Beaches in Germany: Your Guide to Coastal Bliss

Beaches in Germany stretch over 2,250 km along the Baltic and North Seas. While often overlooked as a beach destination, Germany’s beaches offer a unique blend of natural beauty, seaside charm, and plenty of activities.

From the wild, windswept shores of the North Sea islands to the tranquil bays of the Baltic coast, there’s a beach for every type of traveler. Let’s dive into Germany’s top 10 beaches and what makes each one special.

Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, try your hand at water sports, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll along the shore, here are the 10 best beaches to visit in Germany.

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1. Binz Beach

Binz is the largest and liveliest resort town on the island of Rügen, Germany’s largest island. Located off the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the Baltic Sea, Rügen is known for its stunning white chalk cliffs, beech forests, and elegant seaside architecture.

• Address: Binz, Rügen Island, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

• Timings:The beach is open year-round, but the main season is from May to September when beach chairs and cabins are set up. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

• How to Reach: Take a train from Berlin or Hamburg to Bergen auf Rügen, then catch a local bus to Binz; alternatively, drive via the B196 road across the Rügen Bridge

• Things to Do: Rent a traditional Strandkorb beach chair, explore the elegant white villa architecture along the promenade, try water sports like paddleboarding or windsurfing

• Best Time to Visit: June through August for swimming (water temperatures reach 18-20°C); May and September for fewer crowds and pleasant walking weather

• Places to Stay:Cerês Hotel, Grand Hotel Binz, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Binz

• Places to Eat:Restaurant Freustil, Panorama Restaurant Binz

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2. Langeoog Beach

Langeoog is one of seven inhabited East Frisian Islands located off Germany’s North Sea coast. Car-free and characterized by vast sandy beaches, grassy dunes, and tidal flats, Langeoog offers a tranquil escape from the mainland.

• Address: Langeoog Island, Lower Saxony

• Timings: The beach is open year-round, but the main tourist season is from May to October.

• How to Reach: Ferry from Bensersiel on the mainland to Langeoog Island, then take the island’s narrow-gauge railway or horse-drawn carriages to the beach areas

• Things to Do: Swimming in designated areas, exploring the island’s extensive nature reserves, taking guided mudflat tours during low tide, and climbing the island’s distinctive water tower for panoramic views

• Best Time to Visit: June to September for warmest weather (18-22°C); May and October for nature walks with fewer visitors

• Places to Stay:Hotel Flörke, Hotel Kolb

• Top Restaurant:Dünencafe Piderits Hüs

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3. Lubmin Beach

Located on Germany’s Baltic coast, Lubmin Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. Just steps from the sandy beach are the remains of a former nuclear power plant, providing an intriguing backdrop for coastal walks.

• Address: Lubmin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

• Timings:The beach is open year-round, but the main swimming season is from June to August. Lifeguards patrol the beach in summer.

• How to Reach: Take regional trains to Greifswald, then catch bus connections to Lubmin, or drive via the B109 and L262

• Things to Do: Swimming in shallow waters perfect for children, sailing on the peaceful bay, windsurfing for beginners, cycling along coastal paths, and visiting the nearby Greifswalder Oie nature reserve.

• Best Time to Visit: June through August for swimming when water temperatures reach 18-20°C, May and September for peaceful beach walks

• Places to Stay:Strandhotel Lubmin

• Places to Eat: Fischkutter Heimat, Eiscafe Antjes Hütte

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4. Wannsee Beach

Berlin may be a landlocked city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the beach. Wannsee is a large lake in southwestern Berlin that’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and boating in the summer months.

• Address: Wannsee, Berlin

• Timings:Strandbad Wannsee is open from May to September.

• How to Reach: Take S-Bahn lines S1 or S7 to Nikolassee station, then a short 10-minute walk; alternatively, bus routes 114, 118, or 218 stop nearby

• Things to Do: Swimming in designated areas with lifeguard supervision, beach volleyball on dedicated courts, renting paddleboards or rowboats, and visiting the nearby Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island) for a day trip.

• Best Time to Visit: June through August on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds that flock from Berlin

• Places to Stay:Seminaris Hotel Berlin, Hotel Bonverde

• Places to Eat:Loretta am Wannsee, Blockhaus Nikolskoe, Wannseeterrassen

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5. Sylt Beach

Sylt is Germany’s northernmost island, known for its long sandy beaches, health spas, golf courses, and lively surf scene. Located in the North Sea off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Sylt is a popular holiday spot for Germans and international visitors alike.

• Address: Sylt Island, Schleswig-Holstein

• Timings: The beaches are accessible 24/7, but lifeguards are on duty from May to September.

• How to Reach: Train via the Hindenburgdamm causeway from Hamburg or Kiel, or flights to Sylt Airport from major German cities like Frankfurt, Munich, or Düsseldorf

• Things to Do: Surfing at Westerland (known as the “Sylt Pipeline” for its perfect breaks), kitesurfing, beach yoga sessions, thalassotherapy treatments at luxury spas, and horseback riding along the shore.

• Best Time to Visit: June through September for warmest weather (average 20-22°C); May and October for fewer crowds but still pleasant conditions

• Places to Stay:Hotel Stadt Hamburg, Severin’s Resort & Spa

• Places to Eat:Sansibar, Alte Friesenstube

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6. Usedom Beach

Usedom is Germany’s 2nd largest island, located in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The island is known for its long sandy beaches, elegant seaside resorts, and its unique geographical position – it’s split between Germany and Poland.

• Address: Usedom Island, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

• Timings: The beaches are open year-round, but the main tourist season is from May to October.

• How to Reach: Train connections to Heringsdorf or Ahlbeck, then local buses; alternatively, drive via the B110

• Things to Do: Swimming in the Baltic Sea, cycling along the 12-kilometer coastal promenades, visiting the historic piers in Ahlbeck (the oldest in Germany, built in 1898) and Heringsdorf, and thermal spa treatments in historic bathhouses.

• Best Time to Visit: June through August for swimming when water temperatures reach 17-21°C; April-May and September-October for peaceful beach walks and spa visits

• Places to Stay:Steigenberger Grandhotel and Spa, Hotel Ahlbecker Hof

• Places to Eat: Restaurant “Alte Post – Natürlich Vorpommern”, Restaurant Seebrücke

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7. Timmendorfer Strand

Located on the Bay of Lübeck in the Baltic Sea, Timmendorfer Strand is one of Germany’s most popular seaside resorts. With a wide sandy beach, a lively promenade, and plenty of activities on offer, it’s a great spot for a classic beach holiday.

• Address: Timmendorfer Strand, Schleswig-Holstein

• Timings:The beach is open year-round, but the main season is from May to September when lifeguards are on duty and beach chairs can be rented.

• How to Reach: Train to Lübeck, then bus connections, or direct regional trains to Timmendorfer Strand station

• Things to Do: Swimming in designated areas with Blue Flag water quality, windsurfing and sailing with equipment rentals available, visiting the Sea Life Center marine aquarium, and exploring the 150-meter-long pier.

• Best Time to Visit: June through August for warmest weather and full resort amenities; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds, but some facilities may be closed

• Places to Stay:Maritim Seehotel, Strandhotel Fontana

• Places to Eat:Wolkenlos, Restaurant Orangerie

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8. Scharbeutzer Strand

Just north of Timmendorfer Strand on the Bay of Lübeck lies Scharbeutz, another popular Baltic Sea resort. With a wide sandy beach, a historic pier, and a laid-back atmosphere, Scharbeutz offers a slightly quieter alternative to its lively neighbor.

• Address: Scharbeutz, Schleswig-Holstein

• Timings: The beach is open year-round, but the main tourist season is from May to October.

• How to Reach: Train to Lübeck, then bus connections, or regional trains directly to Scharbeutz station

• Things to Do: Swimming in shallow waters is ideal for children, visit the 220-meter pier with panoramic sea views, cycle along the coastal path connecting several resort towns, try mini-golf, beach volleyball, and water sports at the equipment rental center.

• Best Time to Visit: June through August for swimming when water temperatures reach 17-20°C; May and September for fewer crowds but still pleasant beach days

• Places to Stay:Bayside Hotel Scharbeutz, Hotel Belveder

• Places to Eat:Fisch-Hus, Junge Die Bäckerei

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9. Grömitzer Strand

Grömitz is another Baltic Sea resort located on the Bay of Lübeck, known for its wide sandy beach and its family-friendly atmosphere. With a lively promenade, a sea bridge, and plenty of activities on offer, Grömitz is a great spot for a classic beach holiday.

• Address: Grömitz, Schleswig-Holstein

• Timings: The beach is accessible 24/7, but lifeguards are on duty from May to September.

• How to Reach: Train to Neustadt in Holstein, then bus connections to Grömitz, or drive via the A1 and B501

• Things to Do: Swimming in designated areas with Blue Flag certification, visiting the 398-meter pier (one of Germany’s longest), taking diving courses at the local center, taking yacht harbor tours, and playing mini-golf with sea views.

• Best Time to Visit: June through August for warmest water temperatures (17-20°C); shoulder seasons offer peaceful walks along the promenade

• Places to Stay:Carat Golf & Sporthotel, Strandhotel Grömitz

• Places to Eat: Fischhaus Grömitz for fresh daily catches, Restaurant Achtern Diek

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10. Darß West Beach

The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula is a narrow strip of land between the Baltic Sea and the Bodden Lagoon, known for its unspoiled natural beauty.

The western beach on the Darß peninsula is particularly stunning, with wide expanses of sand backed by pine forests and rolling dunes.

• Address: Darß Peninsula, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

• Timings:The beach is open year-round, but swimming is only advisable from mid-May to mid-September. There are no lifeguards on duty.

• How to Reach: Train to Ribnitz-Damgarten, then bus connections to Prerow or Zingst, followed by a 3-4 km hiking or cycling journey to the west beach

• Things to Do: Nature photography of the unique driftwood “sculptures” and pristine dunes, bird watching for rare species, hiking through coastal forests on marked trails, and witnessing spectacular sunsets over the Baltic Sea.

• Best Time to Visit: May through September, with fewer visitors in shoulder seasons; early mornings offer the best light for photography

• Places to Stay:Strandhotel Fischland, Hotel Ostseestern

• Places to Eat:Café Knatter, Restaurant Deichgraf

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FAQs

Which beaches are free in Germany?

Most beaches in Germany are public and free. Some may charge for parking or amenities like chairs. It’s always best to check with the local tourist office for specific information on beach access and fees.

Can you swim in German beaches?

Yes, swimming is allowed at most beaches in Germany. Pay attention to signs or flags for restrictions. Many beaches have lifeguarded swimming areas in summer.

Which beach is famous in Germany?

Sylt is one of the most famous beaches in Germany, known for its long sandy shoreline, upscale resorts, and vibrant surf scene. Its 40 km west coast attracts beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts.

Is Germany good for a beach holiday?

While Germany may not be the first choice for a beach holiday, its Baltic and North Sea beaches offer natural beauty, historic charm, and modern amenities. It’s a great option for those seeking a more relaxed, less crowded beach experience.

What are the best beaches in Germany for couples?

Some of the best beaches in Germany for couples include:

• Binz Beach on Rügen Island, with its romantic promenade lined with historic villas

• Langeoog Beach, a car-free island with a tranquil, laid-back atmosphere

• Lubmin Beach, a secluded naturist beach backed by pine forests

These beaches offer a mix of natural beauty, intimate settings, and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

What are the famous beaches in Germany to visit with your family?

Some of the best family-friendly beaches in Germany include:

• Timmendorfer Strand, with its wide sandy beach, lively promenade, and excellent facilities

• Scharbeutzer Strand, featuring fine sand, shallow waters, and a scenic promenade

• Usedom Beach, known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and charming seaside resorts

Which are the best beach resorts in Germany?

Some of the best beach resorts in Germany include:

• A-ROSA Sylt on Sylt Island, a luxury spa resort with direct beach access

• Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa on Usedom Island, a historic beachfront hotel with extensive wellness facilities

• Weissenhaus Grand Village Resort & Spa am Meer near Grömitz, a luxurious beach resort set on a private nature reserve

What is the best time to visit Germany?

The best time to visit the beaches in Germany is from June to August when temperatures range from 20-25°C (68-77°F). For a quieter experience, consider late May, early June, or September.