Top10 Best Beaches in Germany 2025
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Tid til at læse 13 min
Best Beaches in Germany
Germany’s coastline along the North Sea and the Baltic Sea boasts a variety of stunning beaches, each offering unique experiences—from expansive sandy shores to charming seaside resorts. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, water sports, or picturesque landscapes, our curated list of the top 10 best beaches in Germany will guide you to your perfect coastal getaway.
Table of contents
Best Beaches in Germany 1. Binz Beach – Rügen Island 2. Timmendorfer Strand – Schleswig-Holstein 3. Westerland Beach – Sylt Island 4. Sellin Beach – Rügen Island 5. Prerow Beach – Darß Peninsula 6. Sankt Peter-Ording Beach – North Sea Coast 7. Heringsdorf Beach – Usedom Island 8. Ahlbeck Beach – Usedom Island 9. Kühlungsborn Beach – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 10. Borkum Beach – East Frisian Islands
1. Binz Beach – Rügen Island
Elegant beach days on Germany’s iconic Baltic island
Binz Beach on Rügen Island is the crown jewel of Germany’s Baltic coast. Known for its fine white sand, clear shallow waters, and classic seaside promenade, it blends nostalgic elegance with relaxed beach life. Historic villas line the shore behind rows of iconic striped Strandkörbe (beach chairs), creating a picture-perfect setting. Whether you're strolling the pier, sunbathing by the dunes, or sipping coffee in the old town, Binz offers a balanced blend of nature, culture, and seaside charm.
- 🌍 Location: Binz, Rügen Island, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Beautiful promenade, calm waters, family-friendly, historic spa town vibes
- 👎 Downsides: Popular in summer; can feel a bit polished and touristy
Seaside sophistication in every detail
Binz isn’t just a beach — it’s a full experience. Classic architecture, well-kept walking paths, and gentle waves create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and inviting. It’s easy to see why it’s been a go-to summer retreat for over a century.
Perfect for slow mornings and sunset walks
Start your day with a barefoot walk along the water’s edge, or rent a Strandkorb and relax with a book as the waves roll in. In the evening, the promenade comes alive with soft lights and sea breeze strolls. It’s romantic, relaxing, and effortlessly beautiful.
Rügen charm around every corner
Step off the beach and you’ll find boutique shops, cozy cafés, and scenic forest trails just minutes away. Binz is perfectly positioned to explore more of Rügen’s natural beauty — from the famous chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park to charming villages inland.
2. Timmendorfer Strand – Schleswig-Holstein
Upmarket flair and family fun on the Baltic Sea
Timmendorfer Strand is one of Germany’s most polished and popular Baltic Sea beach resorts. With its long sandy shoreline, chic boutiques, spa hotels, and upscale cafés, it’s a destination that blends seaside relaxation with urban comfort. It’s well-known for its lively promenade and family-friendly attractions — making it ideal for both weekend getaways and full summer escapes.
- 🌍 Location: Timmendorfer Strand, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Clean beach, luxury hotels, beach bars, SEA LIFE aquarium, family vibe
- 👎 Downsides: Can feel commercial; less wild nature than other spots
Stylish beach life with something for everyone
Timmendorfer Strand is where city energy meets the sea. Lounge in a Strandkorb, grab drinks at a stylish beach bar, or explore designer shops just a few steps from the sand. It’s perfect for travelers who love their beach time with a bit of buzz and comfort.
Family-friendly with big Baltic energy
Kids will love the gentle waves and soft sand, but also the SEA LIFE aquarium and mini-golf right behind the dunes. There’s space to play and room to relax — it’s a great choice for families looking for easy-going beach fun with plenty to do off the sand, too.
Golden hours that glow
Evenings at Timmendorfer Strand are all about relaxed walks and glowing skies. Locals and visitors gather on the promenade with ice cream or Aperol in hand, enjoying the warm light reflecting off the calm sea. It’s peak Baltic bliss, dressed in style.
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3. Westerland Beach – Sylt Island
Classic North Sea drama meets luxury island living
Westerland Beach on Sylt is Germany’s North Sea at its most iconic. With rolling waves, towering dunes, and wind in the air, it delivers raw natural energy — balanced by the refined flair of Sylt’s stylish seaside culture. The beach stretches for miles and is lined with Strandkörbe, cafés, wellness hotels, and artful boutiques. Whether you're after barefoot walks or champagne by the sea, Westerland captures it all.
- 🌍 Location: Westerland, Sylt Island, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Long surf-friendly beach, upscale town vibe, beach promenade, wind and wave sports
- 👎 Downsides: Expensive accommodation; often windy
Waves, wind, and wide horizons
This is where beachgoers and surfers meet the elements. The North Sea breeze is brisk, the tides are strong, and the views stretch endlessly. It’s invigorating and beautiful — whether you’re riding the waves or just watching them roll in.
The island’s heart beats here
Westerland is Sylt’s buzzing beach town. After a morning on the sand, you’re steps away from great seafood restaurants, high-end shops, and wellness spas. It’s a unique balance of raw nature and polished lifestyle that you won’t find anywhere else in Germany.
Evenings with a soundtrack
Sunsets over the North Sea are spectacular here, often accompanied by street musicians on the promenade. Locals gather with wine or coffee on the steps overlooking the beach, letting the last light and live music wrap up a perfect Sylt day.
4. Sellin Beach – Rügen Island
Postcard-perfect elegance on Rügen’s Baltic shore
Sellin Beach is one of Germany’s most photographed seaside gems — and for good reason. Its historic pier (Seebrücke), charming white-washed architecture, and sweeping Baltic views create a setting straight out of a fairytale. Located on Rügen Island’s southeastern coast, it offers soft golden sand, calm water, and a tranquil atmosphere that mixes classic resort charm with peaceful beach vibes.
- 🌍 Location: Sellin, Rügen Island, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Historic pier, elegant resort town, clear water, scenic cliffside setting
- 👎 Downsides: Access involves stairs; small beach area fills up quickly
That iconic pier moment
The Seebrücke Sellin is the star of the show — a beautifully restored pier with a restaurant and panoramic Baltic views. Walking down it feels like stepping into a storybook, especially at sunrise or dusk when the light reflects off the sea and windows glow.
Quiet luxury and calm waves
Sellin offers a more refined beach experience. The sea is usually calm and perfect for swimming, and the well-maintained promenade makes it easy to grab an ice cream, coffee, or just enjoy the peaceful pace of the coast. It’s laid-back, romantic, and ideal for slow travel.
Cliffs, forests, and coastal trails
Behind the beach, you’ll find wooded hills and hiking paths leading to viewpoints and other bays. It’s a great place to mix beach lounging with gentle adventures — and every turn offers another beautiful view of Rügen’s unspoiled nature.
5. Prerow Beach – Darß Peninsula
Untamed beauty in the heart of a national park
Prerow Beach, located on the Darß Peninsula within Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park, is one of Germany’s most natural and unspoiled coastal gems. With wide dunes, fine white sand, and crystal-clear waters, it feels far from the built-up resort scene. Surrounded by pine forests and accessible by bike or foot, this beach is perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone craving peaceful, raw Baltic beauty.
- 🌍 Location: Prerow, Darß Peninsula, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Pristine dunes, soft sand, clear water, nature trails, relaxed vibe
- 👎 Downsides: Limited amenities directly on the beach; access may require walking
Nature first, beach second — and that’s the charm
What sets Prerow apart is its untouched feel. There are no huge hotels or packed promenades — just open sand, sea, and space. It’s the kind of beach where you arrive by bike through the woods, kick off your shoes, and breathe in pure Baltic air.
Water as clean as the view is wide
With its gently sloping shore and excellent water quality, Prerow is ideal for swimming — especially for families with kids. The sand is soft and powdery, and the sea here sparkles under the sun with little more than the sound of waves and seabirds in the air.
End your day with a golden hour bike ride
The forest trails behind the beach offer a quiet, shaded escape — perfect for cycling or walking. As the sun sets, the landscape glows in warm light, and the ride back into Prerow becomes a highlight of the day in itself.
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6. Sankt Peter-Ording Beach – North Sea Coast
Endless sands and wind-powered freedom on the North Sea
Sankt Peter-Ording is unlike any other beach in Germany. Located on the North Sea in Schleswig-Holstein, it's famous for its vast tidal flats, wide open spaces, and iconic stilt houses that stand proudly above the sand. The beach stretches for over 12 kilometers, making it a haven for windsurfers, kiteboarders, walkers, and anyone who loves the feeling of space, wind, and sky.
- 🌍 Location: Sankt Peter-Ording, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Massive beach area, stilt houses, water sports, spa town atmosphere
- 👎 Downsides: Swimming can depend on tides; windy conditions common
A beach that feels like another world
The scale of Sankt Peter-Ording is surreal. The beach can be over a kilometer wide at low tide, offering endless space for walks, sand sailing, or simply laying back and watching the clouds drift by. It's dramatic, wild, and deeply peaceful all at once.
Stilt houses with serious character
The iconic wooden stilt houses — used as cafés, surf schools, and lifeguard stations — are a symbol of this beach. Elevated high above the sand, they give the landscape its signature look and offer cozy retreats with panoramic sea views.
Wellness meets wildness
Sankt Peter-Ording is also a spa town, known for its healing muds and sea air. After a windswept beach day, treat yourself to a wellness session or soak in a thermal bath. It’s the best of both worlds: natural freedom and coastal comfort.
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7. Heringsdorf Beach – Usedom Island
Seaside elegance and Baltic charm in Germany’s sunniest town
Heringsdorf Beach is one of the crown jewels of Usedom Island — a place where long beach days meet spa culture and belle époque elegance. The beach itself is wide and soft, with shallow waters perfect for swimming and family fun. Behind it, Heringsdorf’s famous villas, leafy promenades, and Europe’s longest pier create a backdrop of sophistication and calm. It’s the perfect destination for slow travel and timeless summer rituals.
- 🌍 Location: Heringsdorf, Usedom Island, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Long sandy beach, historic spa town, elegant pier, sunny microclimate
- 👎 Downsides: Can feel a bit polished or formal for some; popular in peak season
The longest pier and one of the calmest vibes
The Heringsdorf Pier stretches out 508 meters into the sea, offering unbeatable views and a relaxing stroll over the water. It’s also home to cafés and boutique shops — perfect for a mid-beach coffee or souvenir hunt without leaving the breeze behind.
Step back into seaside history
With its ornate villas and turn-of-the-century charm, Heringsdorf feels like a classic European resort town — in the best way. Palm-lined promenades, vintage cafés, and pastel façades make every walk feel like a postcard from a more glamorous era.
Sunniest spot in Germany
Usedom Island is known for having the most sunshine hours in the country — and Heringsdorf makes the most of them. Whether you’re sunbathing, sipping white wine at a terrace, or watching golden hour from the dunes, it’s a place built to soak up the light.
8. Ahlbeck Beach – Usedom Island
Old-world seaside charm and wide open sand
Ahlbeck Beach is one of the most iconic and picturesque spots on Usedom Island. With its grand seafront architecture, historic pier, and soft golden sand, it brings together everything you’d want from a traditional European beach resort. It’s quieter than Heringsdorf but equally elegant, making it perfect for those seeking beauty, history, and tranquility by the Baltic Sea.
- 🌍 Location: Ahlbeck, Usedom Island, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Historic pier, beautiful villas, peaceful atmosphere, soft sand
- 👎 Downsides: Limited nightlife; can be very quiet off-season
Step onto a postcard-perfect pier
The Ahlbeck Pier is one of Germany’s oldest and most photogenic. With its distinctive green spires and wooden walkway, it invites slow strolls and beautiful views of the sea — especially in the golden light of early morning or sunset.
Peaceful pace, endless beach
The beach here is soft, wide, and never feels too crowded. Rent a Strandkorb, bring a good book, and let the sound of gentle waves and seabirds replace the noise of everyday life. It’s a space to relax and reset.
Timeless Baltic elegance
Elegant 19th-century villas line the promenade, offering a glimpse into the island’s glamorous past. Whether you’re staying overnight or just visiting for the day, Ahlbeck wraps you in a quiet, graceful kind of seaside luxury that never goes out of style.
9. Kühlungsborn Beach – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Baltic class meets laid-back coastal life
Kühlungsborn Beach combines the charm of a classic seaside resort with a welcoming, easygoing vibe. Its long sandy beach, elegant promenade, and well-preserved spa town architecture make it one of northern Germany’s most beloved Baltic getaways. Whether you’re here for family holidays, wellness retreats, or slow strolls along the shore, Kühlungsborn has just the right blend of style and simplicity.
- 🌍 Location: Kühlungsborn, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Long beach promenade, wellness hotels, marina, clean sand and water
- 👎 Downsides: Popular in summer; limited shade on the beach itself
Promenade perfection
The beachfront promenade in Kühlungsborn is one of Germany’s longest — ideal for sunset walks, people-watching, or biking with the sea breeze in your face. Lined with cafés and shops, it stretches the length of the beach, tying together nature and town life seamlessly.
Perfect for classic beach days
The beach itself is spacious and clean, with plenty of Strandkörbe available and water that’s calm and swimmable. It’s great for families, couples, or anyone just looking to relax without too many distractions — just sand, sun, and sea.
From spa town to modern favorite
Once a turn-of-the-century retreat for the German elite, Kühlungsborn has held onto its historic charm while welcoming modern comforts. You’ll find wellness centers, stylish hotels, and a yacht marina — all without losing the beachy, relaxed spirit that makes it special.
10. Borkum Beach – East Frisian Islands
Island adventure and fresh sea air on the wild North Sea
Borkum Beach is the largest of the East Frisian Islands and offers a refreshing mix of untamed nature, salty air, and laid-back island life. Surrounded by the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site, Borkum feels like a world of its own — where long walks, wide skies, and clean sea breezes create a pure, grounding escape. The beach itself is broad and wind-kissed, perfect for those who want to unplug and let the North Sea set the pace.
- 🌍 Location: Borkum Island, Lower Saxony, Germany (Google map)
- ✅ Highlights: Island setting, fresh sea air, wellness focus, endless walks and views
- 👎 Downsides: Weather can be unpredictable; ferry or flight access required
More sky, more space, more sea
The main beach on Borkum feels endless. Whether you're strolling by the water, watching kite surfers ride the wind, or just breathing in the salty air, the openness here clears your head and slows your pace. It’s a true North Sea reset.
Health island with a sea breeze bonus
Borkum has long been known for its therapeutic sea air and climate. Visitors come not just for vacation, but to breathe better, feel better, and recharge. From thalassotherapy to simple ocean walks, wellness is baked into daily life here.
Island vibes with a wild heart
Beyond the beach, the island is full of bike paths, nature trails, and bird-watching spots. The mix of dunes, meadows, and maritime forests invites exploration, while the quiet island town adds charm and comfort to your off-beach hours.
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Table of contents
Best Beaches in Germany 1. Binz Beach – Rügen Island 2. Timmendorfer Strand – Schleswig-Holstein 3. Westerland Beach – Sylt Island 4. Sellin Beach – Rügen Island 5. Prerow Beach – Darß Peninsula 6. Sankt Peter-Ording Beach – North Sea Coast 7. Heringsdorf Beach – Usedom Island 8. Ahlbeck Beach – Usedom Island 9. Kühlungsborn Beach – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 10. Borkum Beach – East Frisian Islands
