The 10 Best Seaside Resorts in Germany

Germany may not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of sun, sand and sea, but its coastline along the North Sea and the Baltic is full of surprises. If you’re imagining windswept cliffs, wide sandy beaches, charming seaside promenades and a touch of old-world spa culture, you’re in the right place. In this guide to The 10 best seaside resorts in Germany, I’ll walk you through coastal towns that pair natural beauty with excellent amenities, so whether you want a relaxing spa weekend or an active beach holiday, there’s something here for you.

This article will take you island-hopping and coastline-strolling from Sylt in the far north to the elegant promenade of Heiligendamm. Each resort has its own personality—some are family-friendly, others are known for kite surfers and wind-swept dunes, while a few keep a chic, upscale vibe. Read on for the highlights, practical tips, and a handy comparison table to help you pick the perfect seaside getaway.

Quick comparison: At a glance

1. Sylt (Westerland)

Why go

Sylt is the show-stopper of German seaside resorts. With long golden beaches, dunes, and a reputation for chic cafes and upscale boutiques, it attracts people who want style and sea air in equal measure. Westerland is the main town and the most lively, with a buoyant boardwalk atmosphere and ample nightlife. The island also offers scenic cycling routes and great seafood.

Highlights

• Expansive west beach perfect for sunsets
• Fine dining and local oyster specialities
• Hiking across classic dune landscapes

2. Binz (Rügen)

Why go

Binz on Rügen is the embodiment of a classic Baltic Sea resort: white piers, spa architecture, and a long, gently sloping beach. It’s ideal for families and travelers who enjoy combining a beach break with cultural outings—Rügen’s chalk cliffs and national parks are nearby.

Highlights

• Elegant seaside promenade (Seebrücke Binz)
• Proximity to Jasmund National Park and the Königsstuhl cliffs
• Plenty of cafes and family-friendly facilities

3. Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf & Bansin (Usedom)

Why go

Usedom’s trio of historic resorts form a string of piers and promenades that feel timeless. Ahlbeck’s pier and the long stretch of sand are particularly photogenic. This area is known for its spa culture—so if relaxation with a side of Baltic breeze is your aim, Usedom delivers.

Highlights

• Historic piers and belle-époque architecture
• Many wellness hotels and spa treatments
• Long, child-friendly beaches

4. Norderney

Why go

Norderney mixes unspoiled nature with small-town charm. Part of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park, this island offers dune trails, tidal flats, and a quieter beach vibe. It’s a go-to for those who love birdwatching, long walks and the therapeutic benefits of sea air.

Highlights

• Wadden Sea mudflat excursions
• Quiet beaches and nature trails
• Thalassotherapy and spa facilities

5. St. Peter-Ording

Why go

If your idea of a seaside holiday includes windsurfing, kiteboarding or driving along endless sandy flats, St. Peter-Ording is a playground. The beach is dramatic and vast, with distinctive stilted piers and a lively surf scene. It’s also family-friendly with plenty of open space for games and exploration.

Highlights

• Huge, wide beach perfect for watersports
• Signature stilted promenade
• Well-appointed beach restaurants and schools

6. Wyk auf Föhr

Why go

Föhr’s largest town, Wyk, combines Frisian charm with a relaxed seaside ambiance. The beaches are gentler here and the island atmosphere feels intimate and friendly. It’s an excellent choice for families and travelers seeking a calmer pace without sacrificing good food and beaches.

Highlights

• Soft sandy stretches and shallow water
• Traditional Frisian houses and local culture
• Great cycling routes and local seafood

7. Travemünde

Why go

Sitting at the mouth of the Trave River, Travemünde combines harbor activity with a laid-back beach scene. It’s only a short hop from Lübeck and makes for a perfect mix of maritime life, historic hanseatic charm, and seaside relaxation. The seaside promenade is lively, especially during festivals.

Highlights

• Harbor views and boat-watching
• Good restaurants and maritime festivals
• Easy access from Lübeck and Hamburg

8. Kühlungsborn

Why go

Kühlungsborn has one of the longest promenades on the Baltic coast, flanked by elegant villas and shaded parks. It’s a favorite for people who love strolling, watching the sea from chic cafes, and enjoying a relaxed but refined resort atmosphere.

Highlights

• Wide promenade and beach parks
• Seaside architecture and spa hotels
• Good base for exploring the Baltic coast

9. Heiligendamm

Why go

Known as the “White Town by the Sea,” Heiligendamm is Germany’s oldest seaside resort and exudes a stately elegance. The restored 19th-century spa hotels and the calm, upscale ambiance attract those looking for tranquil luxury and historic charm.

Highlights

• Classic spa architecture and high-end hotels
• Quiet, well-maintained beaches
• Close to cultural sights like the Grand Hotel

10. Wangerooge

Why go

Wangerooge is car-free and beautifully simple: narrow streets, wide beaches and a pace that forces you to breathe. It’s an intimate island experience with lots of natural beauty and fewer crowds than some of the larger islands.

Highlights

• Car-free tranquility
• Great birdwatching and nature paths
• Ideal for digital detox and slow travel

Planning your trip: practical tips

Getting the most from these seaside resorts means thinking about timing, travel and seasonal activities. Summer (June–August) is the warmest and busiest time for seaside resorts in Germany, with festivals and full-service promenades. Late spring and early autumn are quieter, often with milder prices and pleasant weather for walks. If you love sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing, check wind conditions—resorts like St. Peter-Ording and Sylt are hotspots. For families, shallow Baltic beaches like those on Usedom and Rügen are safer and more comfortable. When traveling to islands such as Sylt, Föhr or Wangerooge, factor in ferry schedules or train connections. Finally, pack layers: coastal weather can switch quickly, even in summer.

Top activities to try

• Beachcombing and sunsets—nearly every resort offers unforgettable views
• Wadden Sea guided walks—unique tidal landscape experiences
• Wellness and thalassotherapy—especially on Usedom and Norderney
• Watersports—kite surfing, windsurfing, sailing in the North Sea
• Cycling along coastlines and island trails

How to choose among The 10 best seaside resorts in Germany

Pick a resort by matching its personality to your ideal holiday. Seek Sylt for flair and wide beaches, Binz for classic Baltic charm, or Wangerooge for solitude and birdsong. If you want outdoor sports, St. Peter-Ording and Norderney are winners. For spa and historic elegance, Heiligendamm and the resorts of Usedom are excellent choices. Think about travel time: if you’re coming from northern Germany, islands and coastal towns are often a short train or ferry ride; from further away, note that some island access requires transfers.

Conclusion

Exploring The 10 best seaside resorts in Germany reveals a coastline rich in variety: from the fashionable beaches of Sylt to the serene, car-free lanes of Wangerooge, each destination offers a distinctive seaside experience. Whether you want watersports, spa relaxation, family-friendly sand, or quiet nature walks, Germany’s North Sea and Baltic coasts have a resort to match your mood. Pack layers, pick the season that suits your plans, and prepare to be surprised by how much charm and character these seaside towns can offer.

Want to read more travel guides, insider tips, and detailed itineraries for Germany and beyond? Visit https://themors.com/ to discover more inspiring articles and plan your next coastal escape.