8 Unique Beaches in Germany: Plan Your Summer Escape
People don’t typically associate Germany with sunshine and sand. I for one only started finding out about beautiful beaches in Germany well into my 3rd year here.
But it actually shouldn’t come as a surprise that a country with over 2000 km of coastline can hold its own when it comes to waterfront destinations. And that’s if you don’t take the lakes into account! So in this blog post, let me introduce you to 8 of the best beaches in Germany. You really should put these on your bucket list!
Best Beaches in Germany Along the Coast
Many of the best beaches in Germany hug the shores of the Baltic Sea. In this little round-up, you’ll discover 4 of my top picks. These beaches are either on the mainland or the island of Rügen. Keeping with the spirit of this blog, I’ve added a mix of insider tips and local-approved top spots.
Save This Post for Your Summer Bucket List
Dranske’s Sea Beach (Rügen)
It’s funny how we sometimes make the best discoveries entirely by accident. Last summer, my partner and I spontaneously decided to join his family on the island of Rügen for the weekend. Our campsite, picked totally at random, happened to be bordering the sea beach in Dranske.
This lovely, quiet beach is well removed from the hustle and bustle of Binz and the famous white chalk cliffs. As such, it is a great spot to unwind off the beaten path. Beyond the location, Dranske’s sea beach has several other things going for it: the grassy area just beyond the beach is covered in wildflowers, the calm waters are ideal for swimming and you get to see some fabulous sunsets!
A sandy path connected our campsite to the water’s edge, so this was perfect for jumping out of bed and going for those very early morning strolls.
There was just one caveat. As soon as the sun set, some very large insects started flying at us, forcing our group to take refuge back at the campsite. While I wouldn’t recommend lingering much after sundown, I still absolutely consider Dranske to have one of the most photogenic beaches in Germany!
Seebrücke Dranske (Rügen)
Let me backtrack for a second. Dranske is located on a very thin strip of land, jetting out into the sea at the northernmost tip of the island. This part of Rügen curves inwards, creating an almost enclosed lake, on the shores of which you’ll find Seebrücke Beach. (In German, “Seebrücke” literally means sea bridge.)
One of this beach’s defining features is the pier that jets out into the water. This is another great spot for families, with plenty of green space around for picnics and shallow, calm water around the pier. Seebrücke offers more infrastructure than Dranske’s sea beach, with a waterfront cafe and paddleboat rental facilities.
While you’re here, keep your eyes peeled for jellyfish (don’t worry – they don’t sting!).
Kap Arkona (Rügen)
Although not a spot for swimming, Kap Arkona also boasts one of the most beautiful – and unique – beaches in Germany. You’ll get the distinct sensation of stepping back in time, perhaps even to prehistoric days, as you make your way along the rocky shore. Or maybe it will feel like being on the set of Lost? Sandstone cliffs encase this small but impressive beach, creating the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot.
As a Brit, I have always headed to Spain or Portgual for beautiful beaches – who knew there was so many in Germany! The Sacrower See looks gorgeous and I definitely want to visit Kap Arkona; those houses look so cute. Thanks for the inspiration for future travels.
I didn’t really know Germany had such beautiful beaches. I love visiting Germany but haven’t explored much outside of the cities so I really need to get there again soon. Kap Arkona sounds like a beautiful place and I especially love the thatched roof houses, such a picturesque place
Gorgeous beaches. I grew up in Germany and when I was in third grade, our school went on a class trip to Juist island in Ostfriesland (North Sea). I never fell so hard for a beach.