The beautiful beaches of Germany that you have never heard of

The idea of ​​going on vacation in Germany evokes images of romantic mountain castles and picturesque villages with pretty half-timbered houses rather than wide sandy beaches and rugged, beautiful coasts. But the country’s north coast, stretching 2,200 kilometers along the Baltic and North Seas, offers just that – pristine stretches of coastline and sandy beaches, not to mention dozens of coastal islands little known to outsiders and some stunning lakeshore beaches that Scattered everywhere are land to boot.

Admittedly, pine trees instead of palms line the promenades, and it’s not bikini weather all year round – but in summer it’s warm enough for a nice dip, with water temperatures rising to a comfortable 18 degrees. Plus, what Germany’s beaches might lack in Mediterranean exoticism, they make up for in variety: choose from simple spa retreats ideal for unwinding; classic beaches for sunbathers with dedicated sections for free-spirited nude bathers (nudist or naturism – “free physical culture”); islands without residents and cars; wild and windy coasts, perfect for surfers and water sports enthusiasts; and nature reserves with marine and bird life and scenic hiking trails.

While some of these spots are well known to Germans and can therefore get very busy in high season, overall they are not as crowded as classic Mediterranean beaches and there are plenty of ways to avoid the crowds. Prices are often cheaper than in the famous resorts of southern Europe, whether for restaurants, hotels or train travel. Below are some of the best beach experiences the country has to offer…

Sylt

For sun, sand, surfing and solitude (so a bit of everything)

Nicknamed König der Nordsee (Queen of the North Sea), Sylt (sylt. en) is Germany’s northernmost island and lies west of the German-Danish border. As one of the North Frisian Islands, it also overlaps with the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea – a coastal system of tidal sand and mudflats that stretches west into the Netherlands. The island’s popularity with (mainly) Germans lies in the diversity of its stunning 40km or so beaches, ranging from family-friendly spots like Wenningstedt-Braderup with its calm, shallow waters; Rantum in the south with striking sand dunes and wide tidal flats; and more remote areas such as the Elbow, part of a nature reserve. There are wilder, windier delights for surfers and water sports enthusiasts too, including Hörnum and Brandenburg Beach in Westerland, home of the annual Windsurf World Cup. Don’t know how to surf? No problem: there are schools all over the island that rent equipment and offer courses. About a third of the beaches are also designated naturist areas, and the local scenery includes striped lighthouses, rugged cliffs, golf courses and pretty villages with spas, all accessible via cycling and walking routes.

Strandhotel Sylt (00 49 4651 98980; wyn-sylt.de) offers double rooms from £180 per night