With summer finally here and the temperature rising, plenty of people will be itching to get out of their shoes and socks and dig their toes in warm sand. Here’s our pick of the top six beaches in as many cities across German – as well as a longer list of places well worth a visit.
Dortmund: The Herr WalterÂ
Our tour of exotic beach locations around Germany begins in glamorous Dortmund, where the freight ship “Herr Walter” is transformed into a beach during the summer.
The 60-metre-long ship enjoys a commanding view of Dortmund Harbour and offers plenty of space on the sun decks to relax with a cold drink.
Unlike a number of city beaches on this list, the Herr Walter charges an admission fee of €3, but – according to Ruhr24.de – “You're partying on an old ship with a view of cranes, water, the sunset, and a cool crowd. It's got character. It's urban, relaxed, and really charming.”
Hamburg: Övelgönne beach
The Elbstrand is special, a public beach (almost) in the heart of one of Europe’s busiest ports – and a must-see for anyone in Hamburg this Summer. The beach, which starts behind Övelgönne and is easy to reach by bus or ferry, is free to visit and offers a wild variety of beach bars and restaurants.
Barbecuing is allowed in some areas and camping is possible near the beach, meaning you can marvel at the huge container ships as they slowly sail in and out of Hamburg harbour from the comfort of your sleeping bag.
Berlin:Â Wannsee lido (Strandbad Wansee)
On the south-west edge of Berlin, on the eastern shore of the Großer Wannsee, Strandbad Wansee is Europe's largest outdoor pool – a long (1.2km), sandy beach over 80 meters wide. To create just the right vibe, the beach has even been filled with golden sand from the Baltic Sea.
The lido offers beach chairs and boat rentals, a water slide, and huge sunbathing areas. Entry for adults costs €6.50 and €3.80 for children, although there are also family discounts. Or visit in the evening and take advantage of the offer of free entry after 7pm.
Whenever you go, don’t forget you’ll need photo I.D if you’re over 14. Along with all the outdoor public swimming pools in Berlin, the rule has been introduced this year to “ensure that all the pools are safe," according to Berliner Bäder.
Bremen: Weser beach / Cafe Sand
The Weserpromenade Schlachte in Bremen is a perennial favourite with locals and visitors, out to enjoy a stroll past the ships and a drink at one of the many beer gardens.
But for something that feels a little more like a holiday, check out sandy Weserstrand beach and Café Sand, just across the Wilhelm-Kaisen-Brücke bridge.
Dresden: Citybeach
Dresden is a great place to visit at any time of year. If you’re seeing the sights in summer, however, and the heat gets too much for you, then take a stroll along the Elbe to Citybeach.
The people who run the place aren’t exaggerating when they describe an oasis of “fine sand, real palm trees, and a wooden beach bar.”
Work up a thirst at one of eleven beach volleyball courts, then unwind with a cold drink and a game of table football. Â
Frankfurt: Citybeach
There are plenty of attractions along the banks of the Main in Frankfurt, but residents and visitors in search of something a bit different may want to look up if they find themselves in the neighbourhood of Carl-Theodor-Reiffenstein-Platz.
Perched on the roof of a high-rise building, with extraordinary views of Frankfurt’s Mainhatten skyline, there’s a beach in the sky with a small pool, a beach volleyball court, and cocktails and burgers.
There’s a €5 entry fee after 5pm (and after midday weekends and public holidays) and visitors are well-advised to book in advance.
The best beaches in nine other cities around Germany
The Bamboo Beachclub in Erfurt, Nordstrand
Düsseldorf’s city beach
The CorneliusbrĂĽcke Culture Beach in Munich
Citybeach Insel SchĂĽtt in Nuremberg
Marina Seeterrasse in Potsdam
Cologne Beach Club, Cologne
Mainzstrand in Mainz
Losheim lido in SaarbrĂĽcken
Montego Beach Club, Magdeburg
Have we missed your favourite? Do you disagree with our rankings? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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