Sellin Pier:
Rügen’s longest pier
You walk up Wilhelmstraße, past white villas. At the top of the steep bank, all you can see at first is sky and water. Then there it is, stretching out below you: the Sellin pier. At 394 metres long, it’s the longest on Rügen. At the front is the white bridge house; behind it, nothing but the Baltic Sea. You can make your way down via the ‘Himmelsleiter’ (stairway to heaven) or take it easy and use the lift.
How to get to the Sellin pier
Stairway to Heaven or a lift? The pier is at the end of Wilhelmstraße, directly below the steep bank. The staircase leading there is called the ‘Himmelsleiter’. Today it has 85 steps; it used to have 99. Don’t fancy climbing stairs? There’s an inclined lift right next to it. It can hold up to 25 people, including pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Sellin Diving Gondola:
Four metres below the Baltic Sea: the diving gondola is situatedright next to the pier. You step inside, and it sinks to a depth of around four metres. It stops one metre above the seabed. Through the windows, depending on visibility and the time of year, you can see flounder, eels, moon jellyfish or prawns swimming over seagrass and sand. The crew will tell you all about the Baltic Sea. There are also 3D films about the underwater world.
History of the Sellin Pier:
Built three times
In 1906, Sellin got its first pier. It was 508 metres long and had a restaurant. The reason was purely practical: it had become too risky to bring guests ashore from the steamer in small boats. Afterwards, pack ice and a fire on the pier caused considerable damage. In 1925, a new structure was built, complete with a platform and a concert hall. During the icy winter of 1941–42, only the bridge house remained standing. From 1956 onwards, people danced there, often until the early hours of the morning. It closed in 1974 and was demolished four years later.
The fact that you can go out there again today is also thanks to Hans Knospe. The Sellin-based photographer campaigned for years for its reconstruction. In 1991, he received backing from Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker. Knospe’s old photographs served as a model. In 1998, the new bridge opened in its historic form. Knospe was 99 years old at the time.
Restaurant, Weddings,
and the Seebrückenfest
There’s a restaurant in the white bridge house overlooking the water. You can pop in here without having to plan too far in advance. Many couples even tie the knot here, and in the evenings there are seafood dinners accompanied by piano music. The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival brings concerts to the bridge. In summer, the Seebrückenfest takes place on the beach. In 2025, the festival concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the bridge. Excursion boats also dock at the pier.
Frequently asked questions about
the Sellin Pier on Rügen
How long is the Sellin pier?
394 metres. This makes it the longest pier on Rügen.
When was the Sellin pier built?
The first bridge was built in 1906. The current pier was opened in 1998, modelled on the historic bridge from 1927.
How many steps are there on the ‘Ladder to Heaven’ in Sellin?
85 steps lead down from the steep bank to the jetty. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the inclined lift right next to it.
Is there an admission charge for the Sellin pier?
No, you can walk across the bridge for free. You only have to pay for the submersible gondola and at the restaurant.
How far is the Sellin pier from the aja Hotel?
Our aja is in the neighbouring village of Göhren. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to get to the pier by car, and about 25 to 30 minutes by bike.
Is the Sellin pier suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
Yes, absolutely! To get from the high bank (where Wilhelmstraße ends) to the bridge, you don't have to use the "Himmelsleiter" staircase. Right next to it is a free inclined lift that takes you down barrier-free. The bridge itself is also level and has no steps, making it ideal for families with pushchairs.
aja Hotel Rügen:
Nordperd & Villas Göhren
After the outing, it’s back to Göhren to the aja Nordperd & Villen. Off to the heated indoor pool, then into the sauna with a view of the Baltic Sea. Feeling peckish? The restaurant, café and bar are open from morning until evening.
On the high cliffs of Göhren, with direct access to the nature reserve and the north beach
Your dog is welcome (€25 per night)
90 rooms and suites in the main building and in the ‘Lo’ and ‘Brunhilde’ villas
Large wellness area with heated indoor pool
Sauna area with Baltic Sea view
Restaurant, Café & Bar
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