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
Stuttgart Wine Festival Weindorf, 28 August – 8 September 2024
Stuttgart Wine Festival Weindorf is attracting people from all over the world to experience wine and food from this district of Germany.
Gourmet Festival in Düsseldorf, 23 – 25 August 2024
Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf in August every year at the famous "Königs Alle". Good food, soft drinks, cocktails, beer, wine, and more.
Mainz Wine Festival, Germany. 29 August – 8 September 2024
Mainz Wine Festival lets you discover the infinite lightness of the wine for two weekends in the beautiful Mainz City Park.
Culture Festival Frankfurt, 23 – 25 August 2024
The Museum Embankment Festival in Frankfurt is one of the largest Culture Festivals globally and attracts over 3 million visitors every year
Winzerfest Wine Festival Hamburg, Germany, 22 – 25 August 2024
The St. Pauli Wine festival in Hamburg. You can enjoy wine, music, food, and the great Hamburg atmosphere every year in August.
Duckstein Beer Festival Hamburg – Unfortunately Cancelled!
Duckstein Beer Festival in Hamburg with Music, design, international street theatre, fine dining and, of course, the Duckstein beer.
Maschsee Lake Festival Hannover, Germany 31 July-18 Aug. 2024
Maschsee Lake Festival 3 weeks in July-August. Lovely atmosphere by the Lake Maschsee in Hannover, with drinks, food and international artists
Blue Wave Festival with Blues on Rugen Island, 6 – 9 June 2024
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.
Tollwood Summer Festival in Munich. 21 June – 21 July 2024
Tollwood Summer Festival - Theatre performances, art exhibitions, live music from all over the world, and the colourful “Market of Ideas”.
Oktoberfest in Munich, 21 September – 6 October 2024
It all started with a royal wedding and ended with the most famous beer festival in Europe and probably worldwide. Oktoberfest in Munich.
KeNaKo Africa Festival in Berlin, 23 August – 1 September 2024
A pleasant festival every summer at Alexanderplatz in Berlin. Learn more about this big continent at the KeNaKo Africa festival.
Munich Strong Beer Festival Starkbierzeit, 1 – 24 March 2024
In Munich, the strong beer festival Starkbierzeit has crowds half as large and beer twice as strong as the Oktoberfest.
Munich Springfestival “Frühlingsfest”, 19 April – 5 May 2024
Munich Springfest, Frühlingsfest is a lovely celebration of spring, one of Europe's biggest Spring Festivals and Oktoberfest's little sister.
ElbJazz Festival in Hamburg, 7 – 8 June 2024
Unique venues in the harbour, excellent music and a perfect atmosphere - that's Elbjazz Festival in Hamburg, Germany.
Some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Berlin
Feel the Christmas spirit at some Christmas Markets in Berlin. Information and tips about the most Popular and Exciting Christmas Markets.
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.
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin, 17 – 20 May 2024
Carnival of Cultures Festival in Berlin - every year during the Pentecost weekend. The main attraction is the carnival parade on Sunday.
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.
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.
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 a great choice.
Some of the Best Christmas Markets in Germany
Christmas Markets in Germany, with festive stalls, live music and fun activities in Nuremberg, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and more.
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
Berlin's largest Christmas market is located in Spandau and is one of the most impressive German Christmas markets.
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.
Dixieland Festival Dresden, Germany 12 – 19 May 2024
Dixieland Festival Dresden, an old-time swing jazz festival, has been running for over 50 years and attracts over 500,000 visitors yearly.
Dresden, Germany – Rich History, Events and Lots to See and Do
What to see and do in this delightful German city, Dresden. Beautiful buildings, Dixieland Festival and a wonderful Christmas Market.
Dresden Christmas Markets, 29 November – 24 December 2023
Enjoy Christmas time in Germany, the great atmosphere at Dresden Christmas Markets and one of the oldest markets, Striezelmarkt.
Nuremberg Christmas Market, 1 – 24 December 2023
Nuremberg´s Christmas market is special because it is a unique mix of history, tradition, art and food. An atmospheric German city to visit.
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.
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
Always something going on in Berlin; an overview of some of the most visited annual events and festivals.
Lollapalooza Music Festival in Berlin, 9 – 10 September 2023
Lollapalooza Berlin is regularly sold-out with over 70,000 music fans. The Lollapalooza Festival is held in the Olympiastadion & Olympiapark.
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.
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.
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.
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
Berlin TV Tower, offers the most spectacular views of Berlin and its surroundings. It is also a restaurant up there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
KaDeWe in Berlin “Kaufhaus Des Westens”
KaDeWe in Berlin is one of Europe's largest department stores with seven fancy floors.
Latest Posts
Mercado Cervantino Festival, Alcala de Henares, Spain in OctoberOctober 1, 2024 - 16:50
Stuttgart Wine Festival Weindorf, 28 August – 8 September 2024May 10, 2024 - 05:17
Barcelona Pride Festival, 28 June – 21 July 2024May 10, 2024 - 03:01
Gourmet Festival in Düsseldorf, 23 – 25 August 2024March 31, 2024 - 20:50
North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam 12 – 14 July 2024March 31, 2024 - 20:42
Ghent Festival – Gentse Feesten, Belgium. 19 – 28 July 2024March 31, 2024 - 17:16
