Sellin Strand lies beneath a wooded chalk cliff on Rügen's eastern coast, with fine white sand reached from the cliff-top promenade by a set of steps or a small public lift. The setting gives the beach a more dramatic, enclosed feel than the flatter stretches elsewhere on the island, with the tree line visible above and the sand narrowing somewhat compared to Binz or Prora. The water is clear and shallows gradually, suiting swimming, and seasonal lifeguards patrol the main section. The Sellin pier (Seebrücke), one of the most photographed structures on Rügen, extends from the beach with a restaurant at its head and a diving gondola that once served as an underwater viewing platform. Strandkorbs can be rented along the sand, showers and toilets are available near the main access points, and a small run of beach bars operates close to the pier. The beach draws a mix of day-trippers who come primarily for pier photographs and visitors settling in for a full beach day, with the pier area being the busiest stretch and the sand further along quieter. Sellin Ost station, served by the narrow-gauge Rasender Roland steam train, sits a ten-minute walk from the beach via the cliff lift or steps.
| Distance | 10-minute walk from Sellin Ost station down to the beach via the cliff lift or steps |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Rasender Roland narrow-gauge train to 'Sellin Ost' |
| Best season | May-September |
| Address | Strandpromenade, 18586 Ostseebad Sellin, Germany |
Amenities
- Fine white-sand beach beneath a wooded cliff, reached by steps or a lift from the cliff-top promenade
- Strandkorb rental
- Sellin pier (Seebrücke) with restaurant and diving gondola
- Seasonal lifeguard cover
- Showers and toilets
- Beach bars near the pier
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, photographers, families, swimmers
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Strandpromenade, 18586 Ostseebad Sellin, Germany
54.3773, 13.6975 View on map
Highlights
- Fine sand beach beneath a wooded chalk cliff, reached by steps or lift
- Sellin pier (Seebrücke) with restaurant and historic diving gondola
- One of Rügen's most photographed seaside landmarks
- Beach bars clustered near the pier
- Quieter sand further from the pier along the cliff base
Tips for visiting
- Use the cliff lift rather than the steps if travelling with luggage, strollers, or mobility limitations
- Visit the pier early morning or late afternoon for photographs without heavy crowds
- Head away from the pier along the cliff base for a quieter patch of sand
- Book a table at the pier restaurant ahead in peak season, as it fills quickly at sunset
- Check the lift's operating hours in the off-season, as service can be reduced outside summer
When to visit
Early morning or early evening in summer gives the best light for the pier and thinner crowds; May and September offer a quieter overall visit.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get down to Sellin Strand from the promenade?
A set of steps or a small public lift connects the cliff-top promenade to the beach below.
What is the diving gondola at Sellin pier?
It is a historic structure at the end of the Seebrücke that once served as an underwater viewing platform, now a landmark feature of the pier.
Is Sellin Strand busy with day-trippers?
The pier area draws heavy day-trip traffic for photographs, while the sand further along the cliff base is noticeably quieter.
How is Sellin Strand reached by train?
The Rasender Roland narrow-gauge steam train stops at Sellin Ost, about a ten-minute walk from the beach via the cliff lift or steps.