The main Baltic Sea resorts are easily accessible from Putbus. Driving to the famous beaches at Binz, Sellin, and Göhren typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes. A scenic and popular alternative is to take the historic 'Rasender Roland' steam train, which connects Putbus directly with these coastal towns.
Sellin
Sellin
Binz
Binz

Is Putbus a good base for a beach holiday on Rügen?

Yes, Putbus is an excellent base for travelers who prefer a quieter, more cultural atmosphere away from the bustling crowds of the main beach resorts. It allows you to enjoy the famous beaches during the day and retreat to the serene, classical elegance of Germany's 'White Town' in the evening.

Can you swim in the water directly at Putbus (Rügischer Bodden)?

Swimming is possible at designated bathing spots in the Bodden waters near Putbus, like at Wreechen or the Goor bathing area. However, the water here is typically shallower, calmer, and can have more natural vegetation compared to the open sea. Most visitors prefer the clear water and expansive sandy shores of the main Baltic Sea beaches for a full swimming experience.

Are there hotels with direct beach access on Rügen?

For accommodations with direct access to the main Baltic Sea beaches, you should look in the seaside resorts of Binz, Sellin, and Göhren. These towns offer a wide range of hotels and holiday apartments ('Ferienwohnungen') right on the promenade. In Putbus, you'll find hotels near the Bodden shore, but not the open sea beach.
See the full list of accommodation options here.
Sellin
Sellin
Binz
Binz

Which Rügen beach is better: Binz, Sellin, or Göhren?

Each resort offers a different atmosphere. Binz is the largest and most vibrant, known for its long promenade and grand resort architecture. Sellin is famous for its stunning historic pier and is very family-friendly. Göhren, situated on a headland, is often considered a bit quieter and offers two distinct beaches (a lively north beach and a more natural south beach).
Sellin
Sellin
Binz
Binz

What is the best time of year for a beach holiday on Rügen?

The peak season for a classic beach holiday is from June to August, when both air and Baltic Sea water temperatures are at their warmest. May and September can also be beautiful, with fewer crowds and sunny days, though the sea will be quite brisk and more suitable for walks than for swimming.

Do I need to pay to access the beaches on Rügen?

While beach access itself is generally free, visitors staying in the main seaside resorts like Binz, Sellin, and Göhren are required to pay a 'Kurtaxe' (visitor's tax). This daily fee supports the maintenance of beach cleanliness, lifeguard services, public toilets, and local events. Your accommodation provider will typically collect this from you.
Sellin
Sellin
Binz
Binz

People Also Ask

Are the beaches on Rügen suitable for families with small children?

Absolutely. The main beaches in resorts like Binz, Sellin, and Lobbe are ideal for families. They feature fine, white sand and a very gentle, shallow slope into the water, creating safe paddling areas for children. During the high season, these beaches are also monitored by DLRG lifeguards.
Sellin
Sellin
Binz
Binz

What is a 'Strandkorb' and should I rent one?

A 'Strandkorb' is a traditional German hooded wicker beach chair, offering excellent protection from wind and sun. While not mandatory, renting one is a quintessential part of the German beach experience and provides great comfort for a day on the sand. They can be rented for a daily fee from vendors directly on the main beaches.

Are there dog-friendly beaches (Hundestrände) near Putbus?

Yes, Rügen is very dog-friendly. All the major seaside resorts, including Binz, Sellin, and Göhren, have clearly marked, designated dog beaches ('Hundestrände') where your four-legged friends are welcome to run and swim.
Sellin
Sellin
Binz
Binz

Is it difficult to find parking at the main beaches?

During the peak months of July and August, finding a parking spot directly at the popular beaches in Binz or Sellin can be difficult and costly. A common strategy is to use the larger car parks located on the outskirts of the towns and then walk, use a local shuttle, or take the tourist train ('Bäderbahn') to the promenade.
Sellin
Sellin
Binz
Binz

Are there nudist (FKK) beaches on Rügen?

Yes, FKK (Freikörperkultur, or nudism) is a common and accepted part of beach culture in this region of Germany. Most of the large beaches on Rügen, including those at Binz and Prora, have clearly signposted FKK sections alongside the main textile areas.
Binz
Binz
Prora
Prora

What are some quieter, less crowded beach alternatives on Rügen?

For a more tranquil experience, consider exploring the beaches on the Mönchgut peninsula, such as those near Thiessow or Lobbe. Another great option is the long, natural beach of the 'Schaabe,' a spit of land between Glowe and Juliusruh. These require a longer drive but reward visitors with more space and a wilder landscape.
Strand Juliusruh
Strand Juliusruh

How does a beach holiday on Rügen (Baltic Sea) compare to the North Sea?

The key difference is the tides. Rügen's Baltic Sea beaches have almost no tides, allowing for swimming all day. The North Sea coast experiences strong tides, which expose vast mudflats ('Wattenmeer') at low tide. The Baltic Sea water is also generally calmer and less salty. Rügen's landscape of chalk cliffs and inland bays is also distinct from the dunes and dikes of the North Sea.

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Putbus

Nudist Beaches in Putbus

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The fastest way to find the best Putbus Beaches

Putbus Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Putbus: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
Today is not a good beach day. Expect very cold conditions with a high of -1.8 °C. Be prepared for snow grains. The wind might be noticeable at times. The sea temperature is -0.3 °C, and the waves are moderate.
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Air

Low / High-3.8°C/-1.8°C
Feels Like (High)-6.6°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature-0.3 °C
Wave Height0.8 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset08:07/16:29
Sunshine Hours0.2 hrs
UV Index0.85
Cloud Cover98%
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Wind

Speed15.3 km/h
Gusts32.8 km/h
DirectionE

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