Germany may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a beach holiday; however, it boasts over 1400 miles (2250km) of coastline along both the Baltic and North Seas. Moreover, it features stunning lakes with sandy coves as well as artificial city beaches, making it a unique getaway.
From seaside resorts with hot saunas that warm you up before a refreshing dip, to secluded lakeside sandy spots ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, discover Germany’s best beach and lake destinations.
Note: During COVID-19, be aware of potential travel restrictions. Always check the latest guidance in Germany before planning your trip and follow local government health advice. Some attractions may be closed.
Strandbad Wannsee
This lakeside public beach in Wannsee has enchanted visitors for over a century. Spanning 1 kilometer, the sandy beach can be bustling on warm days, particularly on weekends. In addition to swimming, you can rent boats, play volleyball, basketball, or table tennis, or enjoy snacks and drinks. Note that the northern end is designated for nude bathing.
Kühlungsborn
Kühlungsborn, the largest Baltic Sea resort, features lovely art deco buildings lining its long beach, which is adjacent to a dense 130-hectare forest. The east and west ends of the sand are connected by the Ostseeallee promenade, which is filled with hotels and restaurants.
Heiligendamm
The “white town on the sea,” located on the Baltic Coast, is Germany’s oldest seaside resort, founded in 1793. It was widely regarded in the 19th century as a playground for the nobility. Visitors should not miss the five gleaming white, heritage-listed buildings of the Grand Hotel Heiligendamm, which is almost perched on the beach. Although sunshine is frequent, warm weather can be a rarity.
Titisee-Neustadt
Titisee, located in southwest Germany, is a vibrant summertime playground with a name that makes English-speaking travelers smile. The sparkling blue-green glacial lake, surrounded by forest, tempts visitors to dive into its refreshing waters or capture stunning photos. Although it can be somewhat touristy during peak months, a leisurely stroll along the shore leads to less-crowded bays and peaceful woodland trails.
The Strandbad Titisee (Strandbadstrasse 1; Jun-Sep) features a lakefront lido with a pool, children’s pool, slide, floating raft, volleyball area, and lawns for sunbathing.
Chiemsee
The Chiemsee is Bavaria’s largest lake (excluding Bodensee, which is only partially located in the state) and its natural beauty, along with various water sports, attracts city dwellers seeking relaxation. Many affluent residents from Munich have weekend retreats along its shimmering shores. However, most international visitors arrive at the Bavarian Sea’s shores, often referred to as Chiemsee, in pursuit of King Ludwig II’s Schloss Herrenchiemsee.
The towns of Prien am Chiemsee and Bernau am Chiemsee (about 5km south) serve as excellent bases for exploring the lake, situated on the Munich–Salzburg rail line. Prien, being the larger and livelier of the two, offers swimming beaches at Chieming and Gstadt, both easily accessible and free. Many beaches provide boat rentals as well.
Maschsee, Hanover
This artificial lake, constructed by unemployed workers as one of the first Nazi-led public works projects, is now a beloved location for boating and swimming. Conveniently located just a 30-minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof and adjacent to the HDI Arena, Hanover’s football stadium, the lake offers solar-powered ferries from Easter to October in good weather. Additionally, visitors can rent sailing, pedal, and rowing boats.
Schluchsee
Beautifully set above its namesake lake, which is the largest in the Black Forest, Schluchsee entices outdoor enthusiasts with swimming, windsurfing, hiking, cycling, and opportunities for skinny-dipping in secluded bays along the western shore. Although the resort is quite tranquil during most seasons, it thrums with life, brimming with sunseekers in summer and cross-country skiers in winter.
Aqua Fun Strandbad, popular with families, includes a heated pool, water slide, rapid river, sandy beach, and a volleyball court.
Warnemünde
Located near the port city of Rostock, Warnemünde is all about promenading, savoring delicious fish, sipping cocktails, and relaxing in a Strandkorb (sheltered straw “beach basket” seat) on its expansive, pristine beach. For breathtaking views, climb the 135-step spiraling wrought-iron and granite staircase of the lighthouse built in 1898.
East Frisian Islands
Positioned in an archipelago off the northern coast of Lower Saxony, the seven East Frisian Islands feature long sandy beaches, expansive open spaces, and refreshing sea air, appealing to nature lovers and those in search of a serene escape.
To help remember the islands’ order, Germans have playfully recited, “Welcher Seemann liegt bei Nanni im Bett?” (which translates rather cheekily as “Which seaman is lying in bed with Nanni?”). The islands are (from east to west): Wangerooge, Spiekeroog, Langeoog, Baltrum, Norderney, Juist, and Borkum.
Langeoog is your best choice for a peaceful day-return beach trip. On sunny days, strolling along the 14km-long beach is the main attraction, with the primary tourist season running from mid-May to September.
Sylt, North Frisian Islands
Glamorous Sylt, measuring 38.5km long and only 700m wide at its narrowest point, is the highlight of Germany’s North Frisian Islands. This anchor-shaped island is connected to the mainland via a narrow causeway. On its western coast, the fierce surf and strong winds of the North Sea erode Sylt’s shoreline, while its eastern Wadden Sea shore remains calm.
Additionally, the island’s candy-striped lighthouses stand tall amid expansive shifting dunes, fields adorned with brilliant yellow-gold rape flowers, and stretches of heath. Saunas line the beaches, where visitors can heat up before plunging into the icy waters of the North Sea.
Furthermore, Sylt’s windsurfing is renowned for being the most extreme on the World Cup windsurfing tour, which culminates here every September when the winds and waves are particularly intense. Nevertheless, beginners should not feel discouraged, as numerous water sports schools across the island offer lessons in kitesurfing, regular surfing, catamaran sailing, and much more, along with gear rentals.
