In Güstelitz, the local history of Alt Güstelitz and the former Rügen narrow-gauge railway offer two different points of interest. The estate tells of changing ownership and a manor house. Parts of the former railway route associated with Güstelitz are now used for hiking and cycling. Those interested in regional history or routes along a former railway line can take these themes into account when choosing a destination.
Estate history and the former narrow-gauge railway
The Alt Güstelitz estate passed through the hands of the von Scheelen, von Bohlen and von Platen families before being sold to the House of Putbus in 1785. A manor house was built around 1880. According to reports, the remaining buildings were demolished around 1995. These dates mark different stages: the sale of the estate, the later construction of the manor house, and the reported demolition of the remaining structures.
Güstelitz was once a stop on the Rügen narrow-gauge railway. Today, parts of the former railway route associated with Güstelitz serve as paths for hikes and cycling tours. The details of specific route sections may change, so check the current route description before setting out. This distinguishes the historic railway connection as part of local history from the present-day use of parts of the route as hiking and cycling paths.
In the wider destination of Putbus
Putbus lies in southeastern Rügen, right in the Southeast Rügen UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 1810, Prince Wilhelm Malte zu Putbus planned a carefully laid-out residential town around the castle. The neoclassical ensemble of whitewashed residential and commercial buildings is arranged around the Circus. Putbus Castle Park is an English landscape park covering about 75 hectares and is one of the most significant surviving park landscapes in northern Germany.
Putbus also offers various points of interest in its architectural history. The Castle Church was created at the end of the 19th century by converting a former spa hall in the park and was consecrated in 1892. The Marstall was built between 1821 and 1824 as a stable and coach house for the princely family; today it is used as a venue for the Rügen Festival. The Orangery hosts changing exhibitions by the Rügen Cultural Foundation. The Rügen Puppet and Toy Museum displays dolls, toys, stuffed animals, tin soldiers, ships and model trains from three centuries; individual exhibits may change.
Putbus Theatre is a venue for the Vorpommern Theatre and the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival. Its repertoire includes drama, musical theatre, cabaret, children's performances, concerts and guest performances throughout the year. Individual productions change, so check the current schedule for specific performances.
Rail, boat and cycling in the wider area
In the wider destination of Putbus, there is a rail connection to the Rasender Roland. This steam-powered narrow-gauge railway, with a track gauge of 750 millimetres, has operated on Rügen since 1895, connecting Putbus with Binz, Sellin, Baabe and Göhren. The line has a total of 24.2 kilometres of track; timetables vary by season. Boat trips to Vilm depart from Lauterbach, although the availability of individual tours may vary.
For cyclists, Putbus offers a description of an easy Bodden loop of about 12 kilometres. It starts in Putbus, passes through Lauterbach and the Goor forest, and returns through the castle park. The route is flat, family-friendly and offers views of the Rügischer Bodden. Check the route conditions before setting out. In Putbus, a rail connection, boat trips from Lauterbach and a described circular route are different options to consider when planning a trip in the wider area.
Discover more destinations: Neuendorf, Pastitz, Lonvitz, Vilmnitz, Kasnevitz, Groß-Stresow, Lauterbach
Back to the main travel overview: Putbus.
