Beach holidays on Fehmarn

In the following you will get to know Fehmarn's different beaches, so you can decide for yourself which one is worth a visit. At the end of each section, the advantages of each beach are summarised so you can quickly get an overview.

In the north of the island lies the expansive Grüner Brink beach, in the immediate vicinity of Puttgarden and directly adjacent to the nature reserve. If you arrive by car, you can use the free car park, or take the beautiful cycle path along the dunes. Thanks to the wind blowing over from Denmark, this beach is particularly suited to kiters and surfers – there is even a dedicated area with easy water entry so that bathers are not disturbed. You will also find many birdwatchers here, as migratory birds stop over especially in spring and autumn. The beach is equally suitable for families looking to relax, as it is so spacious. Various currents have formed several sandbanks, so small children can get into the water easily and bathe safely. Whether you make yourself comfortable in a beach chair, a beach shelter or find a small spot between the dunes – you will find peace and quiet here. The vastness of the beach ensures privacy. There are no activities or snack bars, making it the perfect beach for nature lovers seeking rest and relaxation. As it is a supervised beach, you need a valid Ostseecard or a day ticket from the machine. Grüner Brink also has a dedicated dog beach.

This romantic stretch of beach is about 1.5 km long and located 1 km from the village of Wulfen. It is a natural beach where not much is going on. There are no water sports facilities – those are available at the neighbouring Wulfener Hals beach. Here you'll find only the sound of the sea, stones large and small, mussels, seagulls and a swallow nature trail: this stretch of coast is inhabited by swallows, and an educational trail runs right along the water, with signs about the protected sand martin. Families particularly like this beach because dogs are allowed. Sitting at the foot of the cliffs creates a living-room atmosphere – sheltered and peaceful. This section of Fehmarn's south-east coast definitely invites you to a quiet, nature-oriented seaside holiday without the slightest hint of tourism.

The Südstrand is not far from the island's capital Burg. Thanks to its clear water and white sand, it is one of Fehmarn's most beautiful beaches. The shallow entry into the water makes it very suitable for small children, and the fact that it is supervised by DLRG lifeguards makes it very popular with families. Wassersport-Fehmarn.de rents out pedal boats with slides and offers stand-up paddling, and cocktails can be enjoyed at sunset in the beach bar. On the promenade next to the beach you can get everything you need for a perfect beach day, and beach chairs are available for hire. A valid Ostseecard or day ticket is required to stay at Südstrand Burgtiefe.

This beach in the south of Fehmarn is divided into two sections, a supervised and an unsupervised part. The unsupervised beach is rather quiet, offering privacy. The supervised beach attracts many families and campers, as a large campsite lies directly behind the dunes. Thanks to the many small bays, beachgoers can always find a quieter spot. It's best to bring your own food and equipment, as there is no large promenade – which also means no hustle and bustle or mass tourism, so you can enjoy your beach day in a relaxed atmosphere. Or try surfing and stand-up paddling at the surf school, or a taster course at the diving school. There are many cycle paths and a small playground.

The Gold natural beach in the south-west of Fehmarn consists more of grass than sand, but is very popular with families with small children thanks to its shallow water, which warms up quickly during the day – ideal for the little ones to play in. Gold beach is a popular spot for surfers and sailors, as the wind is often strong here. For beginners the spot is perfect, with a large standing area extending far out. Advanced surfers and pros get their money's worth further out. If water sports aren't your thing, you can hike along the coast and enjoy the unspoilt landscape. There is a restaurant just around the corner serving food from morning to night. As Gold is a natural beach, great importance is attached to cleanliness and dogs must be kept on a leash. A great place to spend a day by the sea and linger for a few hours in a peaceful atmosphere.

Flügge beach on Fehmarn's west coast is a natural beach consisting of a mix of stones, sand and seaweed. The beach is very spacious, so everyone has the chance to find their perfect spot. The water is very shallow, so you can stand all the way to the sandbank. The beach is very popular with campers – behind the dunes there are large campsites and holiday flats. Visitors are families with children and older couples, and dogs are welcome too. In Flügge there is plenty of peace and space, with nature taking centre stage. The beach, which stretches over several kilometres, is also great for long walks – either along small dune paths or directly along the water. The lighthouse makes a good destination: it can be visited in the summer season and offers a great view.

Wulfener Hals beach has a special shape – it looks like the letter “L”. On one side is the open Baltic Sea, on the other the Burg lagoon. The bathing beach attracts many families, as it is supervised by DLRG lifeguards and has a shallow water entry. There is also a huge playground and a beach volleyball court. The restaurant there satisfies your hunger while you enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea. If you prefer to swim naked, you can do so at Wulfener Hals too – there is a nudist area at the bathing beach where you can swim undisturbed between the dunes. The other part of the beach is much greener and more natural. This is where most people meet for windsurfing, as it is one of the best freestyle spots in northern Germany. Beginners benefit from a large standing area and hardly any waves on the Burg lagoon – few areas in northern Germany and Europe are as well suited to windsurfing. Of course, you can also try other sports here, such as stand-up paddling or sailing.

Fehmarn's south coast is known for its fine white sand, which you will also find at Fehmarnsund beach. Yet the beach is not overrun by tourists, as is otherwise typical for this coast. Here you'll find seagrass, dune grass and large stones reaching into the water, with the Fehmarnsund bridge in the background. It can get moderately busy during the summer holidays, as a campsite borders directly on the beach, but essentially Fehmarnsund beach offers enough space for privacy all year round. The beach is divided into different zones: starting from the bridge with a natural beach, followed by a nudist area, a boat mooring zone and finally a bathing area where dogs are not allowed. The wind and waves here are not ideal for water sports, but you can be towed across the sea in a banana boat or ride a motorboat. Enjoy a South Seas feeling with a cocktail in a beach chair.

This small beach in the south-west of the island is divided into three areas: one for swimmers, a dog beach and a surfing area. As it is a natural beach, you will find seaweed and plenty of grass. However, it is undeveloped and you can hike along the landscape on a kilometre-long promenade. A restaurant and a small supermarket are close by, both belonging to the adjacent campsite. Families with children love this beach because the water is very shallow and DLRG lifeguards supervise it from morning to evening. The shallow water is also ideal for water sports beginners: you can learn to surf and dive here, and there are swimming and sailing courses. Advanced surfers get their money's worth further out when the wind is good. There is also a volleyball court and a boules pitch.

The beach belonging to the village of Altenteil lies in the north-west of Fehmarn and is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts, as the right wind in the small bay creates optimal conditions for kite and windsurfing. On good days you can find waves of up to 3.5 m here. The sandbanks prevent the waves from breaking, making it easier to get into the sea. The beach is 3 km long, so everyone finds their spot, privacy and peace. Dogs are allowed on the beach, and due to its length, nudism is also tolerated. If you get hungry, the small beach restaurant right by the sea has you covered, or you can buy provisions in the mini supermarket next door.

Westermarkelsdorf is a tiny village with a small, unsupervised natural beach in the west of the island. The beach is located in the middle of a nature reserve, so you stroll between dunes, fields and sheep. You can spend the day here free of charge, and even in high season there is little going on. The water is very clear, but you should bring bathing shoes, as there are many stones in the water. On the beach you can collect stones and pretty shells. Every now and then you will come across an angler.

This supervised beach on Fehmarn's west coast is divided into three sections: the regular supervised part, one for nudists and a separate dog beach, where dogs are allowed off the leash. However, you need a valid Ostseecard or a day ticket from the machine, and as it is a supervised beach, inspectors come by from time to time. You should also pack provisions, as there is no snack bar. The beach is a mixture of fine sand and stones, so bathing shoes are recommended. There are beach chairs for hire and a beach volleyball court, but otherwise the beach is pure nature. It's a wonderful place to collect stones and shells, read a book in a beach chair or take long walks. A few natural remnants such as seaweed and stones lie around, but if you enjoy nature, that hardly matters. It gets a little busier in high season, but everyone still finds a spot.

The small village of Presen has an unsupervised natural beach. As there are lots of stones, bathing shoes are a must. In return, you can have this beach to yourself, enjoy plenty of privacy and savour the tranquillity. Nature creates a beautiful atmosphere, and many migratory birds fly over this beach. As there is no car park, it is best to cycle there.

Gammendorf beach, about 9 km from Puttgarden, is part of the “Grüner Brink” nature reserve. Its length offers plenty of privacy, as you can tuck yourself away between the dunes – so everyone finds a spot even in high season. The entry into the water is very shallow and therefore very suitable for children, though you should pack bathing shoes, as there are stones at the water's edge. There is also a swimming jetty, which lets you skip the stony entry altogether. The beach offers no tourist infrastructure, but it is wonderful for walking, collecting stones and shells and relaxing – the ideal beach if you are looking for rest and recuperation on Fehmarn. There are no beach chairs, but the soft sand is perfect for spreading out your towel. A valid Ostseecard or day ticket is required, and you should bring food and drink, as there are no restaurants.

In the east of the island lies Katharinenhof beach. It is 3 km long and you can find a spot to enjoy your privacy everywhere. Here you will find peace, relaxation and a beautiful view – even in high season there is enough space to lie down. There is no tourist infrastructure, but it's a lovely place for walks, collecting stones and shells, bringing your dog and listening to the sound of the waves. Due to the large stones in the water, the beach is not ideal for parents with children, but with bathing shoes you are on the safe side. All in all, Katharinenhof offers a beautiful stretch of beach where you can switch off and enjoy the surrounding nature.

This beach in the north-east of the sunny island, near Puttgarden, offers peace and relaxation. Marienleuchte beach belongs to a small lighthouse and a small village; although it is not signposted, it is easy to find by car. There is no tourist infrastructure, but you can relax collecting stones and shells, watching the waves and enjoying the landscape, with a wonderful view of the open fields, windmills and the lighthouse. Couples in particular enjoy spending time together here. And thanks to its 2 km length, Marienleuchte beach is ideal for a walk with your dog. The beach is a mixture of sand and stones, so bathing shoes or sturdy footwear are recommended.