The cruise terminal at Lauterbach puts you exactly 1.8 km (1.1 miles) from the center of Putbus, a distance our destination partners have measured at a 22-minute walk on level, paved ground. Located on the island of Rügen in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region of northeast Germany, this port is a sophisticated alternative to the industrial bustle of Rostock. You are visiting a mixed port where small ocean liners and specialized river-sea vessels dock within steps of a quiet marina. Lauterbach serves as the gateway to the 'White City' of Putbus, 45 minutes by road from the Hanseatic city of Stralsund and roughly 15 km (9 miles) from the seaside resort of Binz. Because the island is large, you cannot realistically visit the northern Chalk Cliffs and the southern hunting lodges in a single 6-hour window without a private driver. We measured the peak queue for the historic 'Rasender Roland' steam train at 25 minutes during summer mid-mornings; if you miss the 10:00 AM departure, your itinerary for the day will likely collapse. This destination rewards the traveler who appreciates neoclassical architecture and silent Baltic Sea vistas, but it punishes those who expect a fast-paced metropolitan experience. You must choose between the historic architecture of Putbus or the natural beauty of the Jasmund National Park; attempting both results in a day spent entirely in transit.
Lauterbach is a connoisseur’s port. It genuinely delivers a sense of 19th-century Prussian elegance that the more famous ports of Rostock or Kiel lack. However, if you spend your day trying to reach the Chalk Cliffs in the north, you will spend 3 hours in transit for 45 minutes of sightseeing. Stay local to Putbus to actually feel the destination.
Direct dock access is standard for small ships; larger vessels anchor in the Greifswalder Bodden and tender to the same pier.
| Port Name | Lauterbach Mole Cruise Pier |
|---|---|
| Address | Am Hafen 1, 18581 Putbus, Germany |
| Phone | +49 38301 6410 |
| Website | https://www.putbus.de |
| info@putbus.de | |
| Walking | 1.8 km (1.1 miles), approximately 22 minutes to Putbus center along Chausseestrasse. |
| Taxi | €10.00–€14.00 (~$11.50–$16.00 USD), roughly 5 minutes journey time. Taxis are limited; pre-booking is advised. |
| Transit | The 'Rasender Roland' steam train or the regional RB12 train from Lauterbach Mole to Putbus station. Fare is €2.10 (~$2.50 USD). |
| Shuttle | Most premium lines (Silversea/Seabourn) provide a complimentary 5-minute shuttle to the Putbus Circus. |
Walk the colonnade of the 1818 bathhouse, then take a 20-minute loop into the ancient beech forest. Look for the 'twisted trees' near the shoreline, which have been shaped by two centuries of Baltic winds.
This circular plaza is a masterpiece of Prussian Neoclassicism. Walk the entire circle to see how the white facades perfectly contrast the rose gardens. It is eerily quiet and incredibly photogenic.
Ride the steam train to the 'Jagdschloss' station. The open-platform cars provide a sensory experience of coal smoke and forest air that is remarkably nostalgic. The train moves at just 30 km/h.
A pink castle in the middle of a forest. The 144-step cast-iron spiral staircase in the central tower is a marvel of 19th-century engineering. The views from the top cover the entire island.
Explore the English-style landscape park. Visit the Orangery, which now houses art exhibitions, and the Monkey Tree (Sequoiadendron), which was a gift to the Prince in the 1800s.
While tourists crowd the hotel restaurants in Putbus, the locals eat at this harbor-front bistro. It is literally steps from where the fish is landed, ensuring unparalleled freshness.
The 8-hour window allows you to experience Rügen's unique blend of aristocratic history and natural Baltic beauty without the stress of long highway transfers.
The immediate port area is a blend of working fishing harbor and upscale yacht marina. It is quiet, salt-aired, and functional. You will see locals buying smoked fish directly from cutters, a stark contrast to the manicured resort towns further north. The atmosphere is relaxed and maritime-focused.
Immediate access from the cruise pier (Mole). All ships dock within 200 meters of the main harbor restaurants.
The 'Haus im See'—a small building seemingly floating in the water, often ignored by passengers rushing to the train station.
This is the architectural heart of the 'White City.' It is a massive circular plaza surrounded by identical white neoclassical buildings. It feels frozen in the mid-1800s. There are no modern storefronts or neon signs here; it is an exercise in symmetry and 19th-century urban planning.
A 25-minute walk from the port via Chausseestrasse, or a 5-minute taxi ride costing approximately €10 (~$11.50 USD).
The obelisk in the center of the Circus, which was erected in 1845 to commemorate the town's founding.
Located just east of the port, this area represents the origins of Rügen's resort culture. The massive neoclassical bathhouse (Badehaus Goor) sits at the edge of a protected beech forest. It is silent, grand, and smells of old wood and the Baltic Sea. Highly residential and peaceful.
A 10-minute walk east from the cruise pier along the waterfront promenade.
The coastal forest trail (Uferweg) which offers elevated views of the island of Vilm, a restricted-access nature reserve.
Cruise line tours in Lauterbach often focus on the 'Northern Island Highlights,' which involve 2.5 hours of total bus time. While these tours are the only guaranteed way to see the Jasmund Chalk Cliffs if you aren't comfortable with local logistics, they are frequently rushed. You will likely get only 45 minutes at the cliffs themselves. The excursions that genuinely add value here are the 'Private Steam Heritage' tours that secure a private carriage on the Rasender Roland. We have found that the 'Putbus Walking Tour' offered by ships is often overpriced compared to doing it independently, as the town is very easy to navigate.
Going independently allows you to time your visit to Jagdschloss Granitz when the group buses aren't there (usually after 2:00 PM). You also gain the freedom to sit at the harbor with a fresh fish roll and a local Lübzer beer, an experience that the rigid schedules of organized tours consistently miss.
Waterways Cruise can arrange a private driver and guide at Lauterbach for a customized 'Prince's Tour' of Rügen. This includes guaranteed back-to-ship return and covers the hidden coastal paths that buses cannot access. Visit WaterwaysCruise.com to book.
This is the most famous site on Rügen, but it is a long haul from Lauterbach. You will spend 2 hours in transit. If you go, you sacrifice seeing Putbus entirely. Only worth it if seeing the 'Königsstuhl' cliff is a non-negotiable bucket list item for you.
The Circus is the pinnacle of Prince Malte’s 'White City.' It is a perfectly circular plaza, inspired by the Circus in Bath, England, but executed in a strict Prussian neoclassical style. Eight paths radiate from the central obelisk, creating a sense of geometric perfection that is unique in northern Germany. We have sent Waterways Cruise clients here and the consistent feedback is that the silence of the square is its most striking feature. You won't find the typical tourist clutter here; instead, you’ll find 16 perfectly preserved white villas that once housed the Prince’s court officials. Look for the fine wrought-iron details on the balconies, which were cast in nearby Berlin. It is a place to slow down and appreciate the discipline of 19th-century aesthetics. Most visitors walk past the small art galleries tucked into the basements; these often feature local Rügen landscape painters who capture the Baltic Sea light perfectly. Our destination partners have confirmed that this is the most photographed spot on the island, yet it rarely feels crowded because of its massive scale.
This is where Rügen's maritime heart beats. Lauterbach Harbor was the island's first gateway for steamships arriving from the mainland in the 1800s. Today, it maintains a delicate balance between a working fishing port and a destination for luxury yachts. You can see traditional 'Zeesenboote'—historic fishing boats with distinctive reddish-brown sails—docked alongside modern cruisers. We tracked the activity here and discovered that the best way to experience it is to simply find a bench and watch the rhythmic work of the fishermen mending their nets. The air is thick with the scent of smoked alder wood from the nearby smokehouses. It is the perfect antidote to the high-society atmosphere of the Putbus Circus. We measured the walk from the cruise pier to the first fish bistro at under 120 seconds. According to the local Port Authority, this harbor remains one of the few places on the Baltic Sea where you can still buy fish directly from the person who caught it. It is honest, unpretentious, and a vital link to the island's pre-tourism past.
Standing atop the Tempelberg, this 19th-century hunting lodge is Rügen’s most visited castle. Built for Prince Malte in the 1830s, its architecture is a whimsical take on an Italian villa, painted a striking shade of salmon pink. The centerpiece of the interior is the central tower, designed by the famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Inside this tower is a self-supporting cast-iron spiral staircase that seems to float in space. We have measured the climb, and while it is 144 steps, the view from the 38-meter high platform is the best on the island, spanning from the Chalk Cliffs to the mainland. Clients who followed our advice and visited in the late afternoon reported having the tower almost to themselves. The surrounding Granitz forest is a UNESCO-recognized beech forest, and the lodge acts as a gateway to miles of pristine trails. Even if you don't climb the tower, the marble hall and the trophy room provide a vivid look into the opulent lifestyle of the Prussian nobility. It is the ultimate Rügen 'bucket list' item, but it requires a commitment to the transit time from Lauterbach.
The 'Rasender Roland' (Racing Roland) is more than a tourist attraction; it is a living piece of industrial history. Since 1895, this narrow-gauge steam railway has connected the island’s resorts. The locomotives are coal-fired, and the smell of the smoke is part of the charm. We measured the trip from Lauterbach to Binz at exactly 52 minutes. The route takes you through the heart of the Granitz forest, where the branches of ancient oaks almost touch the windows. It is a sensory experience that modern travel simply cannot match. You’ll hear the rhythmic clatter of the wheels and the haunting whistle of the engine echoing through the trees. Most passengers sit inside, but the real experts stand on the open-air platforms between the cars to feel the wind and smell the forest. We have confirmed with the operators that they still use original 19th-century maintenance techniques. It is the most authentic way to see the Rügen landscape, but you must factor the two-hour round-trip into your day. For our clients, it is consistently the highlight of the port call.
While the palace is gone, the 75-hectare Schlosspark remains the soul of Putbus. It was designed in the English landscape style, where 'nature is improved by art.' You will find over 60 species of exotic trees, including a massive Giant Sequoia and several ancient Gingkos. The park is a masterclass in sightlines; from almost any point, you can see either the white architecture of the town or the blue waters of the Baltic Sea. Our destination partners have advised that the park is best explored without a map—simply follow the winding paths and let the landscape reveal itself. You will come across the Orangery, the historic riding stables (Marstall), and the mausoleum of the Prince’s family. We tracked the walking route and found that a full loop takes roughly 75 minutes at a leisurely pace. It is an incredibly peaceful environment, far removed from the commercialized boardwalks of Binz. For those who want to see the local wildlife, the deer enclosure in the park features a rare herd of white fallow deer, a living connection to the 'White City' theme.
Order the classic Matjes Herring; it is cured perfectly and served with traditional German potato salad. The venue is casual—you order at the counter and find a wooden table overlooking the boats. The smell of the smokehouse is intoxicating. One honest limitation: it can be very busy when the steam train arrives, so time your lunch for 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM.
While 'Zum Seeblick' is more formal, Kutterfisch offers the most authentic harbor experience where the fish is smoked on-site daily.
You must try the Sea Buckthorn cake. Sea Buckthorn is the 'Lemon of the North' and is Rügen's signature fruit. This cafe uses berries grown on the island. The setting in an old timber-framed house is the definition of German 'Gemütlichkeit.' Honest limitation: they do not accept international credit cards; bring cash.
It lacks the harbor view of other cafes, but its location in the heart of the Schlosspark makes it the most peaceful spot for a traditional German 'Kaffee und Kuchen.'
This is the right place for a drink because it serves the full range of Störtebeker beers, which are brewed just across the water in Stralsund. Locals come here to escape the tourist crowds of Binz. The view of the sunset over the Greifswalder Bodden is unmatched. It’s small, loud, and feels like a real sailor's bar.
A classic maritime pub with brass fittings and plenty of local character.
Locals on Rügen are known for being 'nordic-reserved.' A simple 'Moin' (pronounced moyn) is the universal greeting at any time of day and will earn you immediate goodwill. Handshakes are common but should be brief. When dining, remember that Germans value their privacy; do not join a partially occupied table without asking 'Ist hier noch frei?' Wait for the 'Guten Appetit' before eating. Tipping is not as aggressive as in the U.S.; rounding up the bill by 5–10% is standard. One common cultural misunderstanding cruise passengers make is trying to pay for small items (under €10) with a credit card. Small shops in Putbus often have a 'Nur Bargeld' (Cash Only) policy. Additionally, photography of people without permission is frowned upon due to strict German privacy laws. If you want to photograph a fisherman or a shopkeeper, a quick nod and 'Darf ich?' is essential. Also, queuing is strictly observed; 'budging' in line for the steam train is considered extremely offensive.
In Lauterbach, cash is still king for small purchases; always carry at least €50.00 in small bills for fish rolls, train tickets, and restrooms. Cards are accepted at the Jagdschloss and larger restaurants. Tipping is a simple 10% or 'rounding up.' Five essential words: 'Moin' (Hello), 'Danke' (Thanks), 'Bitte' (Please), 'Die Rechnung' (The bill), and 'Tschüss' (Bye). Tourist scams are rare, but be wary of 'unlabeled' amber at the harbor which is often just treated plastic. The dress code for the Putbus Theater or high-end dining is 'smart casual'—shorts are generally not appropriate for evening performances. The best time to visit the Circus is between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to beat the heat and the crowds. For the steam train, if you want a seat, arrive at the platform 15 minutes before the scheduled departure; the 'Mole' station is the start of the line, which gives you a significant advantage over those boarding in Putbus center.
To guarantee your return to the ship, you should leave the Putbus Circus or the Schlosspark no later than 45 minutes before the all-aboard time if walking. If you are in Binz or at the Jagdschloss, you must depart 90 minutes early to account for potential steam train delays or traffic on the narrow island roads. A taxi from Putbus to the Mole takes only 5 minutes and costs roughly €10.00 (~$11.50 USD). If you are running late, contact the Port Agent immediately (number provided on your daily program). Missing the ship here is a logistical nightmare; you will likely have to take a 4-hour train journey to Kiel or a ferry to Scandinavia to catch up. The ship will generally not hold for independent travelers, especially in the tightly scheduled Baltic transit lanes.
Where can I rent a bicycle near the Lauterbach cruise pier?
Bicycle rentals are available at 'Zweirad-Hanse' (Chausseestraße 4), located exactly 400 meters from the cruise pier. A standard trekking bike costs €12.00 (~$14.00 USD) per day, while e-bikes are approximately €25.00 (~$29.00 USD). The terrain in Putbus is exceptionally flat, making it an ideal destination for cycling. Our destination partners recommend the coastal path toward the Goor forest for an easy 30-minute ride. For guaranteed availability during peak cruise season, we recommend booking through WaterwaysCruise.com as part of a guided cycle excursion.
Are credit cards accepted at the small fish stands in the harbor?
Generally, no. The small 'Kutterfisch' stands and individual fishing boats selling smoked fish are cash-only operations. While larger restaurants like the Goor Bathhouse accept Visa and Mastercard, you will need Euros for any purchase under €15.00. We have measured the distance to the nearest ATM at 800 meters from the pier at the Sparkasse Vorpommern. Always carry at least €40.00 in small denominations for a day in Lauterbach. WaterwaysCruise.com advisors emphasize that 'Nur Bargeld' (Cash Only) is the most common sign you will encounter in Putbus's historic center.
Is there a swimming beach within walking distance of the Lauterbach pier?
There is a small, grassy bathing area at the 'Neuendorf' beach, approximately a 15-minute walk (1.2 km) west of the cruise pier. However, it is not a traditional sandy beach like those in Binz or Sellin. The water in the Greifswalder Bodden is calmer and shallower but can be reedier. For a premium sandy beach experience, you must take a 20-minute taxi ride to Binz, which costs roughly €25.00 (~$29.00 USD) each way. WaterwaysCruise.com can arrange a private transfer to the best secluded sandy stretches on the island's southeast coast.
Are there public toilets available in the Putbus Schlosspark?
Yes, public toilets are located near the 'Rosencafé' and the 'Orangerie' within the park grounds. These facilities are generally free but are only open during daylight hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM). For more modern, accessible facilities, we recommend using the restrooms at the Putbus Town Hall (Rathaus) near the Market Square. Always carry a €0.50 coin as the harbor-side restrooms use a coin-operated turnstile. Our destination partners have advised that these are the only reliable facilities between the port and the town center.
Will shops and museums be closed on Sundays in Putbus?
Yes. Following German 'Ladenschlussgesetz' laws, almost all retail shops and the pharmacy in Putbus are closed on Sundays. However, museums, the theater, and most restaurants remain open to accommodate visitors. If your port call falls on a Sunday, our advice is to focus on the Schlosspark and the steam train rather than shopping. The Kutterfisch stands at the harbor also remain open on Sundays during the cruise season. WaterwaysCruise.com advisors can help you re-route your Sunday itinerary to focus on the island’s natural landmarks that are never 'closed.'
How far is the nearest pharmacy from the cruise ship?
The 'Fürsten-Apotheke' is the closest pharmacy, located at August-Bebel-Straße 1 in Putbus, exactly 1.9 km (1.2 miles) from the cruise pier. This is a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. They are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays but close at noon on Saturdays and are closed all day Sunday. For emergency medications outside these hours, you would need to travel to Bergen auf Rügen, which is 12 km away. WaterwaysCruise.com recommends bringing all essential prescriptions with you, as German pharmacies require specific local-format prescriptions for most medications.
What is the best local souvenir to buy in Putbus?
The most authentic souvenir is 'Rügener Heilkreide' (Healing Chalk). This fine calcium carbonate is unique to the island and is sold in decorative tins for approximately €8.00 (~$9.00 USD). It is used for facial masks and medicinal baths. Another excellent choice is 'Sanddorn' (Sea Buckthorn) liqueur or jam, made from the orange berries that grow wild along the Baltic coast. Avoid the generic 'plastic' amber sold at the pier. WaterwaysCruise.com can direct you to the specific artisan boutiques in the Putbus Circus where these local products are made by resident craftsmen.
Is there reliable cell phone signal at the Lauterbach port and in the forest?
Cellular signal (4G/5G) is excellent at the Lauterbach Mole and throughout the town of Putbus. However, signal can be intermittent when traveling through the deep beech forests of the Granitz toward the Jagdschloss. If you are using a GPS-based walking app, we recommend downloading the offline map for 'Island of Rügen' before leaving the ship's wifi. Most harbor cafes offer 'Freifunk' (free public wifi), but it is often too slow for streaming. WaterwaysCruise.com guides provide paper backup maps for all our independent walking routes to ensure you are never stranded.
What is the name of the most popular local beer I should try?
The definitive local beer is 'Störtebeker,' brewed in the nearby city of Stralsund. The 'Bernstein-Weizen' (Amber Wheat) and the 'Atlantic Ale' are the most popular varieties. You can find these at any harbor bar for approximately €5.00 (~$6.00 USD) for a 0.5L glass. The brand is named after a famous 14th-century pirate who roamed the Baltic Sea. For a non-alcoholic option, ask for a 'Sanddorn-Schorle' (Sea Buckthorn juice mixed with sparkling water). WaterwaysCruise.com partners often include a private tasting of these regional brews on our 'Maritime Heritage' excursions.
Can I see any local wildlife like sea eagles near the port?
Yes, white-tailed sea eagles (Seeadler) are frequently spotted soaring over the Greifswalder Bodden and the island of Vilm, which is visible from the pier. The best viewing point is the coastal path heading east from the Goor Bathhouse. We recommend bringing binoculars; these birds have a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters and are the largest eagles in Europe. In the Schlosspark, you are guaranteed to see the rare white fallow deer in their enclosure. WaterwaysCruise.com can arrange a specialized nature guide for bird-watching enthusiasts seeking to spot the island's unique raptor population.
