8 amazing German beach locations you never thought existed (& how to make the most of them)
Discover Germany’s gorgeous seaside and lakeside beaches, with everything you need for fun and relaxation
Germany is hardly a country that’s synonymous with beaches, which is actually quite a shame since there is such a selection of great beach-holiday locations here. Where Germany’s sandy strength lies is in its lakeside beaches. These picturesque locations offer a beach holiday with a difference: calm waters, majestic surroundings and a whole lot of water sport opportunities. Here are Germany’s best locations for a different, but undeniably magical, beach holiday.
01
Sylt
Right, let’s start off with a traditional seaside German beach location. When Germans want a bit of sun, sand and (actual) sea, then it’s to Sylt that they go. Located on Germany’s northern Frisian Islands, Sylt is a beach location with plenty of glitz and glam.
Book into a luxury spa hotel in Sylt (such as Landhaus Stricker), eat in some of the country’s best restaurants, enjoy the saunas that dot the coastline and perfect your swing at the local Sylt golf club. Oh, and the architecture (cutest thatched cottages you ever did see) is pretty photogenic too.
02
Rugen Island
Much like the famous Dover coastline, Rugen is framed by colossal brilliant white cliffs. However, the similarities start to diverge from this point on. Rugen’s architecture is decidedly traditional German; with its gothic, spikey feel.
While the Island does draw the crowds in the summer months, it’s large enough that you can find a quiet spot all to yourself. The surrounding lush greenery also makes it a great place for a bit of hiking. Book yourself a Rugen hotel for a bit of sun, sea, sand and serenity.
03
Chiemsee
The first of our lakeside beach location picks, Chiemsee, is frankly fantastic. Affectionately known as the Bavarian Sea, at 30 square miles, this is Bavaria’s biggest lake. Not only does it offer calm, crystal clear waters of beautiful blue, but the surrounding landscape is incredible.
Hike the woodlands or take a bike ride around the shores of the lake. When you start to feel the sun, take a dip. Honestly, what could be better than that? For a little culture, take a trip out to Herreninsel: a spectacular island that’s home to the striking Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee palace. So where to stay? Well, you have two top options here. Go for a hotel in Prien am Chiemsee if you’re looking for a lively lakeside stay, or head to Bernau am Chiemsee for a more serene experience.
04
Travemunde, Lubeck
History buffs of the world, this is the beach location for you. The term ‘fairytale-esque’ seems to be thrown away all too easily these days, but for Lubeck it’s entirely apt—as it boasts more than a thousand buildings dating back to the 12th Century. Dubrovnik, eat your heart out.
So how does this fit into the remit of German beach holidays? Because of Travemunde of course. This popular beach location sits just outside of Lubeck, and the local crowds flock to its 3 miles of luscious coastline, mainly for the spectacular array of water sports on offer. Sun, sea, sand and culture. What more could you want? Book yourself a Lubeck hotel or a beach holiday in Travemunde.
05
Usedom
Statistically the sunniest place in all of Germany, a Usedom beach holiday is your best bet for a traditional beach holiday of sun, sea and sand. This island in the Baltic Sea sits between Germany and Poland, and is renowned for its many beautiful beaches. Some of the best resort towns include Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin.
Hike and bike around the surrounding woodlands to explore and admire the elaborate art deco villas. Then, head to one of the beachside restaurants for fabulous food while watching the sun set.
06
Wannsee, Berlin
What was that? A beach in the city of Berlin you say? Yes, that’s right. Located in the southwestern suburb of Steglitz-Zehlendorf, on the lake of the same name. Take a trip out here and you’d never have guessed you were still in Germany’s capital city.
There’s much lush forest for hiking, cool calm waters to swim in and even a Prussian palace to explore—as well as a few relics of Germany’s darker history. If you want a Berlin holiday without the hustle and bustle of city life, then book a beach hotel in Wannsee.
07
Ammersee
Ammersee is another spectacular Bavarian lakeside beach location offering the same kind of luscious forest surroundings for hiking and biking and calm fresh water that you’ll find around Chiemsee.
Your best bet for a top-quality place to stay is a hotel in Herrsching am Ammersee, with its spectacular fairytale mountaintop castle (it truly looks like a fairytale castle).
08
Lake Starnberg
This former royal retreat is still a magnet for the rich and the famous. In fact, it still attracts what remains of Europe’s aristocracy—estateless as they may be now.
Join the well-heeled for a spot of hiking and cycling, or perhaps take advantage of the water sports on offer—boating and windsurfing—only the best, naturally. Take a day trip from your hotel in Munich or book a local hotel overlooking Lake Starnberg itself.
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