There are essentially two types of places where one likes to go on a vacation- the beaches or the mountains. This article will be the perfect feed to satiate your research on the best beaches to visit if you belong to the former category.
Germany is a haven to the most soul-satisfying beaches in the world. Well, they may not be the textbook beach paradise where tropical abundance that most fanatics for beach yearn for, but they are worth the visit because they do not lack anything to make your vacation fulfilling. They have it all from enthralling water sports to picturesque coastlines to quiet as well as buzzing beaches; you name it.
Without further ado, let’s skim through 17 of the best beaches you can visit in Germany in 2021 according to tourists:
17. Lake Beaches
Lake beaches have always been a point of interest for travelers worldwide. If you’re traveling to Germany, make sure to visit the beautiful lake beaches there to give you the break that you needed.
Besides the ones mentioned above, some renowned lake beaches in Germany are Langener Waldsee, Königssee, Habermannsee, Longer Forest lake, to name a few. One can always hit these spots to cool off during the summer by going for a swim or just chilling by the lake with cocktails.
Resorts and hotels are always in the vicinity to accommodate your stay during your visit to these fantastic summer locations.
16. Strand Duhnen
Duhnen is a famous beach in the city of Cuxhaven on the North sea coast of lower Saxony. Emerging from a fishing village in 1902, Duhnen is now Cuxhaven’s most famous seaside spa.
Duhnen was already a popular seaside resort in 1904, but a year later, it became a glamorous seaside resort for the sake of health. Thalasso treatments with seawater, silt, sea air, and flood hikes. The thalassotherapy center with seawater wave pool, thermal baths, premium sauna area, children’s paradise, giant slide, and fitness and spa area, all the healing powers of the sea are ready for you to make you healthy and fit.
The Duhner artist promenade festival, the family event days, the spa concerts, the classic Easter fire, the Duhner festival market, and the shopping opportunities keep boredom away.
15. Strandpromenade Norderney
Nordeney is the most recent of the seven East Frisian islands off the North Sea coast of Germany. It is the 9th largest island in Germany. Hardly any other North Sea island offers its visitors as much variety as the island of Norderney, also known as the ‘Queen of the North Sea.’
It has existed as a free island since the middle of the 18th century. The island inhabitants mainly lived on fishing, but over time tourism grew and eventually became its primary source of income. In 1797 Norderney became the first German North Sea spa.
The Strandpromenade of Nordeney offers a nice place to walk around and enjoy the view. The two USPs are a restaurant that elevates up in the air and a structure at the end of the pier that goes underwater, affording views under the waves.
14. Wannsee Beach, Berlin
The Wannsee beach or the Strandbad Wannsee beach originates from the Großer Wannsee lake on its eastern horizon, an enormous bay of Havel in Berlin. The beach is 1,275 meters long and 80 meters wide, covered in sand from the Baltic coast.
Public bathing was illegal on the beach of Wannsee in the past. But soon, with the increase in numbers, the local municipality of Teltow, south of Berlin, gave in to pressure. Eventually, in 1907 it made a 200m stretch of the Wannsee shoreline open to the public. The Strandbad Wannsee was born, with two separate beaches (one for men, one for women)
Wannsee beaches are incredibly safe for beginner swimmers as the water only becomes deep after a gradual slope. Playgrounds are also present for kids to have fun. Bungee jumping, Trampoline stations, and snack stands offer something for everyone there, and is among many popular things to do in Berlin.
13. Juist Beaches
Juist island takes haven in the Aurich district, Lower Saxony in Germany. It is one of the seven Frisian Islands in the East at the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea border in the southern region of the North Sea. The island lies between Nordeney and Borkum Island.
Juist was cut initially in two parts by several storm tides. It was around 1770 that people decided to bridge the gap with a dune dike.
Juist offers a real escape from the problems of the modern world. With a population of just 1,500 people, this island allows for a sense of real recreation. As you head towards the Marina, the coast on the island’s southern region offers everything for every person of all ages. The restaurants and bars there provide the best of German cuisine.
It is ideal for visiting this island during May as during this time the island’s most happening event takes place, the Music Festival of Juist. The event brings together its local islanders and entertainers from far and wide. It’s a perfect way to let loose and learn furthermore about the culture of the local life.
12. Travemünde
Travemünde is a town near Lübeck in Northern Germany, and it begins at the very onset of the river Trave. In Travemünde, you can take delight in relaxed and event-filled days by the shore. This elegant resort on the seaside comes with various leisure and sporting activities, rejuvenating swims in the sea, and superb cuisine.
Travemünde is a resort on the seaside from 1802, Germany’s biggest port for ferries on the Baltic Sea, with links to Finland, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, and Latvia. The lighthouse there is reportedly the oldest to have come into origin from 1539. Every year, the Travemünder Woche is a sailing race event lasting to a week’s time in Northern Europe.
Visitors will find their journey in this town to be magical because of its breathtaking sceneries and environment. You can go for torchlit hikes for the adventurer in you. The Festival of 1,000 Lights in the bewitching Godewind Park is also something to see while you’re there.
11. Alpseebad Hohenschwangau
The Alpsee is a lake located in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany, located about 4 kilometers southeast of Füssen. Alpseebad is a popular tourist attraction because of its closeness to the castles and wild swans that inhabit the lake.
Before 1803 the region was separated into several smaller states. These states dissolved in 1803. Alpsee also became a part of Bavaria in that year and formed a special relationship with the kings of Bavaria. The kings built their famous castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, which is still standing today.
Tourists can expect to enjoy the lake and the townside beach in summer. You can choose to go cool off the summer heat in both the lake and the beach. It is also highly recommended to visit the castles; they seem somewhat out of a Disney movie.
10. Lubmin
Lubmin is a coastal resort situated in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The coastal resort is located near Greifswald and on the Bay of Greifswald. The seaside resort has a kilometer-long sand beach and covered by pine woods.
Lubmin was first a seaside resort in 1886. The first pier came into being around 1900. The former fishing and farming village of Lubmin is the only seaside resort on the Greifswalder Bodden to attract attention. It is a real trip as a holiday and travel destination in every season. One can enjoy the wide beaches, coastal cliffs, and pine forests In the area. The gentle sea breeze and maritime climate ensures
The resort has other activities to offer, such as Spa park concerts, beach festivals, chariot rides, traditional arts and crafts.
9. Hiddensee
Hiddensee is a district of Vorpommern-Rügen lying in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state. It situates west of the island of Rügen. Cars cannot ply on Hiddensee, so travelers take bicycles or horse-drawn wagons. On weekdays, there is also a bus.
In 1874, the Amtsbezirk district of Hiddensee came into origin. In 1888, they built the light in Kloster, and the lifeboat station came into completion. Hiddensee is car-free, with only a few motorized vehicles permissible for agricultural and public uses. The Hiddensee beach is a beautiful beach that attracts a lot of tourists as well as locals. The lighthouse, which attracts tourists, is considered its main sight, and it’s truly breathtaking.
The island is also known as the Pearl of the Baltic, making it a popular tourist attraction. It is an excellent place for retiring from active life for a few days to refresh and rejuvenate.
8. Warnemünde
Warnemünde is a German port town near Rostock on the Baltic Sea. It’s known for its Marina and long beach and is one of the world’s busiest and most-visited cruise ports.
In the past, Warnermünde was a small fishing village with minimal importance for the region’s growth. The area started growing after the 19th century as a significant seaside resort. Because of the moderate current and ideal conditions for sailing, Warnemünde is a vital sailing hub in Germany. This beach is perfect for diving underwater, kite surfing, swimming, windsurfing, and nordic or Mediterranean-like walking.
In Warnemünde and its adjacent seaside resorts of Hohe Düne, Diedrichshagen, and Markgrafenheide, you will find the perfect environment for a holiday with a unique added value to your health.
7. St. Peter-Ording
St. Peter-Ording is a German seaside spa and a municipality in the district of Nordfriesland, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. St. Peter-Ording sits on the North Sea coast, on the western tip of the Eiderstedt peninsula.
St. Peter-Ording comprises of separate districts. There has been evidence found of Viking settlements in the past. St Peter Ording is a renowned beach resort since 1887, the same year when the first hotel came into construction. The local climate and the air are free of allergens and pollutants.
For tourists, there is a host of activities to keep them occupied during their stay. Apart from the beautiful beaches, some places offer beach sailing, horse riding, kite buggy, to name a few.
6. Timmendorfer Strand
Timmendorfer Strand is a coastal town on the Baltic Sea in northern Germany. The beach is quite long and offers a plethora of opportunities for water sports in the district of Ostholstein, in Schleswig-Holstein.
In 1951 Timmendorfer Strand got recognition as a Baltic sea spa. The beach sand of Timmendorfer Strand and Niendorf is soft and white; the water only deepens gradually. Children of all ages love to enjoy the water and build sandcastles. There is also ample space for ball games. At the MARITIM pier in Timmendorfer Strand and the Niendorfer pier, a section of the beach is primarily for sporting activities in the summertime.
Along with the beach, tourists can also explore the aquariums displaying the vast aquatic life around that region. And if you feel like taking a bite, there are multiple cafes around that will satiate your hunger.
5. Ahlbeck on Usedom
Ahlbeck sits on the Usedom Island on the Baltic coast. Ahlbeck is the easternmost of the Imperial spas on the German part of the island, connecting to the longest beach promenade in Europe.
The first inhabitants were fishermen after Usedom had passed under Brandenburg Prussian rule in 1693. The Ahlbeck beach is a very enchanting seaside resort famous for its vast and sandy beach. The Ahlbeck pier is a port for ferries for cruises and includes a restaurant pavilion.
As a tourist, you can expect this destination to fulfill your vacation need as it offers everything you desire.
4. Sellin on Rügen
Sellin is a resort town on Rügen, with beaches, a 1920s inspired pier, and Rügen narrow gauge railway. The town of Sellin situates in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, on the Rügen Island. The town gained popularity as a Baltic spa town.
There’s always something to do in Sellin due to the numerous events taking place.
During July, the town’s pier festival tops the bucket list of fun things to do in Rügen. In the afternoon, families can indulge in numerous celebrations and games, while in the evening, pop stars make an appearance for live gigs.
Tourists can utterly enjoy this town and the various attractions it offers. Besides the beach, the Sellin amber museum is the only museum in Rügen, which you can visit if you have a thing for a historical joyride.
3. Langeeog
Langeeog is one of the seven islands with settlements on the East Frisian Islands in Germany and is a top tourist hub for people who wish to get away from the polluted city air. You can reach the island from Bensersiel port on the East Frisian mainland by getting onboard several ferries there.
The island, however, does not permit automobiles, so visitors will have to leave their vehicles on the mainland. You’ll either have to rent a bike or take a horse carriage ride to move around the town.
Tourists can enjoy the pollution-free air and refreshing water of Langeeog’s beach.
2. Binzer Strand (Rügen)
Binzer Strand is the largest seaside resort situated on the German island of Rügen.
The Binz, as locals call it, finds its home on the eastern coast of Rügen between the Schmachter Sea Lake and the Prorer Wiek bay. The strand at Binz extends for miles, and it is one of Germany’s cleanest beaches.
The development of Binz as a resort came into origin around 1875. It was around that time when the first guests arrived in the small town of Binz who went bathing in the sea. They later liked it and recommended it to others. A decade later, Binz officially became a bathing resort.
Tourists can go swimming in the calm and bracing waters of The Binz, or they can relax by the beach, taking gastronomical delight in any of the many restaurants there. Apart from the beach and restaurants, there are other pivotal experiences one can enjoy, such as its long pier that expands to 370 meters, the gigantic Prora complex, and the mid-19-century aesthetic Granitz Hunting lodge.
1. Westerland (Sylt)
Westerland is an island resort with its sandy beach stretching to a length as it homes windsurfers and open-air concerts on a stage on the seafront called the Musikmuschel.
The Westerland beach situates on the German North Sea and on an island called Sylt. The resort is the largest you will find in North Frisia, serving as a hotspot for tourism and transportation.
Westerland is a relatively newer settlement area on the island of Sylt. It got its first official mention in 1462 as Westerlant, a name that the people of Tinnum addressed the place as erstwhile. However, during the 1890s, Westerland overtook Keitum to become the most notable town in Sylt due to its infrastructure, tourism, and facilities.
The main attraction of Westerland is undoubtedly the beach as it extends up to 6 kilometers. As a tourist, you can expect the place to fulfill your desires in various aspects, such as architecture, nature, sculptures, historical buildings, and churches. The beach also assures perfect spa and coastal comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions about German beaches
Are there any beaches in Germany?
There are both hundreds of lakes with small beaches, and the entire north coast is packed with white dune beaches at the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
Can you swim in Baltic Sea?
Short answer: Yes!
Eventhough it can be cold and windy, the beaches at the Baltic sea are beautiful and sandy, and there are several famous beaches along the coast line.
Does Munich have a beach?
Not in the sense of a sea beach. Being located far into the main land, Munich does offer some lake beaches and further south you’ll find some beautiful mountain lakes close to the Alps
