Sellin is one of the most elegant seaside resorts on the island of Rügen, defined by its magnificent pier and unspoilt Baltic beaches. The resort captures the essence of German coastal architecture with its white villa-style buildings and intricate wooden detailing, reminiscent of the prestigious 19th-century spa architecture.
Sellin's beach stretches for several kilometres, with fine white sand and the characteristic wicker beach chairs providing shelter from the wind and sun. The gradual slope down to the Baltic Sea makes it particularly suitable for families with children, while the width of the beach provides plenty of space even in the high season.
View over the beach resort of Sellin on Rügen island
The town's crown jewel, the Sellin pier, extends 394 metres into the Baltic Sea and ends in a striking white restaurant building. Reconstructed in 1998 to its original 1906 design, it is both a practical pier and an architectural masterpiece, attracting photographers from all over Europe.
Sellin occupies a prime location on the east coast of Rügen, Germany's largest island, located in the Baltic Sea in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The town is located about 250 kilometres north of Berlin and 290 kilometres northeast of Hamburg.
The seaside resort lies on a gentle slope between the Granitz forest and the Baltic Sea, with the main street, Wilhelmstraße, running parallel to the coast. This geographical position creates a natural amphitheatre effect, offering many properties sea views and easy access to the beach.
The wide sandy beach at Sellin on Rügen island
Sellin borders other notable Rügen resorts, including Baabe to the south and Binz to the north, forming part of what locals call the "pearl necklace" of beach destinations.
The Granitz hunting lodge and its ancient beech forests lie to the west, while the Baltic Sea opens up to the east. The town itself is about 20 kilometres from Bergen auf Rügen, the administrative centre of the island, and about 40 kilometres from Stralsund, the nearest town on the mainland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sellin's location within the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve adds another dimension to its appeal. This protected status ensures the preservation of both natural landscapes and traditional architecture, providing a buffer against the overdevelopment that plagues many coastal destinations.
Its position on the popular Rügen Steam Railway route also connects the town to nearby resorts.
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Sellin's transformation from a modest fishing village to one of Germany's most elegant seaside resorts is a fascinating story of cultural and architectural evolution.
The town's documented history dates back to the 13th century, but its emergence as a sophisticated resort destination began in the late 1800s, coinciding with the European trend for beach holidays and the growing belief in the health benefits of sea bathing.
Sellin's real golden age began in the 1890s when wealthy families from Berlin and other major German cities discovered its untouched beaches and peaceful surroundings.
This period saw the construction of the town's distinctive white villa architecture, known as Bäderarchitektur. These ornate buildings, with decorated verandas, wooden balconies and elegant towers, were built in a distinctive style that combined classical elements with local building traditions.
Typical spa architecture in Sellin
Many of these villas served as summer residences for wealthy families or as guesthouses for the growing number of visitors.
The original Sellin Pier, built in 1906, became the town's defining landmark. The pier's distinctive white pavilion jutting out into the Baltic Sea was symbolic of seaside elegance at its finest. However, the pier suffered severe ice damage in 1941 and was destroyed by a storm in 1978.
Sellin experienced a remarkable renaissance after the German reunification in 1990. Many of the historic villas were carefully restored to their former glory and in 1998 the pier was rebuilt to its original 1906 design.
The Sellin Pier (Seebrücke Sellin) is the most famous attraction in the town. The 394-meter-long pier, with its distinctive white pavilion restaurant, offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea.
The pier's illuminated evening appearance creates a magical atmosphere that attracts photographers and romantics alike.
Sellin pier seen at sunrise
Wilhelmstraße, the city's main promenade, showcases the finest examples of spa architecture. The street is lined with meticulously restored white villas with ornate balconies, wooden decorations and charming verandas.
Many of these historic buildings now house boutique hotels, restaurants and shops while retaining their original architectural character.
The Strandpromenade connects the pier with the extensive beach area. This well-maintained promenade features traditional wicker beach chairs, cafes and relaxation areas.
The Hochuferweg provides a natural contrast to the architectural attractions of the town. This elevated walk offers great views of the sea and connects Sellin with neighbouring seaside resorts.
The Historic Steam Train Station, where the "Rasender Roland" makes its stops, is an important piece of transportation heritage. The station building and its surroundings have been preserved in their early 20th century character and offer visitors a glimpse of the golden age of steam travel.
Nature lovers will appreciate the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve, which includes Sellin and the surrounding area. The reserve features diverse ecosystems, including coastal forests, wetlands and meadows, with marked hiking trails and information points to help visitors understand the area's ecological significance.
The Ostseebad Sellin (to give it its official name) visitor information service is managed by the Kurverwaltung. It operates two information points - one in the glass pavilion at Seepark Sellin up on the main road near the train station and another in the Kurverwaltung administration building closer to the sea and the town centre. They are open seven days a week, with slightly shorter opening hours on the weekend in the winter months.
Website: www.ostseebad-sellin.de