Discover Gingst

Gingst combines a strong craft tradition with park attractions, markets and opportunities to explore the town and its surroundings. This offers different ways to shape your visit: historic crafts, a trip to RügenPark or a cycling tour.

Crafts and local history

The Historic Craftsmen’s Workshops of Gingst comprise an ensemble of two historic houses, the “Kremkehaus” and the “Efeuhaus”. The site also includes a courtyard, a coach house, a studio, a forge, a small open-air stage and a museum café. The workshops showcase historic crafts and trades such as shoemaking, white sewing, clockmaking, barbering and a historic kitchen.

At the historic Efeuhaus, you can discover weaving on old looms and watch weaving demonstrations. The craft tradition goes back further still: in 1775, a guild for linen and damask weaving was established as a renewal of a weavers’ guild that had already existed in Gingst. Damask fabrics became a Gingst specialty and brought a new flourishing to the craft. The techniques demonstrated in the craftsmen’s workshops are thus linked to the town’s specific history.

Another historic landmark is St. James’ Church in Gingst. It is the second-largest church on the island of Rügen. Its main portal is also the starting point for a puzzle trail through Gingst.

RügenPark: attractions from different perspectives

At RügenPark Gingst, a cable car crosses the pond. From a height of seven metres, you can take in the park, the miniature park and the route of the “Emma” park railway. Visitors can explore all of RügenPark aboard the “Emma”. The two attractions offer different ways to experience the park: one from above, the other by train.

At the white-water roundabout, six riders control the speed of their gliders themselves and can explore centrifugal force. Weaving demonstration times may vary, and individual park attractions may also operate seasonally or be closed for maintenance. Check which activities will be available on the date of your visit.

Markets and local products

From May to October, the Green Market is held every Saturday in the courtyard of the Historic Craftsmen’s Workshops museum. Local products and arts and crafts are sold there. If you are travelling to Gingst specifically for the market, it is best to check the exact date in advance.

The lovingly restored market square also shapes the town: markets featuring regional products are held here throughout the year; the programme may vary with the seasons. The renovation and redesign of the town centre helped Gingst develop into an attractive hub in western Rügen with rural charm. The museum café serves refreshments and local products.

Tours in and near Gingst

For cyclists, the approximately 32-kilometre circular route “Rural Life and Bodden Idyl on Western Rügen” starts in Gingst, goes via the island of Ummanz and along the dyke cycle path, then returns to Gingst. The puzzle trail through Gingst is a shorter option: it takes about an hour and starts at the main portal of Gingst Church. These offer two different ways to explore: a town-based trail and a longer cycling loop. If you plan to follow the puzzle trail, check in advance whether the printed materials still reflect the current route.

Schlosspark Pansevitz is near Gingst. There, you can climb the old castle ruins via two spiral staircases and enjoy views over the park and its associated forest cemetery. Schlosspark is another destination in the surrounding area, separate from the sights and activities right in Gingst.

Discover more destinations: Ummanz, Hiddensee Island, Dreschvitz, Neuenkirchen, Altefähr, Kluis, Rambin, Trent.

See the overview of the wider area: Amt West-Rügen.