The places, most named first
From the 5 guides that rank for "best beaches in germany"
Named by 4 of 51. RügenGermany's largest island, with beaches along 570 km of coast; the best known are at the old seaside resorts.Binz has a 5 km stretch of sand, a 19th-century spa resort feel and a long pier.
Named by 3 of 52. SyltA beach of almost 40 km on one of the largest German islands, popular with pet owners and water sports fans.Reached by train over a causeway from the mainland, with cliffs, dunes and long beaches.
Named by 3 of 53. Sankt Peter-OrdingA 12 km sandy beach that never feels overcrowded; nudists to the north, surfers in the middle, families in the south.A popular family resort where horseback riding and sand yachting are on offer.
Named by 2 of 54. JuistA 17 km fine sandy beach with room for secluded spots, plus kite surfing, sailing and windsurfing.Seals can be seen from the shore, and the island suits families and health stays.
Named by 2 of 55. PrerowThe widest beach on its peninsula, with lifeguards in summer and a blue flag; parking is hard, so bikes help.Sits very close to a natural park that can be reached on foot or by bike.
Named by 2 of 56. AmrumA small island with white dunes and one of Europe's widest sand beaches, the Kniepsand.The Kniepsand runs along the island's west coast on the North Sea.
7. Usedom (Ahlbeck)Ahlbeck has dunes, white sand and a pier; the beach continues 42 km across the border into Poland.Ahlbeck's 280 m pier is the oldest preserved pier in Germany.
8. WangeroogeNo cars are allowed, so the white sand beaches are reached by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.Windsurfing, kitesurfing and board riding are on offer.
9. BorkumThe largest East Frisian island, with a very long beach and fresh breeze; the southern beach suits families.
10. ZingstAn 18 km beach with a surfing scene; the tourist office is open every day of the year.
11. AhrenshoopA 14 km beach with dunes and a blue flag, with designated dog beaches and access to a national park.
12. WarnemündeBroad sandy beaches inspired the hooded German beach chair; sailing and surfing competitions draw crowds.
13. HeiligendammBaltic seaside health resort with a fine sandy beach, favoured by European nobility since 1793.
14. BensersielA North Sea spa with a white beach, a playground and two indoor play halls for children.
15. Büsum (Perlebucht)A modernised family lagoon with a pier, promenade and a large climbing area for children.
16. Elbstrand, HamburgA 13 km stretch of sandy beach on the Elbe where you watch big ships pass; barbecues are allowed on many beaches.
17. FehmarnGermany's third largest island and a windsurfing hot spot.
18. HeligolandAn island 70 km offshore reached by ferry, with red rock cliffs, the Lange Anna spire and sandy beaches.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September as the best time to visit Germany.
Questions people ask
- Which part of Germany is beautiful?
- The northern coast. Germany has about 2,000 km of coastline along the North and Baltic seas and over 30 islands.
- What are the top 10 beaches?
- One guide lists Wangerooge, Amrum, Hamburg's Elbstrand, Binz on Rügen and Ahlbeck on Usedom among Germany's best swimming spots.
