Gingst with its seven districts Güstin, Haidhof, Kapelle, Malkvitz, Presnitz, Teschvitz and Volsvitz has a population of approx. 1300 inhabitants and is located in the west of the island of Rügen. The municipality is administered by the Amt West-Rügen with its headquarters in Samtens. It belongs to the rural district of Vorpommern-Rügen.
The characteristically shaped high tower of Jacobi Church catches the eye from a distance. First built in the Middle Ages, it was rebuilt in the 18th century after being destroyed by lightning, hurricanes and fire. Typical for Gingst is the closed development in the village center with the gabled houses at the market and the eaves houses in the streets. The historic layout has not changed to this day. During the urban redevelopment following the reunification, the historic townscape was deliberately preserved. Since then, the municipality has won five awards for its attractiveness and beauty.