Früher: Villa Victoria

Former names: Villa Victoria

Today: Hotel Granitz

Architecture: The house was built when Binz was taking its first steps from a “small farming village to a seaside resort.” Financial resources were generally modest, which was reflected in the materials and design. Brick half-timbering, a cardboard roof, and wooden balconies are evidence of this. The house is typical of the architectural style of the time. The division of the house into a ground floor shop and restaurant area and an upper floor used as an apartment and guest rooms indicates that the merchant Malchin was responsible for its construction.

Year of construction: Around 1889

History/owners until 1945: Villa Victoria was built around 1889. In Dunker’s 1890 guide to Rügen, there was an advertisement by Ch. Malchin for his colonial goods store, which read as follows: “Ch. Malchin, advertising colonial goods, wine and beer, tobacco and cigars, meat and sausage products, located in the center of town on the main street.” In 1898, the address book stated: “Christ. Malchin, villa owner and merchant, also with an advertisement for Villa Victoria.” In the following years, the merchant Malchin continued to advertise both his business and the rooms for rent in Villa Victoria, as in the 1905 Binz guide: “Banking business Kaufmann Malchin, Villa Victoria. All foreign currencies are exchanged.“ and in the section on accommodation listings ”Villa Victoria (owner Malchin) 18 rooms/3 kitchens“.

From around 1909, a Mr. Carl Voss took over the villa – as well as the colonial goods, delicatessen, wine, cigar, glass, and porcelain business. In 1917, Richard Stöckmann took over. Bruno Lokenvitz followed as owner in 1928.

The book “In the Name of the Rose – Expropriations on Rügen in 1953” – writings by the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Gymnasium Bergen/author Irina Wichert – states in broad terms:

“Bruno Lokenvitz was born in Binz in 1898 and left Rügen as a young man with his mother and sister. His love for the island led him to return in 1927 with his wife and two daughters (Inge and Lore). The Lokenvitz family bought the “Binzer Bierstuben,” a small restaurant with about 15 tables and 80 seats for guests and locals. In the high season, up to 300 meals could be served daily. There was a bowling alley in an adjoining room. The two upper floors housed guest rooms and private rooms. The house was simple and unpretentious. And although the guesthouse had only a few rooms and was not located directly on the waterfront, guests still enjoyed staying there. The house was always well frequented.

The ground floor of the “Binzer Bierstuben” also housed a leased grocery store. During the Second World War, things quietened down in Binz. Fewer vacationers came, but instead the first refugees moved into the “Binzer Bierstuben.”

GDR era: The summer 1950 accommodation directory for the Baltic resort of Binz stated: Binzer Bierstuben, owner Lokenvitz, 10 beds. In 1953, the Lokenvitz family was also affected by Operation Rose. The “Binzer Bierstuben” was initially handed over to a trustee. The family’s employees stood up for them. After their return, Bruno and Martha Lokenvitz got their guesthouse back. Around 1960, due to declining strength, they decided to lease the “Binzer Bierstuben” restaurant to the HO (state trading organization). They continued to run a few guest rooms. Bruno Lokenvitz died in 1970. A few years later, his wife sold the “Binzer Bierstuben” to the LPG Poseritz (agricultural production cooperative) to accommodate vacationers. (quoted in part from: Book “In the Name of the Rose – Expropriations on Rügen in 1953” – Writings of the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Gymnasium Bergen/Author Irina Wichert).

After 1990: In 1992, the building was completely renovated without changing its character and reopened as the Hotel Granitz with the “Binzer Bierstuben.” The hotel has been closed since the end of 2019. Since the summer of 2020, the “Binzer Bierstuben” has been home to an Indian restaurant. Vacation rooms are available on the upper floor.

Current use: Restaurant on the ground floor, vacation rooms

Interesting facts/anecdotes: The 1928 travel guide “Praktische Winke – Ostseebad Binz auf Rügen” (Practical Tips – Binz on Rügen) stated: Haus Victoria Bahnhofstraße, at Wilhelmstraße and Putbuserstraße. Owner: Bruno Lokenvitz. Restaurant known as the “Binzer-Bier-Stuben” with good cuisine. Extensive selection. Open all year round. Well-appointed guest rooms. Car garage. Relaxation. 2 new bowling alleys. Telephone 460. Accommodation for young hikers.

Photos: Hotel collection, Lutz Grünke, Binzer Bucht Tourismus