German beach with beach chairs
German beach with beach chairs© DAAD/contentküche

North Sea and Baltic Sea

Clear blue sea and sandy beaches – a trip to the north German coast is always worthwhile. Whether you're kite-surfing, horse-riding or swimming in the sea, north Germany's "stiff breeze" never fails to invigorate. While you can enjoy nature at its best in Eckernförde, Sylt is the place to go for long party nights.

Short & Sweet

German North Sea and Baltic beaches are not primarily about swimming – the water is often quite cold.

Rather, the German coasts are unique natural spaces with a rugged charm.

About the region

Trips to the beach or a walk through coastal woodland are ideal ways of relaxing. The best times of the year for visits to the coast are spring and summer. In the autumn and winter, it’s usually too stormy and cold. In the fresh, salty wind, referred to by Germans from the north as a „steife Brise“, or stiff breeze, you can recharge your batteries or burn off excess energy exercising on the beach. If you want to spend the whole weekend on the coast, there are plenty of inexpensive campsites where you can pitch your tent even at short notice. The beach parties in the evening are something you shouldn’t miss.

Your way to the sea

ECKERNFÖRDE: NATURE AT ITS BEST (TOUR 1)

The pretty town of Eckernförde is situated right on the coast, and the beach is a special attraction with its clear water and fine quartz sand. In Eckernförde, both beach and promenade are around five minutes from the station.

A jogging round in the fresh sea air or a horse-ride through salt meadows is an ideal way to enjoy the countryside. Eckernförde boasts riding stables offering guided rides. A guided ride takes around two hours.

Eckernförde
Eckernförde© DAAD/Sinah Vonderweiden

For lunch in Eckernförde, treat yourself to a fish roll on the promenade near the town centre. This is a popular and traditional take-away snack which is also a favourite with the locals.

Refreshed and revived, you can now explore the countryside on foot. Maps and information about the best hiking trails on the Baltic coast are available from the tourist information offices in the town centre or at the station. The routes start in Eckernförde and are clearly signposted.

After a lengthy hike or walk, the coffee shop Capilano, Kieler Strasse 74 (next to the Subway snackbar) is a good place to stop off for coffee and cake. Located directly between the sea and the station, the trendy café is the ideal place to visit before and after a trip to the beautiful sandy beach.

SYLT: SPORT AND PARTY (TOUR 2)

The island of Sylt is famous not only for its typical North Sea atmosphere with lighthouse, sand-dunes and fish rolls but also for its flirt factor, especially when it’s party time.

Hörnum boasts an attractive lighthouse. You can cycle from Westerland to the lighthouse in approximately one hour, bikes can be hired from the bike rental store Sylter Pedale, Kirchenweg 15, close to the station, from ten euros a day.

The best parties take place on balmy summer evenings after the “Windsurf World Cup Sylt” on Brandenburger beach near Westerland or at “Sunset Beach” beach bar (Brandenburger Straße 15). Both a 15-minute walk from Westerland station.

At the beach
At the beach© Vonderweiden/DAAD

Other destinations by the sea

The nightlife is best in the holiday season, and the island boasts over 25 locations where you can enjoy a drink with friends and dance. A popular venue with many visitors is the Wunderbar bar in the centre of Westerland not far from the station on Paulstraße. After partying the night away, enjoy views of the sun rising over the sea.

Conclusion

The constant sound of the waves and the sea air are a treat to your body and soul. Wether you chose to be active or relax: A trip to Germany’s beaches is a perfect get-away from everyday life.