From Binz, you can easily find the trails going through the magnificent beech forest and natural reserve Granitz.
You can walk the long way, around 7 km (4 miles), to the most visited tourist destination in Rugen, Granitz Hunting Lodge (Das Jagdschloss).
There is also a shorter route from Binz of about 3 km (1.8 miles), or you may go with the little street train that runs continuously between Binz and the castle.
Rügen Bahnen website: https://ruegen-bahnen.de/
History of Granitz Hunting Lodge
The lodge was built between 1837 and 1851 to the orders of Wilhelm Malte I, Duke of Putbus, and was constructed by builder Johann Gottfried Mayer Stein from Berlin.
The castle was first opened to the public in 1900 by the family and is today one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rügen.
It is the most famous castle in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The castle has lots to see, including preserved interiors from the 19th century and a collection of horns from animals worldwide.
The cosy restaurant
In the basement is an excellent and cosy restaurant, plus there’s an outdoor terrace that seems to be open only in high season and during good weather.
The Tower
The Tower is one of the highlights of Granitz Hunting Lodge.
Take the stairs and enjoy the panoramic views from 144 meters above sea level.
The stairs can be difficult, and not recommended to try if you fear heights.
More from Rugen
Tours and more to do in Rugen
More from Germany and Upcoming Festivals
Some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Berlin
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Stuttgart Springfest “Fruhlingsfest” Germany, 20 April-12 May 2024
Stuttgart Springfest is held over three weeks in spring; it's one of the biggest spring festivals in Europe.
Tollwood Winterfestival, Munich, 23 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023
Tollwood Winterfestival Munich with concerts, exhibitions, lectures, performances, and markets. It ends with a big Silvester party on NYE.
New Years Eve Celebration – Silvester in Berlin
New Year celebration in Berlin. The highlight is the big show and concert with famous artists at the Brandenburg Gate on New Years Evening
Frankfurt Christmas Market, 27 November – 21 December 2023
Frankfurt Christmas market attracts thousands of people. Explore the beautiful decorated Römerberg and Paulsplatz and a giant Christmas tree.
Christmas Market Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin 27 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023
Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market is maybe the most beautiful and famous in Berlin. Nicely between the German and French Church.
Christmas Market, Berlin City Hall, 27 Nov. 2023 – 7 Jan. 2024
Outside the Red Town Hall in Berlin - A large Christmas market with everything that belongs to it and a lovely skating rink and Ferris wheel.
Christmas Market in Spandau, Berlin. 27 Nov. – 23 Dec. 2023
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Bremen Christmas Market, 27 November – 23 December 2023
Bremen Christmas Market - Roasted almonds, cinnamon, Glühwein, and 180 festively decorated stalls make a delightful Christmas experience.
Christmas Markets in Hamburg, 27 November – 23 December 2023
There are numerous Christmas markets throughout Hamburg, making it an ideal city to experience the holiday season and winter.
Hamburg Port Birthday Festival, 9 – 12 May 2024
Hafengeburtstag, Port Birthday Festival in Hamburg, is the world's biggest port festival. A celebration of the founding of Hamburg port.
Dixieland Festival Dresden, Germany 12 – 19 May 2024
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Dresden, Germany – Rich History, Events and Lots to See and Do
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Dresden Christmas Markets, 29 November – 24 December 2023
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Nuremberg Christmas Market, 1 – 24 December 2023
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The lovely Rugen Island in Germany
Rügen Island in Germany offers a paradise-like setting on the Baltic Sea with spectacular scenery, beech and white chalk cliffs.
Wellness and Spa on Rugen Island, Gemany
Rugen is a popular destination for spa and wellness. All beach resorts have high-quality, beautiful and luxurious spa facilities.
Binz on Rugen Island, Germany
Binz has a mild climate with a lot of sunshine, and with its shallow sandy beach, it's among one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations
Christmas Market Charlottenburg Palace, 27 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023
The Christmas market at Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin is beautiful. With the castle and decorations, it all gives a cosy atmosphere.
Cologne Christmas Markets, 23 November – 23 December 2023
Cologne boasts an impressive array of Christmas markets, each with unique charm.
Cologne Carnival: Germany’s Largest, 8 – 14 February 2024
Discover the Cologne Carnival, the largest carnival in Germany. Come enjoy this carnival and explore other exciting things to do in Cologne.
The attractive Sylt Island in Germany
Sylt Island is a lovely destination for anyone looking to relax and reconnect with nature. Beautiful beaches and a great place for naturists.
The village Sellin on Rugen Island
Sellin is a smaller resort than Binz but has a lovely sandy beach and a friendly atmosphere. Here is a beautiful pier with a nice restaurant.
Nature Reserve Granitz and the Hunting Lodge
From Binz you can easily find the trails going through the magnificent beech forest and natural reserve Granitz.
Usedom – The shared Island
The Usedom Island is one long sandy beach, and you can enjoy the spa, good food, a nude beach and shopping excursions.
The seaside resort Göhren on Rugen
Göhren is located on the southeastern peninsula, Mönchgut, on the tip of the island of Rugen and has beaches both to the north and the south.
Alexanderplatz Christmas Market, Berlin. 27 Nov. – 26 Dec. 2023
Christmas market at Alexanderplatz. A busy market located close to other great shopping around Alexanderplatz.
Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival, 15 – 25 February 2024
Berlin International Film Festival "Berlinale" is one of the largest film festivals and most reputable media events. It is held in February.
Christmas market at Breitscheidplatz, 27 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023
An excellent Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz, between the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Europa Center shopping centre.
Events on Rugen Island in Germany
Some annual events on Rugen Island in Germany. Blue Wave Festival with Blues and Jazz and the Störtbecker Medieval plays are among them.
Events and Festivals in Berlin
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Lollapalooza Music Festival in Berlin, 9 – 10 September 2023
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Camping on Rugen Island, Germany
There are some good Campingsites on Rugen Island.
The light is the art at Festival Of Lights in Berlin, 6-15 October 2023
All major attractions in Berlin are illuminated for nine days in October and lighted up in beautiful colours for the Festival of Lights.
Museums on Rugen island in Germany
Mönchgut is the southeastern peninsula of Rugen. Here are the museums of local history.
Oktoberfest in Berlin 2023
Berlin has some great Oktoberfests held annually, Two of them at Zentral Festplatz am Kurt-Schumacher-Damm and at Alexander Platz.
Duckstein Beer Festival Hamburg, 23 June – 2 July 2023
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Stuttgart Wine Festival Weindorf, 30 August – 10 September 2023
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Historical Burgenfest, Manderscheid, Germany, 26-27 August 2023
Manderscheid in Germany is again bringing the Middle Ages back to life at the last weekend in August with the Historical Burgenfest.
Winzerfest Wine Festival Hamburg, Germany, 24 – 27 August 2023
The St. Pauli Wine festival in Hamburg. You can enjoy wine, music, food, and the great Hamburg atmosphere every year in August.
Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt, 30 August – 8 September 2023
Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt invites you to try good wine from the Rheingau region —over 600 wines at about 30 wine stalls.
Störtebeker medieval games,Rugen Island, 24 June – 9 Sept. 2023
One of the most popular events on Rugen Island is the annual Störtebeker medieval games in Ralswiek. Ongoing games are Mondays to Saturdays.
Rothenburg Imperial City Festival, 1 – 3 September 2023
Imperial City Festival is reviving that old atmosphere and traditional professions. Everything from old equipment to original fashion.
Southside Festival, Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany, 16-18 June 2023
Hurricane Festival takes place in Scheessel, Germany. This music festival features big international and German names alongside newcomers.
Hurricane Festival in Scheessel, Germany, 16 – 18 June 2023
Hurricane Festival takes place in Scheessel, Germany. This music festival features big international and German names alongside newcomers.
What to see and do in Hamburg, Germany
With 1.7 million inhabitants, Hamburg is a big city, but it still not feels like that. Many attractions and festivals to enjoy in this city!
Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim 8 – 18 September 2023
Wurstmarkt wine festival in Bad Dürkheim, one of Germany's most traditional and entertaining festivals, annually two weekends in September.
Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) – A famous Attraction
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Munich Springfestival “Frühlingsfest”, 21 April – 7 May 2023
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Tollwood Summer Festival in Munich. 16 June – 16 July 2023
Tollwood Summer Festival - Theatre performances, art exhibitions, live music from all over the world, and the colourful “Market of Ideas”.
Theme and fun park; Europa Park in Rust, Germany
Europa Park is one of the world's most beautiful theme parks. It attracts over 5 million people from all over the world each year.
Elb-Jazz Festival in Hamburg, 9 – 10 June 2023
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Maschsee Lake Festival Hannover, Germany 26 July-13 Aug. 2023
Maschsee Lake Festival 3 weeks in July-August. Lovely atmosphere by the Lake Maschsee in Hannover, with drinks, food and international artists
Dusseldorf Funfair on the Rhine, 14 – 23 July 2023
Dusseldorf Funfair is one of the biggest outdoor celebrations in Germany, with over 4 million visitors.
KeNaKo Africa Festival in Berlin, 20 – 30 July 2023
A pleasant festival every summer at Alexanderplatz in Berlin. Learn more about this big continent at the KeNaKo Africa festival.
Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg, Germany 20 – 23 September 2023
Reeperbahn Festival is a big music festival in Hamburg in September—one of the largest club festivals with over 600 events and 70 venues.
Mainz Wine Festival, Germany. 24 August – 3 September 2023
Mainz Wine Festival lets you discover the infinite lightness of the wine for two weekends in the beautiful Mainz City Park.
Blue Wave Festival with Blues on Rugen Island, 8 – 11 June 2023
The Blue Wave Festival for blues, jazz and funk on Rugen takes place four days in June every year. It's the largest music festival in Rugen.
Culture Festival Frankfurt, 25 – 27 August 2023
The Museum Embankment Festival in Frankfurt is one of the largest Culture Festivals globally and attracts over 3 million visitors every year
Kings Chair and Cape Arkona
"The King's Chair" which is said to be named after the Swedish King Karl XII, who sat there to watch a sea battle he led against Denmark.
Charlottenburg Palace Berlin
Charlottenburg Palace is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Berlin.
Charming Putbus on Rugen Island, Germany
Putbus, with its unique character, is a nice outing for a change from the beach resorts on the Rugen island.
Oktoberfest in Munich 16 September – 3 October 2023
It all started with a royal wedding and ended with the most famous beer festival in Europe and probably worldwide. Oktoberfest in Munich.
Berlin Beer Week Festival, 1 – 10 September 2023
Breweries from Berlin and worldwide and craft beer establishments from all over the city present their products at Berlin Beer Week
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin, 26 – 29 May 2023
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin - every year during the Pentecost weekend. The main attraction is the carnival parade on Sunday.
Munich Strong Beer Festival Starkbierzeit, 10 March – 2 April 2023
In Munich, the strong beer festival Starkbierzeit has crowds half as large and beer twice as strong as the Oktoberfest.
Live Music and Jazz Clubs in Berlin
Here you can find some of Berlin's many jazz and live music clubs, with entertainment several nights a week.
Colossus of Prora on Rugen
A large construction buildt by order from Hitler, on the east coast of Rügen in the middle of the mile-long bay between Binz and Sassnitz.
The famous Berlin ZOO
Rickenbackers Berlin – Is unfortunately permanently closed!
Rickenbackers Berlin - Was popular with varied music and bands playing almost every evening. But now it's unfortunately permanently closed.
World Club Dome Music Festival in Frankfurt, 9 – 11 June 2023
World Club Dome in Frankfurt in June - One of the biggest and best European electronic music parties!
Yorckschlösschen, an old style Jazzclub in Berlin
Yorckschlösschen in Belin is a unique jazz club in the Kreuzberg district, with live music several evenings every week.
Quasimodo Jazz Club Berlin
Gourmet Festival in Düsseldorf, 25 – 27 August 2023
Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf in August every year at the famous "Königs Alle". Good food, soft drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and more.
Junction Bar, Cafe and Live Music Club
Museums
There are over 170 museums in Berlin, and here is an overview of some of them.
Lucia Christmas market at Kulturbrauhaus in Berlin
A romantic Christmas market named after Lucia is dedicated to the Nordic countries. It takes place in "Kulturbrauerei" in Prenzlauer Berg.
Shopping, spa and entertainment at Europa Center, Berlin
Large shopping center with several fashion shops and restaurants. Located near Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz.
Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin
Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous passage between East and West Berlin during the communist era between 1945 - 1990.
Many good restaurants in Berlin – here are a few to check out !
Approximately 2000 restaurants in Berlin, plus many catering establishments, so you are sure to find something to your taste and style.
Olympic Stadium in Berlin
Olympic Stadium Berlin - among Berlin's must-see attractions with hundred years old history.
Attractions and what to see and do in Berlin
Lots of attractions, landmarks, museums and historical monuments in Berlin.
Here you'll find a few tips on what to see in Berlin.
Here you'll find a few tips on what to see in Berlin.
Spring Festival “Fruhlingsfest” in Munich and Stuttgart
Berlin Tiergarten – the city’s paradise for activities and chill-outs.
If you’re for a picnic, cycling, jogging, or just relaxing in the city center – Berlin Tiergarten is the best choice.
KaDeWe in Berlin “Kaufhaus Des Westens”
KaDeWe in Berlin is one of Europe's largest department stores with seven fancy floors.
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