Dog-friendly holidays and dining experiences in the Baltic seaside resort Binz.
“Court whispers”, “Hunting day”, or “Veggie delights” – three delicious dishes are offered á la carte for dogs at Ruiani, the fine dining restaurant of Grand Hotel Binz (5-star wellness resort) on the Island of Rügen, Germany. We are honoured that chef de cuisine, Robert Schindler (Private Palace Hotels & Resorts, Rising Star of 2020), personally serves the first course, “Court whispers,” to our four-legged connoisseur Milka (four-year-old; Berlin-native Labrador-mix): Delicate chicken pieces garnished with hand-made pasta and exquisite vegetables. Of course, all dishes for dogs (cats get an individual selection) – just as the human dishes – are prepared fresh, from best-quality meats and regional ingredients – because, for chef Robert Schindler, only the best is good enough for his guests. Our expert Milka seems to be quite enchanted by the creation. Her fine dining dish is gone within minutes; all that´s left is a sparkling bowl and a fully satisfied, happy furry guest.
Schindler, chef of the premium gastronomy for Private Palace Hotels & Resorts, has been wooing his guests for over 20 years. Naturally, the companions of his four-legged patrons are getting spoiled by his creations as well. The roasted beef loin steak garnished with glazed beets, mashed potatoes, and roasted onions were a true delicacy and one of the best I have ever had the privilege to enjoy.
After this delicious feast, it is time to relax – and there is no better place than the dog beach nearby. The soft white sands are just “pawfect” to rest and enjoy the warm rays of sunlight. It is also the best hang-out place to meet other four-legged visitors and their owners. The furry tourists blend right in with everyone else: swimming, sunbathing, playing, romping on the beach and just enjoying their vacation to the fullest.
Later in the afternoon is the perfect time for a walk along the beautifully designed promenade and past nicely reconstructed 19th-century villas and mansions. Passing by are countless other furbabies – big, small, young, old, tousled or nicely coiffed and some even showing off their finest garments. Tails wagging, they strut through the streets with their families, making new acquaintances, enjoying life or going on a shopping spree – just your usual vacation activities.
And yes, indeed, Binz even caters to the hipster furry visitors. The trendy store Dogstyler Binz has anything a style-conscious visitor on four (or two) legs could love. A visit to this store is highly recommended for holidaymakers with dogs in town. In general, stores, bars, and restaurants are extremely welcoming to visitors with dogs on this charming German island – here are our recommendations and addresses for pet-friendly places to visit while in Binz:
Grand Hotel Binz
Grand Hotel Binz, Strandpromenade 7, 18609 Ostseebad Binz; +49 0 38393150; info@grandhotelbinz.com
The popular holiday destination of Binz, Germany, is a charming mix of sophisticated seaside resort and architectural delight, with a rich history, maritime flair, sandy beaches, and stylish bars for a chilled drink in the evening. The small Baltic resort is famous for its beautiful 19th-century villas and first-class hotels, perfectly integrated along the delightful beach promenade.
The Island of Rügen – and Binz in particular – is an extremely popular vacation destination for visitors travelling with family members with paws. According to the city administration, the seaside resort registered more than 50,000 overnight stays of furry visitors in 2020, meaning that the number of guests with dogs has almost doubled since 2012, and the trend is rising. This is not surprising, as the four-legged guests are greeted with the same warm welcome and charming hospitality as their owners.
Two-thirds of all dog-guests visit the spa town in summer (May to September), although at that time, they are only allowed to be off-leash and run, play, and swim at the designated dog beaches (dune crossing 50, 51, 55, 56 and 59). What a bummer! Thus, the best season for travellers with dogs is off-season (October to April) because then beaches are open to everyone, guests on foot and paws alike.
The small German town by the Baltic Sea is ideal for holidaymakers with dogs who like to treat themselves and their furry friends as well. It offers gourmet dining, beautiful clear waters, and white beaches paired with the relaxed Nordic mentality of the locals. There are not many places in the world where you will feel so welcome with a dog by your side, as right here, on Rügen.
Upon our last morning on the Island of Rügen, Milka decided to take another quick dip into the Baltic waves, lolled with pleasure in the warm sand and put her little black snout into the warm breeze just once more. Have you ever seen a dog smile? They can!
Dogstyler Store Rügen
Dogstyler Store Rügen, Proraer Str. 1, 18609 Binz; +49 0 38393 173993
Arkona Sky Bar
Arkona Strandhotel (Rooftop); Strandpromenade 59, 18609 Binz; + 49 0 38393 550
