Ostseebad Binz as in the old days

The spa architecture of Binz experience as once

Our first trip to Rügen showed us how impressive the villas along the beach promenade in Binz are. We wanted to know more about the stories in the Baltic Sea resort of Binz and the human fates that took place behind the scenes of these villas. Their facades beg you to find out more about the people who once lived there and spent their holidays by the sea. So we set off again to Rügen to take a look behind the scenes of the villas in Binz and find out more about the history of the city and its magnificent buildings.

 

 

 

The villas in the Baltic Sea resort of Binz

During our tour of Binz we learn that Wilhelm Klünder, who once owned the village inn in the fishing village of Binz, was the first to build a hotel on the shores of the Baltic Sea. He did this under the gaze of the people of Binz, who did not understand how a hotel could be built right on the sea. The fishing village of Binz was on the hill that rises behind the villas.

The Binzers were suspicious of the bathers anyway. What prompted sensible people to travel for kilometers to walk up and down the sandy beach and - even more incomprehensible - to dive into the sea water and "bathe"? The "sandpipers" and "air snappers", but also the "dippers", as they called the visitors from the big city, were not entirely at ease. But they kept a keen eye on how Klünder's hotel construction and business developed.

 

 

 

 

The first hotel in Ostseebad Binz

As a village innkeeper in Binz, he had noticed that his visitors, who were arriving from Putbus, were always wondering why there was no place to stay on the beach in Binz and why they always had to walk from the village down to the sea. As a businessman, Klünder did not take long to ask, and built the “beach hotel”, which was the first to offer accommodation on the beach. Under the eyes of the villagers, his hotel was already a success in its first year that could be seen.

After that there was no holding back, and more and more villas and hotels were built Baltic sea beach along the beach promenade that was built for the “Luftsnappers”. To this day it is the main attraction in Binz. The “Luftsnappers” also still exist. They stroll up and down along the sandy beach as always. However, Klünder's beach hotel no longer exists today. In its place stands the Grand Hotel Binz. This is a five-star hotel that offers views of the Baltic Sea and the pier on one side and the tranquility of the forest on the other.

 

 

The beach hall and Villa Klünder in Binz

Just a few steps away, away from the hustle and bustle of the pier, is the beach hall that Wilhelm Klünder had built for his first bathers. We don't shy away from the trip there, and it's worth it, because the beach hall's furnishings offer a place to take a break while strolling along the promenade. But the villas that are lined up next to the pier are also worth seeing. The name “Klünder” appears again on one of them. Alwine Klünder, Wilhelm Klünder's widow, had the guesthouse built with twelve rooms. Like most other villas, their best time was in the twenties and thirties, when Binz developed into one of the Baltic Sea resorts. Towards the end of the Second World War, many of the houses were converted into emergency accommodation. Villa Klünder was a maternity home for refugee women.

 

 

The Baltic Sea Binz during GDR times

The fate of the villa owners during the GDR was even sadder. Most of them were expropriated during Aktion Rose in 1953. Many of them fled west. After the fall of the Wall, some of the owners came back and took over their family property again. Most of the villas in Binz are now owned by hotel operators from the west, who have restored them (mostly) true to the original with attention to detail or rebuilt them according to old plans.

 

 

UFA stars in Binz

On the day of the “Open Villas”, the people of Binz are reliving the time of the big UFA stars with a sketch on the terrace of the dune house. It is proven that Willy Fritsch stayed there several times. As a film star, he was the only one allowed to drive his car on the promenade. Once he brought his colleague Lillian Harvey with him during his visit, whose arrival is shown to us in a scene from the game.

 

 

Spa guests in the Baltic resort of Binz

Later in the day we can watch how the spa guests of Binz were once driven to cold water treatments. The poor guy who has to undergo this procedure is given cold water sprays in the air, if he doesn't want to, even with force. Finally, he is even given sea water, which is said to have healing properties. Who believes it? In any case, a number of strollers stop and look, together with us, at the scene in front of Villa Haiderose.

 

 

The spa architecture of Binz

The history of the bath villas of Binz and their owners is melancholy. It is not a story that makes you happy. But somehow it comes to a happy end, because after all, the city shines again in its old splendor, albeit often among other owners than those who created this wonderful architecture.

FAQs

What is meant by resort architecture in Binz?

Resort architecture refers to the architectural style that was popular in German seaside resorts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Binz, these buildings are often equipped with ornate verandas, balconies and elaborate facade decorations, which are intended to promote the relaxation and well-being of the guests.

Which historical buildings should you visit in the Baltic Sea resort of Binz to experience the resort architecture?

The most famous examples of resort architecture in Binz include the Kurhaus Binz, the Villa Aegir and the beach promenade with its numerous magnificent villas. A walk along the seafront promenade offers a comprehensive insight into this architectural style.

What makes the resort architecture in Binz unique compared to other seaside resorts?

The resort architecture in Binz is characterized by its elegant and often delicate construction, combined with the picturesque location directly on the Baltic Sea. Many of the buildings have been lovingly restored and exude the charm of the Belle Époque, making Binz a special experience.

Are there guided tours of resort architecture in Binz?

Yes, guided tours are regularly offered where you can find out more about the history and special features of the resort architecture in Binz. These tours offer in-depth insights and exciting anecdotes about the buildings and their creation.

What role does spa architecture still play in Binz today?

The spa architecture still shapes the cityscape of Binz today and is an important part of the cultural heritage. It attracts many visitors who want to admire the historic buildings and experience the atmosphere of bygone times. In addition, the well-preserved architecture contributes to Binz's tourist appeal and identity.

 

Other sources:

• Spa architecture (Wikipedia)
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Monument Preservation
• The spa architecture on Rügen
• Resort architecture on the island of Rügen

 

 

 

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Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane, train or long-distance bus to the Baltic Sea resort of Binz

Compare and book flights here*. Lufthansa and Germanwings fly to Rostock. From there we continue by rental car to the Baltic Sea resort of Binz. It is also possible to travel by train to Rügen train station.

Car Rentals:

Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!

Camper Rentals:

Compare motorhome prices here. Or would you rather travel with us instead? Rooftent or Tent?

Hotels in the Baltic Sea resort of Binz:

Hotels in Binz * For example, you can book through our partner booking.com using this link. You can also stay overnight in some of the bathing villas. Search the map for currently available accommodations.

 

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Do you know this?

• Explore Binz Ostseebad
• Binz on Rügen - amber, white beach villas & star cuisine
• Kurhaus Binz: Grande Dame of the resort architecture
• Darss sights between Fischland and Zingst
• Searching for amber at the North Sea
• Texel sights
• Helsinki landmarks
• Beach holiday in the Baltic Sea
• Baltic Sea Resorts and Hanseatic Cities – Baltic Sea Cities in Germany
• Why the beach promenade in Opatija is a must for every Croatia vacation

 

Further Slow Travel Tips You can find it here, for example. Furthermore, discover others cities in Germany.

Source Bäderarchitektur Binz: own research on site, with a kind invitation from the Binz spa administration. However, our opinions remain our own.

Text of Binz resort architecture: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline