Surprised Germany has beaches? From the breezy Baltic Sea to serene inland lakes, these beaches in Germany offer sandy escapes, beach chairs, and refreshing waters with a European twist.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Recommended Beaches in Germany:
1. Eckernforde Hauptstrand
Location: Eckernförde Hauptstrand, Eckernförde, Germany
Recommended For: Families, beachgoers, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a Baltic Sea beach escape with local charm.
What I Love: ♥ "Think: white sand, cool blue Baltic waves, and a beach town vibe packed with playgrounds, promenades, and the salty breeze of adventure — Eckernförde Hauptstrand has it all."
- Unwind on a four-kilometer stretch of soft white sand overlooking Eckernförde Bay’s sparkling Baltic waters.
- Enjoy beachside fun with volleyball courts, beach chairs, a wide promenade, and family-friendly features like trampolines and a playground.
- Dive into water sports — from kitesurfing and windsurfing to sailing and scuba diving right off the coast.
Cost: Free beach access; rental fees may apply for beach chairs, equipment, and certain activities.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm-weather beach lounging, active sports, and vibrant local events.
Local tips: Wander just a few minutes inland to find charming restaurants, snack stalls, and shops. Bring cash for beach rentals and local vendors.
Distance: Located on the Baltic Sea coast in northern Germany — about 30 minutes north of Kiel by car or train.
How to Get to Eckernförde Hauptstrand: From Kiel, take the regional train to Eckernförde station. It’s a short walk through town to the beach area along Jungfernstieg.
2. Familenlagune Perlebucht - 1.5 hours northwest of Hamburg
Location: Familienlagune Perlebucht, Büsum, Germany
Recommended For: Families, water sports enthusiasts, beachgoers, and anyone looking for a North Sea beach day without the tide drama.
What I Love: ♥ "An island within an island? Yes, please. With tide-free swimming, sports courts, and chill zones for grilling — Perlebucht brings vacation perfection to the German coast."
- Play in tide-independent pools along the North Sea, perfect for safe swimming, even when the tide’s out.
- Dive into action with surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and even scuba — it’s a hotspot for active beachgoers.
- Relax on the sand with beach chairs, fire up the grill in picnic zones, or hit the volleyball and soccer courts for group fun.
Cost: Free public access; fees may apply for chair rentals or certain water activities.
Best time to visit: Summer months for swimming and full activity access; shoulder seasons offer a quieter vibe for strolls and scenery.
Local tips: Arrive early to claim a grill spot or reserve beach chairs ahead. Check the Büsum tourism site for water sports events and rental info.
Distance: Located in Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein — about 1.5 hours northwest of Hamburg by car or train.
How to Get to Familienlagune Perlebucht: From downtown Büsum, follow signs to Nordseestraße. There’s a dedicated parking area with walking paths leading to the lagoon and beach area.
Address: 79X Nordseestraße, Büsum, Germany
Review:★★★★★ "We drove from Hamburg and although it was too cold to swim, Familienlagune Perlebucht was a great day trip! I loved the wide sandy beach and an empty feel in the off season. "
Romantic Beaches in Germany:
3. Hornum Oststrand
Location: Hörnum Oststrand, Sylt Island, Germany
Recommended For: Beginner windsurfers, families, couples, and anyone seeking a quieter side of Sylt’s beach scene.
What I Love: ♥ "Sylt may be known for its buzz, but Hörnum Oststrand is where peace meets play — shallow Wadden Sea waters, soft sands, and breezy volleyball games just steps from a crêperie."
- Relax on the soft sands at Sylt’s southern tip, where the beach meets the calm, shallow waters of the Wadden Sea.
- Try windsurfing in a protected spot — the east-facing bay shields you from rough waves, making it perfect for beginners.
- Play beach volleyball, enjoy a round of mini-golf, or stop by the nearby Crêperie for billiards and snacks with a view.
Cost: Free beach access; activities and food services at the Creperie may have additional costs.
Best time to visit: Summer months for warm sun and outdoor fun; spring and fall for peaceful coastal walks and beginner water sports.
Local tips: Bring water shoes for the Wadden Sea shallows, and rent beach chairs early in the day if you’re planning to stay awhile.
Distance: Located at the southern end of Sylt; accessible by bike, bus, or car from the island’s main towns.
How to Get to Hörnum Oststrand: Take the Sylt Shuttle train from the mainland, then follow signs to Hörnum via L24. The beach is near the harbor at Hafenstraße.
Address: 22 Hafenstraße, Hörnum, Germany
4. Juister Strand
Location: Juister Strand, Juist Island, Germany
Recommended For: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, kitesurfers, and travelers looking for a truly remote beach experience.
What I Love: ♥ "No cars, no crowds — just dunes, seals, and the sound of the North Sea. Juister Strand feels like stepping into a secret coastal world you’ll never want to leave."
- Escape to long, untouched stretches of sand where seals outnumber sunbathers and birdlife fills the skies.
- Reach the island by ferry or plane — it’s not easy, but that’s what keeps the beach peaceful and pristine.
- Enjoy modern amenities like kitesurfing schools, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and cozy beach chair rentals once you arrive.
Cost: Free beach access; ferry or flight fares apply. Activity rentals and services may have additional fees.
Best time to visit: Summer for warm beach days and outdoor fun; spring and fall for migrating birds and quiet nature walks.
Local tips: Check ferry schedules in advance — trips are weather- and tide-dependent. Bikes and horse-drawn carts are the main forms of transport on the island.
Distance: Located on Juist Island in the East Frisian archipelago, off the northwestern coast of Germany.
How to Get to Juister Strand: Take a ferry from Norddeich Mole or a small plane from Norddeich Airport. From the island port or airfield, walk or ride a horse-drawn carriage to the beach along Strandstraße.
Address: 5 Strandstraße, Juist, Germany
Family Beaches in Germany:
5. Niendorfer Strand - 1.5 hours from Hamburg by car or train
Location: Niendorfer Strand, Timmendorfer Strand, Germany
Recommended For: Families, beach loungers, casual surfers, and travelers looking for a peaceful Baltic Sea escape with easy comforts.
What I Love: ♥ "Two kilometers of soft sand, gentle waves, and charming cafés just steps away — Niendorfer Strand is everything you want from a North German beach day."
- Relax on the light, cool sand with a beach chair and the sound of the Baltic waves as your backdrop.
- Try water sports like surfing, windsurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters of Lübeck Bay.
- Dine along the beachfront at cozy cafés and restaurants offering fresh seafood and seaside treats.
Cost: Free beach access; beach chair rentals and water sport equipment may require a small fee.
Best time to visit: Summer for swimming, watersports, and beachside dining; early fall for crisp air and fewer crowds.
Local tips: Arrive early in peak summer months to grab a beach chair. The nearby harbor adds a scenic touch — perfect for a sunset stroll after dinner.
Distance: Located on Lübeck Bay, in Schleswig-Holstein — about 20 minutes from Lübeck and 1.5 hours from Hamburg by car or train.
How to Get to Niendorfer Strand: From Timmendorfer Strand, follow signs to the Niendorf district. The beach is easily accessible by car, bike, or local bus routes.
6. Norderney Nordbadestrand
Location: Norderney Nordbadestrand, Norderney Island, Germany
Recommended For: Families, water sports lovers, beachgoers, and travelers looking for both action and relaxation on the North Sea.
What I Love: ♥ "From beach soccer to kitesurfing to dinner with a dune view, Nordbadestrand balances thrill and tranquility — all set on the golden sands of one of the East Frisian Islands."
- Play beach volleyball or soccer with friends, or take in sweeping sea views from the beachfront observation deck.
- Enjoy family-friendly fun with a nearby playground, bungee trampoline, and a mini-golf course nestled by the dunes.
- Dine at two beachfront restaurants offering fresh North Sea fare, just steps from the surf.
Cost: Free public beach access; fees apply for beach chairs, food, and sports rentals.
Best time to visit: Summer for swimming and outdoor dining; shoulder seasons for quieter walks and beach games in the crisp sea air.
Local tips: Rent a beach chair early during peak season. Winds make it a kitesurfer’s paradise, so bring gear or rent on-site if you're feeling adventurous.
Distance: Located on the north shore of Norderney — accessible via ferry from Norddeich, followed by a short walk or local shuttle ride.
How to Get to Norderney Nordbadestrand: Take the ferry from Norddeich to Norderney, then follow signs toward “Nordbad.” The beach is accessible from Am Januskopf via walking paths or local transport.
Address: 9 Am Januskopf, Norderney, Germany
Unique Beaches in Germany:
7. Nordseestrand Neuharlingersiel
Location: Nordseestrand Neuharlingersiel, Neuharlingersiel, Germany
Recommended For: Beach loungers, kite and windsurfers, sporty travelers, and anyone craving a blend of chill vibes and coastal fun.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s the best of both worlds — kites dancing across the sky on one side, beanbags and beach chairs on the other. Neuharlingersiel is North Sea balance at its finest."
- Split your time between active and easy — hit the waves with a kite or unwind with your feet in the cool sand.
- Play on land with basketball, beach volleyball, or a pickup game of football — all steps away from the sea.
- Chill at the beach bar, complete with beanbags, comfy chairs, and a full menu of food and drinks to keep you fueled.
Cost: Free public beach access; food, drinks, and beach chair rentals may incur separate fees.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather, water sports, and laid-back afternoons by the sea.
Local tips: Bring layers — North Sea breezes can surprise you. Head to the beach bar for sunset with a drink in hand and a front-row seat to the action.
Distance: Located in Lower Saxony’s Wadden Sea region, easily accessible from nearby towns like Esens and Wittmund.
How to Get to Nordseestrand Neuharlingersiel: Follow signs to Neuharlingersiel via regional routes. Public parking is available near Edo-Edzards-Straße, just a short walk from the beach.
8. Ostseebad Binz - about 3 hours north of Berlin by car
Location: Ostseebad Binz, Rügen Island, Germany
Recommended For: Sunrise seekers, boutique shoppers, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone after a stylish Baltic beach escape.
What I Love: ♥ "Golden morning light, sailboats on the horizon, and a stroll down a promenade that feels like a postcard — Binz blends classic seaside charm with coastal elegance."
- Wake up to unforgettable sunrises on this four-kilometer-long east-facing beach along Rügen’s scenic coastline.
- Stroll the picturesque promenade lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, all just steps from the sand.
- Learn to sail or surf at one of the beach’s premier water sports schools, or simply kick back in a classic rental beach chair.
Cost: Free public beach access; fees apply for chair rentals, classes, and some amenities along the promenade.
Best time to visit: Summer for swimming, shopping, and water sports; spring and early fall for peaceful mornings and golden hour photography.
Local tips: Use the numbered wooden footbridges to access the best beach spots — and make time for a coffee at one of the cafés overlooking the dunes.
Distance: Located on the island of Rügen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern — about 3 hours north of Berlin by train or car.
How to Get to Ostseebad Binz: Take the regional train to Binz Bahnhof or drive across the Rügen Causeway. Once in town, follow signs to the Strandpromenade for direct beach access.
Address: 46 Strandpromenade, Ostseebad Binz, Germany
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
9. Ostseebad Dahme
Location: Ostseebad Dahme, Dahme, Germany
Recommended For: Families, active beachgoers, water sports enthusiasts, and vacationers seeking a classic Baltic seaside escape.
What I Love: ♥ "Sunshine, surf, and a vibrant promenade just steps away — Dahme serves up Baltic Sea bliss with water sports by day and beachfront bistros by night."
- Swim in clean, shallow waters and relax on soft white sand that stretches the length of the town.
- Try your hand at catamaran sailing, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing — all in one scenic spot.
- Explore the beachfront promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and family-friendly fun like trampolines and mini-golf.
Cost: Free beach access; fees apply for equipment rentals, mini-golf, and other activities along the promenade.
Best time to visit: Summer for full access to water sports and a lively promenade scene; spring and fall for quieter strolls and seaside relaxation.
Local tips: Rent a beach chair early in the day to claim a cozy spot. Grab an ice cream cone and catch the sunset right from the promenade.
Distance: Located in Schleswig-Holstein on the Baltic Sea — about 90 minutes northeast of Lübeck by car.
How to Get to Ostseebad Dahme: Drive via A1 toward Neustadt in Holstein, then follow local roads to Dahme. Plenty of parking available near the Seebrücke and promenade.
Address: 50 Seestraße, Dahme, Germany
10. Germany Map with Lakes and Beaches
Explore more beach vacation ideas in Germany with the handy map.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Can you have a beach vacation in Germany?
- There’s really no need to leave Germany in search of an idyllic beach vacation.
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How does Germany compare to tropical beach destinations?
- While it may not be the stereotypical tropical paradise, Germany still offers fantastic beach experiences.
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What beach attractions can visitors find in Germany?
- Germany boasts stunning sugar sand beaches, thrilling water sports, and relaxing coastal comforts.
🌤 Best Time to Visit the Beaches in Germany
- June to August – Best overall time for sunbathing, swimming, and beach festivals.
- July & August – Peak summer with warm temperatures, lively seaside towns, and full amenities.
- May & September – Mild weather, fewer crowds, and great for coastal walks and cycling.
- April & October – Quieter months with fresh sea air, scenic views, and peaceful coastal escapes.
- November to March – Off-season with brisk weather, ideal for storm watching and spa retreats.
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