Putgarten Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Putgarten, located on the northernmost tip of Germany's largest island, Rügen, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This destination offers a different kind of beach experience, trading bustling promenades for wild, natural coastlines perfect for long walks and quiet contemplation. The beaches here are characterized by a scenic mix of sand and stones set against dramatic cliffs. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking tranquility and a rugged coastal landscape rather than a conventional holiday centered on sunbathing and swimming in calm waters.

The coastline around Putgarten presents a variety of beach styles. At the foot of the famous lighthouses, Nordstrand offers the most dramatic scenery in the area, a truly wild beach experience. For those seeking a more active day, Dranske Strand Beach on the Wittow peninsula is a well-known hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing. While farther afield but an icon of the island, Südstrand Sellin showcases the classic glamour of a German seaside resort with its famously beautiful pier. For a more traditional family day out with calmer waters, Strand Juliusruh provides a welcoming stretch of fine sand.

Exploring the beaches near Putgarten is an adventure in itself, often involving a walk or shuttle ride and a descent down steep staircases built into the cliffs. This effort rewards visitors with access to a unique and often less-crowded shoreline. While the editor's picks highlight the key characteristics of the area, from natural to active, they are just the beginning. For more options and to find the perfect spot for your visit, be sure to explore our complete guide to the beaches of this unique coastal region.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Putgarten a good destination for a classic beach holiday?

Putgarten is better suited for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility rather than a conventional beach holiday. The beaches, like the Nordstrand near Cape Arkona, are wild, often windy, and characterized by a mix of sand and stones. They are ideal for long walks, enjoying dramatic coastal scenery, and searching for unique stones like flints, but less so for traditional sunbathing and swimming in calm waters. The focus is more on nature and hiking than on seaside resort amenities.

Nordstrand

How do you get to the beaches at Cape Arkona?

The village of Putgarten and the area around Cape Arkona are largely car-free for tourists. You must park your car at a large, designated parking area outside the village. From there, you can walk (approximately 2-3 km), rent a bicycle, or take the 'Kap-Arkona-Bahn', a tourist shuttle train, to get closer to the cape and the lighthouses. Access to the beach itself, such as the Nordstrand, is via steep staircases descending the cliffs, like the Veilchentreppe.

Nordstrand

Are the beaches near Putgarten sandy or stony?

The beaches in the Putgarten area are typically a mixture of sand and stones. While there are sandy sections, the coastline is famous for its stony character, especially below the chalk cliffs. Visitors often enjoy searching for interesting stones, including flint and 'Hühnergötter' (adder stones with natural holes). The seabed can also be quite stony, so caution is advised when entering the water.

How do the beaches near Putgarten compare to those in Binz or Sellin?

The beaches near Putgarten are natural, wild, and less crowded, offering a rugged coastal experience against a backdrop of cliffs. In contrast, the beaches in major Rügen resorts like Binz and Sellin are wide, with fine white sand, calm waters, and extensive infrastructure, including promenades, piers, restaurants, and beach chair rentals ('Strandkörbe'). Putgarten is for nature and solitude; Binz and Sellin are for a classic, full-service seaside resort experience.

Sellin

Binz

Are there accommodations with direct beach access in Putgarten?

There are no accommodations with direct, on-the-sand beach access in Putgarten. The village itself is set back from the cliffs, and access to the sea is via public paths and staircases down the steep coast. However, you can find numerous holiday apartments and guesthouses ('Ferienwohnungen') within Putgarten village, from which the paths to the coast and the Cape Arkona shuttle are easily reachable on foot.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Can you swim safely at the beaches near Cape Arkona?

While swimming is possible, it comes with challenges. The Baltic Sea here can be windy with strong waves, and water temperatures are often cool. The seabed is often stony, and the beaches are generally unsupervised by lifeguards. Furthermore, due to coastal erosion, it is crucial to pay attention to warning signs and avoid being directly under the steep cliffs, especially after heavy rain. The beaches are more suited for brisk walks and enjoying the view than for leisurely swimming.

Is it difficult to get down to the beach at Cape Arkona?

Yes, accessing the beach requires descending a steep staircase built into the cliffside. The main accessible staircase is the 'Veilchentreppe'. These stairs can be uneven and challenging for people with mobility issues or families with small children and strollers. The 'Königstreppe' (King's Staircase) has been closed for years due to coastal erosion. The effort is rewarded with access to a unique and natural beach.

Do you have to pay to go on the beaches in Putgarten?

Yes, like in most German seaside resorts, a visitor's tax ('Kurtaxe') is levied in Putgarten for both overnight and day guests. This fee contributes to the maintenance of tourist facilities and beach cleaning. For day visitors arriving by car, the fee is often included in the parking charge. Overnight guests pay a daily rate, which varies between the main and off-seasons.

People Also Ask

Are dogs allowed on the beaches near Putgarten?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the beaches near Putgarten, such as the Nordstrand, making it a pet-friendly destination. However, there are rules to follow. In certain areas, especially within the nature reserve, dogs must be kept on a leash to protect local wildlife like seals. Always look for local signage for specific regulations.

Nordstrand

Is FKK (nudism) allowed on the beaches near Putgarten?

Yes, FKK (Freikörperkultur, or free body culture) is common on the beaches of the Wittow peninsula, including sections of the coastline near Putgarten. The beaches stretching from Dranske towards Cape Arkona are predominantly used for nude sunbathing and swimming. These areas are typically integrated with textile sections, reflecting the relaxed beach culture of Germany's Baltic coast.

Dranske Strand Beach

What is the best time of year for a beach trip to Putgarten?

The best time for a beach-focused trip is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when you have the warmest weather and water temperatures. However, be prepared for crowds and higher prices. For those interested in hiking, photography, and enjoying the dramatic, windy atmosphere, the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) and early autumn (September, October) are ideal, offering fewer tourists and a ruggedly beautiful coastal experience.

Are the beaches near Putgarten suitable for families with young children?

The beaches can be challenging for families with very young children. The access often involves steep stairs, which are difficult with strollers. The beaches themselves are a mix of sand and many stones, which may not be ideal for toddlers to play on. While older children might enjoy the adventure and stone collecting, families looking for easy access, fine sand, and calm, shallow water would be better served by the beaches in resorts like Juliusruh, Glowe, or Binz.

Strand Juliusruh