Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [667]
Prora
Prora was going to be the largest holiday camp in the world, according to the Nazis. The beach just north of Binz still bears testament to this: running parallel to the beautiful coast is a wall of six hideous six-storey buildings, each 500m long. Begun in 1936, this was intended as a Kraft-durch-Freude (strength through joy) resort for 20,000 people. The outbreak of WWII stopped its completion; after the war, Soviet troops tried to blow it up but failed.
What to do with the buildings is an ongoing debate. The Museumsmeile (Museum Row) occupies a portion of the buildings, but at the time of writing various development proposals were under consideration. Check the latest with Rügen’s tourist offices.
SLEEPING
Binz’ abundant accommodation includes private rooms (many in beautiful historic properties) starting from €15 per person.
DJH hostel ( 325 97; www.binz.jugendherberge.de; Strandpromenade 35; dm under/over 26yr €22.90/28, d €53.80/64.60 incl breakfast; ) As it’s bang on the beach, this hostel has the same stunning views as its elegant neighbours but for a fraction of the cost. It’s been extensively revamped with well-equipped lounge and dining rooms, and bunk beds creatively painted with a sea-green wash.
Villa Schwanebeck ( 2013; www.villa-schwanebeck.de, in German; Margaretenstrasse 18; s €39-60, d €50-98 incl breakfast; ) The decor at this central, family-run villa is somewhat old-fashioned, but rooms are comfortable and spacious, and come with mod cons including DVD players. There are good deals on half-pension at its well-respected restaurant, particularly for multiday stays; in fact, it’s one of the cheapest guesthouses in Binz.
Pension Haus Colmsee ( 325 56; www.hauscolmsee.de, in German; Strandpromenade 8; d incl breakfast €65-95; ) This historic villa, situated at the leafy, quieter and altogether most pleasant eastern edge of town, has relatively modern, uncluttered rooms. Those with a sea view are at the higher end of the price scale, but are well worth the extra cost. There’s a minimum stay of three or four nights, depending on demand.
Hotel Nymphe ( 122 0000; www.hotel-nymphe.de, in German; Strandpromenade 48; s €69-94, d €90-122 incl breakfast; ) Binz’ newest hotel is a vision of white, with streamlined, airy rooms with pale timber floors, moulded furniture, subtle colours such as cool pistachio-green and iPod docking stations. If you’re taking a break from the beach, you can unwind in the wellness centre, cafes and bar.
Strandhotel ( 3810; www.strandhotelbinz.de, in German; Strandpromenade 33; d €82-159; ) Some of the guest rooms at this boutique beachfront gem have period detailing, while others are ultra-contemporary. Its excellent basement restaurant, Fischmarkt (mains €11.90 to €17.90, open from noon), is reached via a short flight of steps below its sun-drenched front terrace.
Hotel am Meer & Spa ( 440; www.hotel-am-meer.de; Strandpromenade 34; s €110-200, d €140-260; ) Light-filled rooms at this swish spa hotel – some over two floors – are decked out with porthole windows, striking shades of red, yellow, green and blue, and Bose sound systems. Prebooking online entitles you to a free beer, wine or coffee and cake.
Kurhaus Binz ( 6650; www.travelcharme.de; Strandpromenade 27; s/d/ste from €102/164/226; ) For the ultimate in traditional style and luxury, this lemon-yellow landmark is it. Many of its sand-and-sky-toned rooms have balconies or terraces. And with indoor and outdoor pools, a library with an open fireplace, and no fewer than six restaurants, you might find it hard to step any further away than the beach out front.
EATING
The beachfront Strandpromenade is lined with restaurants serving everything from pizzas and ice creams to gastronomic extravaganzas.
Fischräucherei