Sellin: resort architecture, the Baltic Sea and maritime culture

Sellin combines resort architecture, maritime history and nature on Lake Sellin. Along Wilhelmstraße, buildings dating from the early days of resort architecture line the way to the steep coast; the Seefahrerhaus and Amber Museum offer distinct historical perspectives, while the diving gondola explores the Baltic Sea habitat. If you are looking for a hotel in Sellin, you can choose based on what matters most for your stay: architecture, maritime themes, the Baltic Sea or a tour around the lake.

Wilhelmstraße, the steep coast and the pier

With its magnificent buildings dating from the early days of resort architecture, Wilhelmstraße leads to the 30-metre-high steep coast. Take the steep Himmelsleiter staircase or the elevator to reach Sellin Pier or the promenade at South Beach. This connects the street’s architectural character with routes to two named destinations by the water. For orientation, the distinction between the staircase and elevator is clear: the Himmelsleiter is steep, while the elevator is another option. The buildings and the steep coast offer different points of interest for a stay in Sellin.

Seefahrerhaus and Amber Museum

Since 2010, the Seefahrerhaus has been housed in a thatched timber-framed building on Lake Sellin. Its 120 square metres display numerous exhibits of maritime folk culture and navigational instruments. The focus is on the working and living conditions of fishermen and seafarers in times gone by. The building brings together timber-frame architecture with a thatched roof, navigational objects and the historical perspectives of fishermen and seafarers.

The Amber Museum is in the centre of Sellin and is considered the only amber museum on the island of Rügen. In contrast to the Seefahrerhaus, it has a different thematic focus: amber takes centre stage here, while the Seefahrerhaus focuses on maritime folk culture and navigational instruments. If you are interested in both topics, you can include them in your travel plans as distinct ways to explore Sellin’s museums.

Experience the Baltic Sea underwater

The diving gondola at Sellin Pier offers insights into the Baltic Sea habitat and its animal and plant life. The nature you can observe depends on visibility and the time of year. The gondola also shows a 3D underwater film about the Baltic Sea. Nature observation and the film are two distinct parts of the experience: the animal and plant life that can be observed may vary, while the film offers another way to explore the subject. If the Baltic Sea is central to your travel plans, the diving gondola is a specific point of interest alongside architecture and museum themes.

Plan a tour around Lake Sellin

A tour of around 10 kilometres around Lake Sellin can start at the Bollwerk in Sellin. This approximate distance is a guide; local path conditions may change. Check conditions before setting off. The Bollwerk is one possible starting point, while the lake provides a connection to the surrounding landscape. The route complements Wilhelmstraße, the pier and the museums with another way to experience Sellin.

Vorpommern-Rügen in a wider context

There are an estimated 60 or so museums in the district of Vorpommern-Rügen. The old town of the Hanseatic city of Stralsund is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Centres of Stralsund and Wismar”. On Rügen, the beech forests in Jasmund National Park are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe”. Vorpommern-Rügen is also known, among other things, for the Störtebeker Festival; for specific dates, it is advisable to check the relevant programme before travelling. These examples represent different regional themes: museums, cultural and natural heritage, and events.

Discover more destinations: Göhren, Gager, Zirkow, Thiessow, Baabe, Middelhagen, Lancken-Granitz.

See the wider travel overview: Amt Mönchgut-Granitz.