Top 10 best beaches in Germany
Germany may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of stunning beaches – but it should be! Contrary to popular belief, this diverse country actually has many beautiful beaches for a relaxing vacation or day trip. From the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, here's our MYMARINI team's guide to the 10 best beaches in Germany. Each and every one is worth a visit, whether it's just for a weekend getaway or a proper vacation.
Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein
Off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark lies one of Germany's most famous North Sea islands: Sylt, home to some of the country's most gorgeous beaches. With its fine sand, protected dunes, and deep-blue water, Sylt offers a picturesque setting that always sets our hearts racing. It's a particularly attractive destination for our team here at MYMARINI because of the many opportunities to surf or windsurf along the west coast, where optimal wind conditions reign and a 40 km long sandy beach offers plenty of space for everyone. Wenningstedt beach is extremely popular with families, while the nudist beaches Samoa and Sansibar are known for their fine white sand. Don't miss the famous Red Cliff near Kampen, which offers breathtaking sunset views.
Lübeck Bay, Schleswig-Holstein/Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
The Baltic Sea has tons of wonderful, accessible beaches that are easy to reach from nearby cities in North Germany and beyond. The Bay of Lübeck in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania features three of the most beautiful beaches in Germany: Timmendorfer Strand, Scharbeutzer Strand and Grömitzer Strand. Here's an insider tip from us: The southern beach of Pelzerhaken is rarely crowded despite its unusually soft sand and great conditions for water sports like surfing, sailing, and windsurfing. You're sure to fall in love with the old-school charm of the lighthouses and historic long pier in Scharbeutz. And don't forget to enjoy some fresh fish in Sierksdorf.
Usedom, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Usedom offers a 45 km coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in Germany (as well as Poland, as the island is divided between the two countries). This is a place to not only enjoy the sun and salty waves, but also explore the impressive coastal landscape. Measuring over twelve kilometers in length, Usedom's Europa Promenade is the longest beach promenande in Europe. The traditional spa resorts on the island – known in German as the "Imperial Spas," "Amber Spas," and "Baltic Sea Spas" – have a long history as destinations for holidaymakers from eastern Germany and Poland and the island itself was once known as the "Bathtub of Berlin." Usedom offers something for every type of vacation, from horseback riding to cycling, alongside excellent culinary options and plenty of relaxation. The small seaside resort of Zempin, one of the "Amber Spas," is especially suitable for those seeking peace and quiet, so it's our top recommendation.
St. Peter-Ording, Schleswig-Holstein
We love this beach on the North Sea coast – it's a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. With its wide sandy beach, characteristic buildings on stilts, and landscape dotted with classic North German "Strandkörbe" or hooded beach chairs, St. Peter-Ording offers a unique atmosphere. This beach is part of the shallow Wadden Sea, so it's important to check the tide chart before your visit. There's a dramatic difference between high and low tide in this region, so at low tide, you'll need to walk out quite far until you reach the water. But once you get there, you can plunge right in for a refreshing swim! And a guided walk along the mudflats, known in German as a "Wattwanderung," is another exciting way to spend the day. Novelties such as the local sulfur hot spring and the ability to park your car practically on the beach make this place especially unique. St. Peter-Ording is 12 kilometers long, with several more secluded sections in addition to the most popular stretches of beach, so lay out your towel on the warm sand and let the gentle sound of the waves lull you to total relaxation.
Amrum, Schleswig-Holstein
Amrum is the tenth largest island in Germany and also located in the Wadden Sea. The wide beach, landscape of sand dunes, and quiet atmosphere make Amrum an wonderful place to escape the stress of everyday life. The Kniepsand sandbank in the west of the island seamlessly flows into the shifting dunes of Amrum – a protected wildlife sanctuary. The extraordinary mixture of natural landscapes makes the flora and fauna of the island unique. This is a place where environmental protection is taken seriously, which is why it's one of our absolute favorite seaside destinations here at MYMARINI.
Hiddensee, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
No cars in sight – motor vehicles are banned on Hiddensee, an idyllic island with a long sandy beach on its western coast. We love taking slow walks along the quiet, dreamy streets and beach paths and simply breathing the clean, exhaust-free air. Grab a bike to explore the beaches at Vitte, Kloster, and Neuendorf, which all have lifeguards and are regularly cleaned. The area near Vitte is especially popular; here, the land gently slopes into the sea, making it well suited for families. The beach also has a nudist section.
Juist, Lower Saxony
Juist, in Lower Saxony, is one of the most idyllic islands in northern Germany. The island is about 17 km long and offers a long, white, sandy beach that's great for beachcombing. Since driving is not allowed on Juist, around 100 horses provide transportation in addition to the ubiquitous bicycles. Breathe in the sea air and explore this car free island on foot or by bike. It all makes for an extraordinarily relaxing environment. We think you'll love Juist for a summer weekend getaway – or even for a longer stay.
Rügen, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
There's no way we would ever leave Rügen off our list. It's the largest island in Germany, with a stunning and dramatic coastline of rugged cliffs and a variety of beaches. There are also several magnificent national park; overall, it's an incredibly beautiful landscape. The Baltic seaside resort of Binz on the Chalk Coast is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests and offers some of the most beautiful beaches on the Baltic Coast. Rügen is a sunny region and often warms up as early in the year as May, so the island is ideal for activities like swimming and sailing.
Darß, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
This one is an insider tip for one of the most beautiful beaches in Germany: The West Beach on the Darss Peninsula, located on the Baltic Sea coast. What's so special about this beach? For one, its wild and remote location directly on the Darss forest. You emerge from the cool shade of the forest and suddenly find yourself on the warm and fine sand. This beach is part of the larger national park Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft (which is itself full of great hiking trails) and has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in Germany and Europe several times. The fine sandy beach stretches for about 14 kilometers – there's no better place to beach-walk, sunbathe, and go for a refreshing dip in the water. It's absolutely idyllic.
Warnemünde, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
We have one last beach on our list; it's also located in lovely North Germany. The various Baltic Sea beaches near Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are known for their beauty, but one spot in particular stands out. We recommend Warnemünde Beach for its fine sand and 200-meter-wide expanse of beach. The historic seaside resort of Graal-Müritz is a great destination for anyone seeking a little rest and relaxation. In the summer, it's the ideal spot to decompress and regain your sense of inner balance. If you want to visit outside the high season, we recommend timing your visit to the colorful Rhododendron Festival in the spring.
Whether on the North or Baltic Sea, in Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany offers an amazing variety of beautiful beaches. From picturesque dune landscapes to long sandy beaches and unspoiled nature, the recommendations on our guide offer something for everyone. So pack your beach bag, put on your favorite swimwear and head off to discover the beauty of the German coast.
