A stay in Gingst can be planned around several clearly distinct themes: the history of crafts, St. James’ Church, attractions at RügenPark and a circular cycling route. This lets you give culture, a park visit and excursions different priorities instead of cramming everything into a single itinerary. When choosing a hotel, it helps to start by asking which of these interests you want to shape your days in Gingst.

Crafts and Weaving History

The Historic Handicraft Workshops of Gingst comprise the two historic houses “Kremkehaus” and “Efeuhaus”, a courtyard, a coach house, a studio, a smithy, a small open-air stage and a museum café. The rooms showcase a range of historic trades and aspects of everyday life: shoemaking, white sewing, watchmaking, barbering and a historic kitchen. The ensemble thus connects individual crafts with their respective working and everyday contexts.

At the historic Efeuhaus, you can discover weaving on old looms and watch live weaving demonstrations. Demonstration dates may vary, so check them before your visit. The local history of weaving goes beyond the equipment on display: in 1775, a weaving guild for linen and damask weaving was established as a renewal of a weaving guild that had already existed in Gingst. Damask fabrics became a Gingst speciality and brought the craft to a new flourishing. Seeing the looms also offers a glimpse into a craft that shaped local history.

Church, Town Centre and Markets

St. James’ Church in Gingst is the second-largest church on the island of Rügen. A puzzle trail through Gingst, which takes about an hour, starts at the main portal. If you plan to take this tour, check beforehand that the printed materials still reflect the current route. The town centre has been renovated and redesigned, helping Gingst develop into an attractive centre of western Rügen with rural charm.

The lovingly restored market square hosts markets featuring regional products throughout the year; market activity may vary by season. The Green Market has its own seasonal schedule: from May to October, it takes place every Saturday in the museum courtyard of the Historic Handicraft Workshops. Local produce and arts and crafts are on offer. Check the specific dates before your trip. The museum café also complements your visit with refreshments and regional products.

RügenPark and Outdoor Activities

RügenPark Gingst offers a range of different experiences. Visitors can explore the entire park on the “Emma” park railway. The cable car crosses the pond; from a height of seven metres, you can take in views of the park, the miniature park and the “Emma” railway tracks. In the white-water roundabout, six riders control their gliders’ speed themselves and can experience centrifugal force. Some attractions may operate differently depending on the season or maintenance. Check current operating information before your visit.

For a longer cycling trip, the roughly 32-kilometre circular route “Rural Life and Bodden Idyl on Western Rügen” runs from Gingst across the island of Ummanz along the dike cycle path and back again. Its approximate distance and circular route make for a different kind of day than the roughly one-hour puzzle trail through Gingst: here, you can plan a cycling trip; there, an exploration of the town.

The Schlosspark Pansevitz lies close to Gingst. There, you can climb the old castle ruins via two spiral staircases and enjoy views over the park and its associated forest cemetery. This gives you several ways to shape your stay: explore Gingst’s craft history, visit RügenPark, cycle across Ummanz or take a trip to Schlosspark Pansevitz.

Discover more destinations: Altefähr, Trent, Schaprode, Hiddensee Island, Dreschvitz, Neuenkirchen, Kluis, Samtens.

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