Only a few more weeks and summer will be knocking on the door. That’s the time that many people head to the beach. In Germany, there are plenty of secret gems waiting to be discovered. We present the most beautiful beaches in Germany.
Ellenbogen, List, Schleswig-Holstein
Sylt is known as Germany’s celebrity island. See and be seen is the order of the day here. In the north of the narrow island, however, you won’t find the typical hooded wicker beach chairs that dot the beaches of the west, no bars or restaurants and yet here is everything you need: Endless space and the feeling of being closer to nature and to oneself.
There are sand dunes and heathlands, free-roaming sheep, natural beaches and the sea at almost every corner. When the wind is good, kitesurfers are also drawn to this bay, where they can find ideal conditions for their sport. But the surfers must keep to a strictly demarcated territory so as not to disturb the nesting birds sunning themselves on tiny island of Uthörn.
Hörnumer Odde, Hörnum, Schleswig-Holstein
This landscape of heath and sand dunes, located at the southern tip of the island of Sylt, is a protected nature reserve. For many visitors, a walk around the “Odde“ is a must. A chance to witness the force of nature and some beautiful views. With good visibility, you can even see as far as the neighbouring island of Amrum.
Just don’t wait too long to visit. High tides and storms continue to erode the “Odde“, washing away its sand, so that one day it could possibly disappear completely. The beach bistro “Kap-Horn“ offers a feel-good atmosphere in a great location on the west beach, right in the middle of the Hörnum dunes. The best way to enjoy one of the magnificent sunsets is from one of the cozy hooded beach chairs for two.
Sankt Peter Ording Beach, Sankt-Peter-Ording, Schleswig-Holstein
St. Peter, as it is fondly known, is only an hour away from the metropolis of Hamburg, making it very popular among younger, hipper visitors. Fans of windsurfing and kitesurfing will find ideal conditions on this 12-kilometer-long beach, which is why the Kitesurf World Cup was held here for many years. Those who do not want to jump into the waves can also enjoy the beach on an extended stroll. Just don’t get caught out by the tides…
Amrumer Strand, Amrum, Schleswig-Holstein
Amrum is an island located in Schleswig-Holstein‘s Wadden Sea National Park. Its main beach is often compared to Caribbean beaches because of its fine white sand. The “Kniepsand“ is a very slow-moving sandbank, covering around 10km². Its ideal for long walks, a game of beach volleyball and surfing.
Strandpromenade Norderney, Norderney, Niedersachsen
The promenade of the North Sea island Norderney is ideal for walks or bike rides. It also provides excellent access to the seafront for wheelchair users, who can enjoy the view from the level, well-maintained promenade. Benches invite visitors to linger and enjoy the moment. Sunsets on Norderney are something special, best enjoyed in a pub with a sea view.
Strand von Binz, Ostseebad Binz, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
From the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. This beach on the island of Rügen invites you to walk in the fine, white sand or to laze in a deck chair. Small beach bistros provide refreshments, and dogs are also welcome on the beach.
Kühlungsborn Strand, Ostseebad Kühlungsborn, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
On the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg lies Kühlungsborn, the largest bathing and recreation resort in Mecklenburg. The sandy beach invites guests to swim, stand-up paddle and sunbathe. Right next door, one of Germany’s longest beach promenades invites visitors to take a stroll.
For even more views of the coast, it’s worth taking a walk up to the pier, which offers a great photo opportunity in itself.
Heringsdorfer Strand, Seebad Heringsdorf, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The longest pier in Germany, 508 metres long, is located in Heringsdorf on the island of Usedom. Travellers love the very white, soft sand this section of the coast has. If there were palm trees, it would feel like being in the Caribbean. Other attractions include numerous water sports, delicious fish sandwiches and seafood, and many other leisure activities.
Strand Warnemünde, Warnemünde, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Warnemünde is a district of the Hanseatic city of Rostock, and boasts the widest sandy beach on the German Baltic Sea coast. It is especially popular with families with children. The water here deepens very gradually, so smaller children can splash around in the shallow water without their parents having to worry. Fans of water sports will also feel happy here when the wind is good, as the beach offers perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Warnemünde is also a cruise port, so this beach is perfect for observing the arrival and departure of big ships.
Trassenheider Strand, Trassenheide, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
This Baltic seaside resort on the island of Usedom belongs to the village of Trassenheide, one of the sunniest places in Germany. Traditional hooded beach chairs invite guests to linger, while others walk along the beach or through the coastal forest to one of the neighboring villages. Regular visitors love the shallow, clear water and fine sand.