Sassnitz Beaches

Overview

Sassnitz offers a unique coastal German holiday, prized more for its dramatic scenery and harbour town charm than for classic beaches. The town itself is the gateway to Jasmund National Park, with its famous white chalk cliffs and ancient forests. While the immediate coastline in Sassnitz is rocky and better suited for hiking and fossil hunting, this doesn't mean a sandy beach holiday is out of reach; some of Rügen's most beautiful sandy shores are just a short drive away.

A wide variety of beach experiences are easily accessible. For a classic seaside resort atmosphere, head to the island's most popular destination, Binz, which boasts five kilometres of fine sand and elegant architecture. A short distance away, Prora offers a wide, beautiful beach with a fascinating historical backdrop. Active visitors will find Nordstrand in Göhren an ideal choice, with its dedicated sports beach and excellent water quality. For even more options, from quiet natural shores to family-friendly spots, be sure to explore our complete guide to the area's beaches.

Ultimately, Sassnitz is the perfect base for travellers who want to combine nature with beach life. It allows you to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a bustling port town and spectacular cliffside hikes in the morning, while still having easy access to the expansive, sandy beaches that make the island of Rügen famous. This blend of rugged nature and traditional beach resort leisure makes the Sassnitz area a truly versatile destination on the Baltic Sea.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Does Sassnitz have a sandy beach?

Sassnitz itself does not have a classic sandy beach; the coastline directly in town and along the chalk cliffs is characterized by stones and boulders. However, beautiful, wide sandy beaches are just a short drive away. The nearest sandy beach is at Neu Mukran, about a 10-minute drive south, which marks the beginning of a long stretch of sand extending towards Prora and Binz.

Mukran

Prora

Binz

Is Sassnitz a good destination for a beach holiday?

Sassnitz is an excellent holiday destination, but it's best for travelers who appreciate more than just sandy beaches. It's ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a charming harbour town atmosphere. While it has a stony city beach, its main draw is the stunning Jasmund National Park with its famous chalk cliffs and ancient beech forests. For classic beach days, the popular sandy resorts of Binz and Prora are easily accessible.

Binz

Prora

Can you swim in the sea at Sassnitz?

Yes, you can swim in the Baltic Sea at Sassnitz. The water quality is generally excellent. However, be aware that the main beach areas in Sassnitz, like the Weststrand near the harbour, are stone beaches. This can make entering the water a bit more challenging than on a sandy beach. Many visitors prefer to drive to the nearby sandy beaches at Prora or Glowe for a more comfortable swimming experience.

Prora

StrandGlowe

Which is better for a holiday, Sassnitz or Binz?

The choice between Sassnitz and Binz depends on your holiday style. Choose Sassnitz if you prefer a quieter, authentic harbour town that serves as a gateway to the hiking trails and dramatic scenery of Jasmund National Park. Choose Binz for a classic seaside resort experience with long, fine sandy beaches, iconic pier, extensive promenades, and lively restaurants and shops.

Binz

Where can I find accommodation with beach access in Sassnitz?

In Sassnitz, accommodations with direct 'beach' access will typically be on the stony shoreline or offer a sea view over the harbour and cliffs. For holiday homes and apartments with direct access to a sandy beach, you should look in the nearby areas of Neu Mukran, Prora, or Binz, which are popular choices for those wanting to combine a stay near Sassnitz with a classic sandy beach experience.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Prora

Binz

How do you get to the beach at the chalk cliffs (Kreidefelsen)?

You can reach the beach at the base of the chalk cliffs by hiking through Jasmund National Park. A popular trail leads from Sassnitz along the cliff tops, with steep stairs at various points leading down to the shore. Please be aware that these are wild, stony beaches, not for sunbathing, and access can be restricted due to erosion. Always stay on marked paths for safety.

Are the beaches in Sassnitz suitable for families with children?

While the stone beaches in Sassnitz can be interesting for older children who enjoy collecting stones and fossils, they are less ideal for toddlers and classic sandcastle-building. For a family-friendly beach day with fine sand and shallow water, it is recommended to visit the nearby beaches of Prora, Binz, or the Schaabe near Glowe, which are only a short car or bus ride away.

Prora

Binz

StrandGlowe

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Sassnitz?

While dogs may be tolerated on the stony city beach outside of peak season, there is no official designated dog beach directly in Sassnitz. However, there are official dog beaches nearby, such as the one at Prora (near beach access point 73/74) and south of Sassnitz at Neu Mukran. It is advised not to walk dogs on the sharp flintstone beach along the chalk cliffs, as it can be dangerous for their paws.

Prora

Mukran

People Also Ask

What is the beach like in Jasmund National Park?

The beaches within Jasmund National Park are wild, natural, and rugged. They are not swimming or sunbathing beaches but are composed of stones, large boulders, and flint, with dramatic backdrops of the white chalk cliffs. These beaches are a paradise for hikers, photographers, and fossil collectors. Access is via hiking trails and can be challenging.

What is there to do at the beach in Sassnitz besides swimming?

The stone beaches in and around Sassnitz are famous for fossil and stone collecting; you can find unique items like flint with holes ('Hühnergötter') and ancient sea urchins. The coastline is also the starting point for spectacular hikes along the chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park. The harbour promenade offers boat tours that provide a stunning view of the cliffs from the sea.

Is there an entrance fee for the beaches in Sassnitz?

Access to the natural stone beaches in Sassnitz and along the Jasmund National Park coast is generally free. However, like in most German seaside resorts, a visitor's tax (Kurtaxe) is levied in Sassnitz, which contributes to the maintenance of tourist infrastructure. Some of the managed sandy beaches in nearby resorts like Binz may have controlled access or require you to show proof of payment of the visitor's tax.

Binz

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

The best time for a classic beach holiday with swimming and sunbathing in the Sassnitz area is during the summer months of July and August, when air and water temperatures are warmest. However, for hiking along the coast and enjoying the dramatic scenery of the national park, the shoulder seasons of May, June, and September are also excellent, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.