Baaber Reusenfest

Homage to the Reusen Tradition

The Baaber Reusenfest refers to an old custom of Baltic Sea fishermen: before a new herring net (Reuse) was used for fishing for the first time, fishermen would set it up on land, check the nets for holes, and celebrate the so-called 'Reusenball' with family and neighbors – a social gathering in honor of the upcoming season. This tradition evolved into today's folk festival, which has been celebrated every year at Pentecost in Baabe since the mid-1990s.

Herring Net in the Spa Gardens

At the heart of the festival is the ceremonial erection of a large herring net (Reuse) in the spa gardens – the focal point of the festival grounds. It symbolically represents the heritage of the Baabe fishermen and makes the net a visible symbol of the festival throughout the four days.

Maritime Program

A varied stage program awaits visitors on the spa stage: shanty choirs, pirate groups, folk dance ensembles, regional bands, and family entertainment. Food stalls offer fish specialties, smoked fish, and regional delicacies from the island of Rügen. Free admission.

Regional Context

Baabe is located in the Vorpommern-Rügen district (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) on the Mönchgut peninsula of the island of Rügen, between Sellin and Göhren. The Baltic Sea resort, with its long sandy beach promenade, maintains its fishing tradition despite changing tourist realities – the Reusenfest is one of the most visible testaments to this.