The 10 most beautiful beaches in Germany
Germany offers a multitude of fantastic beaches that have something for every taste. From the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, there are untouched stretches of coastline that equally inspire nature lovers, families, and those seeking relaxation. Here are the ten most beautiful beaches that you should definitely visit.
The beaches of Usedom: from the Kaiserbad to pure relaxation
The island of Usedom is the sunniest island in Germany and, with its 42 kilometres of sandy beaches, offers a paradise for beach lovers. The historic imperial baths at Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck and Bansin are especially known for their magnificent bathing architecture and the elegant charm of bygone times. The impressive bathhouse architecture, combined with the wide, fine sandy beaches, makes Usedom a popular travel destination.
A special highlight is the beach promenade, which stretches for 12 kilometres, making it the longest in Europe. It connects the three imperial baths and is an inviting spot for long walks. Heringsdorf is also home to the longest pier in Germany, which stretches 508 metres into the Baltic Sea and offers a breathtaking view of its waters.
While the imperial baths are rather lively, the fine sandy beach in Zempin offers a quiet alternative. Here, visitors can enjoy the silence and nature to the fullest. Whether bathing, strolling along the promenade, or admiring the historic bathhouse architecture – Usedom offers a variety of activities for every taste. Historical visits and relaxing days on the miles of sandy beaches make the island an ideal place for a relaxing holiday.
Family paradise in Binz, Rügen
Binz, on the island of Rügen, is undoubtedly the most popular Baltic Sea beach in Germany and offers perfect conditions for an unforgettable family holiday. With a five-kilometre-long, fine sandy beach in the protected location of Prorer Wiek bay, Binz invites you to sunbathe and play in the sand. The gentle surf makes bathing particularly safe and pleasant for children.
One of the special attractions of Binz is the magnificent architecture of its bathhouses, which immerses the place in a charming, historic flair. The white villas along the beach promenade are true eye-catchers and lend the place an elegant atmosphere. Families appreciate the numerous leisure opportunities that Binz has to offer: from relaxed walks on the beach to exciting visits to the pier, which juts out far into the sea and offers breathtaking views.
Numerous bistros and restaurants along the promenade on Binz beach invite you to enjoy local specialities and end the day in a jovial atmosphere. Events and activities for young and old ensure that there is always something going on in Binz. Whether sporting activities on the beach, a visit to the historic buildings, or just relaxing in the sun – Binz on Rügen is a real family paradise on the Baltic Sea.
Unspoiled nature on the western beach of the Darss
The western beach on the Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula is an insider tip for those looking for peace and romance. With a length of 14 kilometres, this natural beach offers an impressive backdrop of turquoise blue water and an unspoiled dune landscape. Secluded and far from any tourist infrastructure, here, visitors can enjoy pure nature.
The Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula, located between Rostock and Stralsund on the German Baltic Sea, impresses with its diverse and dynamic landscape. The western beach directly borders Darss Forest, which offers a unique natural experience with its wind-blown trees and dune vegetation. This unspoiled nature and picturesque surroundings make the western beach an ideal place for relaxing hikes and intensive observation of nature.
Located in the "Vorpommern Boddenlandschaft" national park, Darss's western beach is a paradise for nature lovers. Here, you can enjoy peace and seclusion, far away from crowded beaches and tourist hustle and bustle. The combination of beach and forest, the diversity of the landscape and the peaceful atmosphere make this beach a special destination for all those who want to experience nature in its purest form.
Natural beauty at the Lister Ellenbogen on Sylt
The Lister Ellenbogen on Sylt, the northernmost point of Germany, captivates with its unspoiled nature and is a paradise for nature lovers. This natural beach impresses with fine sand that stretches behind picturesque landscapes of reeds and dunes. Since this place is never overcrowded, the experience of nature is the focus here. The proximity to the wildlife makes the Lister Ellenbogen particularly attractive: here, you will find peacefully grazing sheep on the embankments, while birds and seals populate the coastal landscape.
This beach is ideal for extended walks, during which visitors can enjoy the dramatic scenery and fresh North Sea air. The path to the lighthouses, in particular, offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Being part of a nature reserve, however, the strong deep currents here are not to be underestimated, which is why swimming is prohibited.
The main attractions of the Lister Ellenbogen are the various opportunities for observing animals and hiking through the spellbinding landscape. Here, visitors will find a haven of peace and can enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest. Whether alone, as a couple, or with the family – the Lister Ellenbogen is a must-see for all those who want to escape from everyday stress and experience nature in its purest form.
Pure relaxation in Sankt Peter-Ording
Sankt Peter-Ording is a true treasure on the German North Sea coast and impresses with a 12-kilometre-long and very wide sandy beach. The place is a popular destination for spa and health trips. The surroundings are characterised by idyllic salt marshes and pine forests, which invite you to hike and relax. Sankt Peter-Ording is also known by its title of "healing and sulphur bath of the North Sea" and is a true paradise for surfers. Its one-of-a-kind stilt houses have shaped the image of the beach for over 100 years.
A special highlight are the sand yachts that fly over the solid sand, as well as the kite surfers, who let colourful dragons soar into the sky. The sulphur spring and the largest sandbank in Europe are other remarkable features that make Sankt Peter-Ording unique. This beach is also an ideal place for dog lovers, as there are special dog beaches where our four-legged friends can romp to their hearts' content.
The pile dwellings on the beach are unique to Sankt Peter-Ording. These seven-metre-high wooden houses on stilts can be found on all sections of the beach. The numerous stilt house restaurants are particularly popular. They offer culinary variety and are an inviting spot for whiling away the time. Activities such as kite surfing, beach volleyball and hiking make the beach a perfect destination for a varied and relaxing day by the sea. Sankt Peter-Ording offers something for every taste and promises pure relaxation in a picturesque environment.
Idyll on the South Beach of Borkum
The South Beach on Borkum is an idyllic paradise. Captivating with its picturesque backdrop, this beach is particularly family-friendly. Its hallmark features are the red and white striped lighthouse and colourful beach chairs, which give this section of the beach a charming flair. Borkum's South Beach is a popular place for watching the sunset, as you can enjoy the impressive North Sea backdrop to the fullest.
Borkum, the largest of the East Frisian Islands, offers not only beautiful beaches, but also air that is low in pollutants and rich in iodine and particularly beneficial to health. This makes the island an ideal place for those seeking relaxation and allergy sufferers. The southern beach is known for its quiet and relaxed atmosphere, which is perfect for extended walks on the beach and fun spent bathing.
The unspoiled nature and fresh North Sea air ensure that you can completely switch off here and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Whether splashing around in the clear water or taking a leisurely walk along the coast, the South Beach on Borkum offers an ideal combination of relaxation and experience of nature.
Unique nature: the Kniepsand sandbank on Amrum
The Kniepsand on Amrum is a natural wonder that inspires with its unique landscape and tranquility. This large, slow-moving sandbar stretches for 15 kilometres in length and up to 1.5 kilometres in width. With more than 12 kilometres of sandy beach, the Kniepsand offers plenty of space for relaxation and a variety of activities. Here, in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea National Park, visitors can experience nature in its purest form.
The Kniepsand is ideal for extended walks on the beach and mudflats, which lead through the fascinating world of dunes and the unique flora and fauna. The unspoiled nature and the vastness of the beach create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation that is perfect for a relaxing holiday.
Some special highlights of the Kniepsand are the numerous activities and attractions that are offered here. Alongside nudist areas and dog beaches, there are also charming beach huts, which have been built from stranded materials and give this section of the beach a special flair. These beach huts not only provide practical accommodation but are also a popular photo opportunity.
The Kniepsand on Amrum offers the perfect backdrop for experiences of nature and relaxation. Whether hiking along the beach or exploring the mudflats, this unique place will make the heart of every nature lover beat faster.
For active people and families: the beach of Warnemünde
The beach of Warnemünde offers ideal conditions for a relaxing and active beach holiday. With a length of 4 kilometres and a width of up to 200 metres, this beach has enough space for bathers and beach lovers. The great water quality and the shallow access into the water make Warnemünde particularly family-friendly.
Warnemünde is known not only for its picturesque harbour town but also for its well-maintained sandy beach and striking lighthouse, which is considered a landmark of the region. The family-friendly pirate beach, with numerous playgrounds, ensures fun and entertainment for the youngest visitors. For water sports enthusiasts, the surfing areas offer the best conditions for surfing and kitesurfing.
A long beach promenade makes for an inviting spot for long walks and offers numerous restaurants that delight with North German specialities and maritime flair. The typical North German atmosphere, combined with the charm of a harbour town, makes Warnemünde a popular travel destination.
Activities such as swimming, surfing and strolling make Warnemünde beach a perfect place for a varied and relaxing day by the sea, whether for families, water sports enthusiasts or those looking for relaxation.
Heavenly beach of Sellin on Rügen
The beach of Sellin on Rügen is a real jewel on the Baltic Sea and impresses with its fine sandy beach and terrific view of the sea. Sellin's two beaches are not only ideal for swimming and sunbathing but also provide numerous water sports offerings that ensure variety and fun. Whether swimming, standup paddleboarding or sailing – every water sports enthusiast will get their money's worth here.
An absolute highlight is Sellin pier, which is considered one of the most beautiful on the entire Baltic Sea coast. It makes for a popular photo opportunity and is a landmark of the region. Sellin pier invites you for romantic walks and leisurely hours spent enjoying the magnificent view of the Baltic Sea. A special feature of Sellin is its sky ladder, a staircase that leads onto the pier over 99 steps. Together, the ensemble of sky ladder and pier is reminiscent of the famous seaside resort of Brighton on the British coast.
In addition to enjoyable swimming and water sports activities, the promenade and the charming restaurants and cafes in Sellin invite you to stroll about and enjoy the atmosphere. The beach of Sellin on Rügen is thus a perfect destination for those who want a relaxing beach holiday.
H2: Family-friendly fun on Timmendorf Beach
Timmendorf Beach in the Bay of Lübeck is one of the most famous and popular beaches in Germany and a true paradise for families. With its soft, fine sand, the beach offers ideal conditions for a relaxing day by the sea. Children can play in the sand to their heart's content while their parents enjoy the sun. There are numerous pieces of playground equipment on the beach, ensuring entertainment and fun for its young visitors.
A special highlight on Timmendorf Beach is its three piers, which invite you to take leisurely walks and to stroll. From here, you have a wonderful view of the Baltic Sea and can enjoy the fresh sea breeze. There are numerous cafes and restaurants along the beach promenade that tempt with culinary delights and refreshing drinks. Whether a leisurely breakfast by the sea or a delicious ice cream to tide your over – your physical well-being and sustenance are well taken care of. Small boutiques and shops invite you to browse and shop, so the day by the beach can be rounded off with a shopping spree.
Timmendorf Beach is thus a perfect destination for families who want a varied and relaxing holiday by the sea. Here, young and old alike will get their money's worth and can enjoy the beauty of the Baltic Sea coast to the fullest.
Insider tip: enchanting Langeoog
Langeoog is a true insider tip for beach and nature lovers alike. This car-free island in the North Sea enthrals with a 14-kilometre-long, fine sandy beach that stretches out in front of the deep-blue North Sea. The high dunes and the enchanting island landscape create a picturesque backdrop that invites you to relax and enjoy yourself. One of Langeoog's special features is the clear and fresh air. The island focuses on environmental awareness and offers numerous nature trails that lead visitors through the fascinating flora and fauna.
Activities such as swimming, hiking and nature observation are particularly popular on Langeoog. The wide, sandy beach invites you to sunbathe and splash in the sea, while the dune landscape and nature trails offer ideal conditions for extended walks and hikes. The opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife, including numerous bird species, makes Langeoog a paradise for nature lovers.
With its unique charm, untouched nature and relaxed atmosphere, Langeoog is a perfect destination for those who want to escape everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature to the fullest.
Germany offers an impressive variety of beaches that offer something special for every visitor. Whether quiet natural beaches, family-friendly seaside resorts or vibrant surfing hotspots – the German coast on the North Sea and Baltic Sea has the perfect beach for every taste.