Previous names: The name “Kurhaus” has been retained since the opening until today.

Architecture: The architecture of today’s Kurhaus is based on plans by Berlin architect Otto Spalding. Since 1908, it has shaped the silhouette of Binz with its towers and imposing architecture.

Year of opening: 1890 and 1908

History/owners until 1945: Berlin bankers invested in the expansion of the seaside resort. The first half-timbered spa building was opened on July 22, 1890, but fell victim to a major fire on May 1, 1906. The new stone spa building, which can still be seen in all its splendor today, celebrated its opening on July 3, 1908, and became the social center of the seaside resort of Binz. Guests from Hamburg and Berlin in particular strolled and resided here. Due to the consequences of the First World War and inflation, the municipality of Binz sold the Kurhaus together with the adjacent Hotel Kaiserhof to a group of investors led by Adalbert Kaba-Klein. In the so-called “golden 20s,” the flourishing Kurhaus with its casino, variety theater, and Kakadu Bar attracted doctors, lawyers, and industrialists in particular.

Due to his Jewish background, Adalbert Kaba-Klein was expropriated by the National Socialists. The Kurhaus was sold to German compulsory trustees in 1938. Visitor numbers declined due to the Second World War.

GDR era: After 1945, the Kurhaus was returned to its owner, Kaba-Klein. It was used to house Russian soldiers and refugees. In 1953, Adalbert Kaba-Klein was expropriated again as part of Operation Rose. In 1955, the NVA took over the Kurhaus as a recreation center for officers and long-serving soldiers.

From 1961 onwards, the Kurhaus was run by the GDR travel agency, with guests including actors, scientists, and business leaders. The large terrace, the “Balcony of Binz,” was once again used for dining. All major events on the island of Rügen took place in the Kurhaus hall.

After 1990: After reunification, the Kurhaus belonged to the newly founded “Travel Group” in Berlin, which had emerged from the former travel agency hotels. Resort Hotel GmbH purchased the hotels from the Treuhand, and Travel Charme GmbH took over operations.

From 1997 to 2001, the Kurhaus was reconstructed in accordance with the original plans of architect Otto Spalding, modernized inside, and the Kaiserhof was rebuilt. The Kurhaus with its Kurhaus Hall has been shining in new splendor since December 2001 and has since become one of the landmarks of the island of Rügen, alongside the famous chalk cliffs.

In 2024, the hotel was taken over by A-ROSA Resort GmbH.

Current use: First-class vacation hotel with restaurants, café with in-house pastry shop, bar, and spacious wellness area.

Interesting facts/anecdotes: Since August 2012, four “stumbling blocks” on the beach promenade in front of the Kurhaus terrace have commemorated the fate of Adalbert Kaba-Klein and his co-owners.

Photos: Travel Charme Kurhaus Binz archive, Binzer Bucht Tourismus collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus/Christian Thiele

Text: Travel Charme Kurhaus Binz