Former names: Belvedere I (beach promenade) and Belvedere II (courtyard building, Lottumstraße)

Architecture: In the book “Pommersche Bäderarchitektur” (Pomeranian Seaside Resort Architecture) by Wolfgang Schneider & Torsten Seegert, the “Belvedere I” building (located on the lake side) is described as follows: This building is already mentioned in Schuster’s Binz guide from 1903 and is characterized by the clear structure of its main façade facing the sea. In principle, this house on the beach promenade is designed as a three-story plaster building with eaves. The beach view shows a clear three-axis structure, which is also emphasized by the open loggias in front. … The central risalit is topped by a platform enclosed by a wrought-iron railing. … The open loggias, which also continue on the side of the building, feature decorative elements that vary from floor to floor: The solidly constructed ground floor is remarkably angular and simple, with almost no decorative elements. … Over time, the platform on the central axis was abandoned, and the wrought-iron railing with its distinctive corner pillars no longer exists. The formerly open loggias have since been glazed. However, the decorative and reinforcing elements were not removed, so that they have been preserved almost in their original form. …

Year of construction: Around 1897 (Belvedere I) and around 1905 (Belvedere II)

History/owners until 1945: In the 1898 Rügen address directory, the name Werner was listed as the owner of the villa on the beach promenade. It can be assumed that Villa Belvedere already existed in 1898, the year the address book was published, and that construction began in 1897. In 1900, Müller’s Rügen guide listed “Belvedere” as “villa on the beach behind the spa house.” From 1901 onwards, the Binz apartment directory listed: Villa Belvedere, Strandpromenade 25 (owner Werner), 24 rooms and 1 kitchen.

In 1905, a Miss Fanny Stein submitted a building application to the municipality of Binz for a building on Mr. Werner’s property.

Since 1906, there have been two buildings called Villa Belvedere, the older and larger one belonging to Mr. Werner on the beach promenade and the smaller one belonging to Miss Stein on Lottumstraße. Stein on Lottumstraße. The 1909 Binz guide described it as follows: … Villa Belvedere and its annex, located directly on the beach and Lottumstraße, not far from the landing stage and the baths, comes highly recommended to our esteemed guests. Significant discounts in the early and late seasons. Reasonable prices. Electric lighting. Board available. Emil Werner’s Ww.

In the following years, both buildings were referred to specifically as Belvedere I and II – owned by the Werner family.

From 1920 onwards, Mrs. Barbara Stein was again named as the owner of Belvedere II. About six years later, she became the owner of both houses.

Between 1942 and 1943, there was a change of ownership, and in 1943, the association “Erholungsheime für naturgemäße Heil- und Lebensweise e.V.” (Recreation Homes for Natural Healing and Living) was named as the owner.

From February 1943, Belvedere I and II were used as a recreation home for the Waffen-SS. The following is the description of the house from the inspection report:

Report on the inspection carried out at the Waffen-SS recreation home in Binz on Rügen from September 14 to 16, 1944.

The Belvedere I and II buildings are two two-story structures located directly on the beach. They are in good condition and appear well maintained. They have 29 rooms and offer accommodation for 58 adults and 60 children. A nursery nurse and three kindergarten teachers are employed to look after the children. The houses are open seasonally from April 15 until the end of October, depending on weather conditions. Most of the rooms have been newly wallpapered this year and are functionally furnished. There is no fan in the kitchen or in the dining rooms. Central heating radiators have been installed on the ground floor of the Belvedere II building (in a total of 14 rooms), but the steam boiler, which is currently being repaired, is missing and is to be replaced by a larger one with the assistance of Office C III. As in Sellin, there are plans to convert the building into a home that can also be used in winter. …

GDR era: According to the local chronicle, the expropriation of several houses, including Belvedere I and II, was announced at the municipal council meeting on July 17 and 21, 1947, due to their affiliation with the NSDAP. During the GDR era, both houses were used as permanent residences.

After 1990: By 1998, both houses had undergone extensive renovation and have been used for tourism ever since.

Current use: Hotel and apartment building with restaurant & bar

Interesting facts/anecdotes: In 1926, a special guest was listed at Villa Belvedere. In the 1926 travel guide “Praktische Winke – Ostseebad Binz auf Rügen” (Practical Tips – Baltic Sea Resort Binz on Rügen), an advertisement stated: Rhythmic gymnastics. Courses and individual lessons for adults and children are given on the beach by Ms. E. Delitzsch, certified gymnastics teacher of the Dorotheenbund. Berlin-Dahlem, Rheinbaben-Allee 5/7. During the season: Binz, Villa Belvedere

Photo: Boy Collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus Collection, Binzer Bucht Tourismus/Christian Thiele

Text: Klaus Boy, Binzer Bucht Tourismus