Experience nature in Binz on Rügen
Sophisticated Baltic seaside resort with history
The seaside resort of Binz on Rügen is the largest and most popular holiday resort on the island – at any time of year. The centrepiece of the famous spa resort is the five-kilometre-long, white Binz lido. Here you can go for long walks or simply enjoy the sound of the Baltic Sea in one of the many beach chairs. If you prefer something a little more lively, you can stroll along the beautiful beach promenade. In addition to inviting cafés, there are many benches and historic stalls selling arts and crafts.
The Binz pier is also a must for every visitor. Here you can walk 370 metres out into the Baltic Sea, watch the excursion boats and marvel at the fantastic view of Binz. On a tour of the historic town centre, you can shop to your heart’s content while admiring the impressive spa architecture – undoubtedly one of Germany’s sights.
Very close to the lively Baltic seaside resort, Rügen also has quiet corners. To the west of Binz lies Lake Schmachter with its small promenade and the ‘Park of the Senses’. On the other side of Binz you will find a paradise for hikers: the Granitz with its numerous hills and hiking trails. Another highlight for nature lovers are the flint fields, an impressive nature reserve with huge boulder walls made of flints.
Romantic cities in northern Germany: Off to Lübeck
UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Bay of Lübeck
Lübeck’s Old Town may seem small and uncluttered at first glance, but it has a lot to offer for visitors. No wonder the old town is considered an ‘open-air brick museum’. With its numerous imposing buildings, it was awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
One of Lübeck’s most famous sights is the Holsten Gate. The late Gothic building is a remnant of the city fortifications and is considered a landmark of the Hanseatic city. Extra tip: You can find out more about the history of Lübeck at the Holstentor Museum. Also worth seeing are the city’s five Gothic churches, in particular St Jakobi’s Church and St Mary’s Church.
You can admire beautifully restored traditional sailing ships in the nearby museum harbour. A visit to the marzipan museum at the Niederegger parent company is also worthwhile. There you will find life-size marzipan figures and learn more about the history of marzipan. Another insider tip is the botanical garden in the school garden, which invites you to relax with its colourful flowers and plants.
Timmendorfer Strand: Germany's most famous beach
Perfect for holidays in northern Germany by the sea
The Baltic seaside resort of Timmendorfer Strand is located in the Bay of Lübeck directly on the Baltic Sea. A picturesque town centre with impressive architecture and numerous opportunities for shopping and dining awaits you here.
The highlight is the seven kilometre long beach with fine sand and crystal-clear water. With low tides, the Bay of Lübeck is ideal for family holidays. Another highlight is Sea Life Timmendorfer Strand.
Nearby Niendorf offers a contrasting programme. You can admire quaint fishing boats and modern yachts at the fishing harbour and marina.
Sankt Peter Ording on the Eiderstedt peninsula
Short breaks in northern Germany: off to the coast
Who doesn’t know this popular surfing hotspot? St. Peter Ording on the Eiderstedt peninsula is one of the best-known destinations for holidays in northern Germany. At 12 kilometres long, the beach at St. Peter Ording is an absolute highlight for all visitors looking for relaxation. Adjacent to the town is the Wadden Sea National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore the seabed at low tide – an exciting experience for children too! The famous pile dwellings are among the sights in St. Peter Ording. These seven-metre-high wooden houses on stilts have been part of the beach panorama for over 100 years. Here you will not only find the lifeguard station, but also restaurants and cafés. But a trip into the hinterland is also worthwhile during a holiday in St. Peter Ording. Here you will find some picturesque small towns and villages with canals or the lighthouse in Westerhever – the well-known landmark of the Eiderstedt peninsula.
Hallig in the North Sea: Welcome to Pellworm
Insider tips in northern Germany behind the Wadden Sea
Even the journey there is something special: with the ferry Pellworm I you sail from Nordstrand through the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea to the North Frisian Hallig Pellworm. On the journey, you will see numerous sandbanks, grey seals and harbour seals and can get in the mood for what awaits you on Pellworm: peace and relaxation. The clocks really do run differently on the island of Pellworm – a hectic pace is a foreign concept here. And you can experience something at any time of year during your holiday on the East Frisian Islands. In addition to swimming on the beach, walks and bike tours around the island, boat trips are an absolute highlight. From April to the end of October, you can cross over to Sylt, Hooge, Amrum, Föhr or Helgoland. Or you can take an information tour of the Wadden Sea with a ranger to find out more about the national park.
Must see on the North Sea island: Red Cliff Sylt
Landmark and impressive natural wonder
It is clearly the landmark of Sylt and one of the places you have to see on a short holiday in northern Germany: the Red Cliff. With its imposing cliff edge, it is located between Wenningstedt and Kampen near the Uwe Düne dune and has a total length of four kilometres. The cliff on Sylt is 30 metres high at its highest point and is particularly popular with walkers.
But beware: especially in winter, there are strong storm surges here, which are very dangerous for the cliff’s edge. In addition, both the Red Cliff itself and the neighbouring heathland have been a nature reserve since the end of the 1970s. A route that is also easy to manage with a dog leads from Wenningstedt to the lighthouse and over the dunes on the way back. You can climb the cliff itself via a footbridge with steps. However, the view of the Kampen Red Cliff from the beach is much more spectacular.
Extra tip: Don’t miss the cliff in the evening light at sunset. This is when the red colour glows particularly brightly and creates a magical atmosphere on the beach.
Enthusiastic about our tips for holidays in northern Germany 2025
Get more creative travel ideas straight to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletter and discover new, inspiring places in Germany every month.
