Zirkow Beaches

Overview

Zirkow, an inland village in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the famous Baltic Sea beaches of Rügen island. While not directly on the coast, its central location means you are just a short drive from Rügen's beautiful sandy shores and clear waters.

From Zirkow, you can easily reach some of Rügen's most celebrated coastal spots. Experience the extensive sands and lively atmosphere of Binz, the island's largest resort. Admire the stunning architecture and iconic pier at Sellin, or enjoy family time at the calm waters of Südstrand Sellin. For those seeking a more active day, Strand Nonnevitz is a popular choice for watersports. Many visitors also enjoy the beautiful beaches of Göhren, another well-known resort nearby.

Rügen's diverse coastline offers something for everyone, from bustling resort beaches to quieter, more natural stretches perfect for a peaceful day by the sea. You can certainly enjoy swimming in the Baltic Sea, known for its generally good water quality. For more options, be sure to explore the longer list of beaches featured in our guide.

FAQ

Is Zirkow itself a beach destination?

Zirkow is not directly on the beach. It's an inland village on the island of Rügen, but it serves as a convenient base for reaching the island's popular Baltic Sea beaches.

How far is Zirkow from the nearest beaches?

Zirkow is centrally located on Rügen. The popular beaches of Binz, Sellin, Baabe, and Göhren are typically within a 10-20 minute drive (approximately 8-15 km) depending on traffic and the specific beach.

Sellin

Binz

What are the best beaches to visit from Zirkow?

From Zirkow, you can easily reach some of Rügen's most famous beaches. Binz offers a long, wide sandy beach with a pier and promenade. Sellin is known for its historic pier and cliff-lined coast. Baabe and Göhren also have beautiful sandy beaches popular with families.

Binz

Sellin

Is Zirkow a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Zirkow can be a good base for a family beach holiday. While Zirkow itself is quieter and offers attractions like Karls Erlebnis-Dorf, the nearby Baltic Sea resorts like Binz, Sellin, Baabe, and Göhren have family-friendly beaches with gentle slopes, playgrounds, and amenities.

Sellin

Binz

What kind of accommodation is typical in Zirkow if I want to be near the beaches?

In Zirkow, accommodation often consists of holiday apartments (Ferienwohnungen), guesthouses (Pensionen), and some smaller hotels. These provide a good base for driving to the various beaches on Rügen. Direct beachfront hotels are found in the coastal resorts themselves, not in Zirkow.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Can you swim in the sea near Zirkow? What is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the Baltic Sea at the beaches accessible from Zirkow. The water quality is generally good. Water temperatures in summer typically range from 17-22°C (63-72°F). The beaches often have shallow areas suitable for children.

What's the best way to get to the beaches from Zirkow?

The most common way to reach the beaches from Zirkow is by car. Biking is also an option for some of the closer beaches if you enjoy cycling. Public transport (buses) connects Zirkow to the main seaside resorts, but a car offers more flexibility.

Are there dog-friendly beaches accessible from Zirkow?

Yes, there are designated dog-friendly beach sections (Hundestrände) at most of the major seaside resorts on Rügen that are accessible from Zirkow, such as in Binz, Sellin, Baabe, and Göhren. Look for specific signage indicating these areas.

Sellin

Binz

People Also Ask

Do I need to pay a tourist tax (Kurtaxe) to visit the beaches near Zirkow?

While Zirkow itself may not charge a Kurtaxe for staying in the village, the established seaside resorts like Binz, Sellin, Baabe, and Göhren do levy a daily tourist tax (Kurtaxe). This tax contributes to beach maintenance, lifeguard services, and local amenities, and is usually required for accessing the beaches and using their facilities.

Sellin

Binz

What is the best time of year for a beach holiday based in Zirkow?

The best time for a beach-focused holiday based in Zirkow is typically from June to August, when air and water temperatures are warmest. May and September can also be pleasant for beach walks and enjoying the coast with fewer crowds, though the water might be cooler.

Are there quieter, less crowded beaches accessible from Zirkow?

While the main beaches of Binz and Sellin can be busy, you can find quieter stretches. Consider exploring beaches further south like Thiessow or Lobbe, or some of the natural beaches (Naturstrände) along the Bodden coast (lagoon side), which are also accessible from Zirkow, though they may have fewer amenities.

Binz

Sellin

Besides beaches, what else is there to do around Zirkow?

Besides accessing Rügen's beaches, Zirkow itself is home to Karls Erlebnis-Dorf (an adventure park). The surrounding Rügen area offers nature reserves for hiking and cycling, the Jasmund National Park with its chalk cliffs, historic towns like Putbus, and boat trips.

How does Zirkow compare to staying directly in a beach town like Binz or Sellin?

Staying in Zirkow generally offers a quieter, more rural atmosphere and potentially more spacious or budget-friendly accommodation compared to staying directly in bustling beach towns like Binz or Sellin. However, you'll need to travel to reach the beaches, whereas in Binz or Sellin, the beach is on your doorstep along with more restaurants and shops.

Sellin

Binz

Are the beaches near Zirkow suitable for water sports?

Yes, many beaches accessible from Zirkow, particularly in Binz, Sellin, and Göhren, offer opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing. Rental facilities and schools are often available during the main season.

Sellin

Binz

What should I be aware of regarding beach culture or rules on Rügen's beaches accessible from Zirkow?

On Rügen's beaches, it's common to rent a "Strandkorb" (roofed beach chair) for comfort and wind protection. Be mindful of designated zones: FKK (nudist) sections are clearly marked and respected. Also, pay attention to lifeguard flags for swimming safety and rules about dogs on beaches. Remember the Kurtaxe (tourist tax) is often required in the main resorts.