Vacation on the North Sea in Schleswig-Holstein
Wind force 8, gale-force wind on the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein. Spray flies over the long beaches of the North Sea and over the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park. On the horizon, lighthouses show the ships the way. Hearts beat faster and stress finally flies away on a North Sea vacation.
North Sea time is always also refreshing wind time. The clouds above, the mudflats below and that taste of salt, vastness, infinity and solitude in the air. Somewhere back there in the shining gray, a grey seal in the middle of the sandbank. With squinted eyes, you can just make out the Halligen. Sylt, Amrum, Föhr, Pellworm: just a hint. On the left, off St. Peter-Ording, a cutter sways in the waves. On the right, a beach sailor, all alone, with only the kilometer-long beach in front of him. The wind picks up, tugging at the hood, the surf spills over the boots and the rain slowly comes with the storm. The walk on the beach ends here. The tea room and fireplace time begins. At last. You can only feel good despite the bad weather on a vacation on the North Sea in Schleswig-Holstein.
Typical North Sea
When you think of the North Sea, you think of long beacheslonely Halligen islands in the middle of the sea, fiery red lighthouses, the Friedrichskoog seal station, Büsum lighthouse crabs and the colorful port town of Husum - and that's exactly what you can look forward to. Because the North Sea vacation region keeps its promises.
Mudflat walking
Every six hours and twelve minutes, a natural miracle happens on the North Sea coast in Schleswig-Holstein: the water recedes and reveals the seabed, the Wadden Sea. This extraordinary habitat has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Despite the tides, which determine the extreme rhythm of life here, the sandbanks, mudflats and salt marshes are home to over 10,000 animal and plant species. More than 10 million migratory birds rest on the mudflats on their way to their breeding and wintering grounds. The best way to experience this natural wonder is on a guided mudflat hike, where expert mudflat guides tell you all about the habitat.
Cycling
Windswept pastures, thatched farmhouses, the sea rushing behind the dunes and the beach beckoning for a picnic: a varied, well-signposted network of cycle paths runs through the entire vacation region on the North Sea and invites you to actively explore. Along the coast, there is the well-known North Sea coastal cycle path and the Viking-Frisian Trail (Wikinger-Friesen-Weg) there are a further 420 kilometers of signposted cycle tours along which you can explore the region behind the dyke on an active vacation.
Water sports
Wind and waves, high and low tide, sun and clouds. The sea looks different every day. But there are weather conditions in the North Sea that often come together: Sun and wind, for example. Weather that is ideal for water sports enthusiasts such as surfers, sailors and kiters, for whom the motto is often: the more wind, the better. Ideal conditions for an active vacation in Schleswig-Holstein.
Wellness
With its naturally stimulating climate, the North Sea in Schleswig-Holstein offers the best conditions for a wellness and health vacation. A trip to the thermal baths and leisure pools on the North Sea coast is a great way to spend a whole day, not just in the rain and wind, but whatever the weather. Doesn't wellness and sauna feel best when the wind is whistling around the corners outside?
Excursion tips worth seeing on the North Sea coast
Schleswig-Holstein is home to Germany's only high seas island - Heligoland. Heligoland! The idyllic vacation paradise in the middle of the North Sea is a trip tip for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. The island impresses with its imposing cliffs, the famous "Lange Anna" rock landmark and the clear, salty high seas climate, which promises a perfect break from everyday life. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking nature on the cliff edge path, explore the unique bird sanctuary or experience maritime culture on the colorful lobster shack promenade.
A popular postcard motif, a feeling of vastness and the romance of the sea and coast - lighthouses are unmistakable testimonies to Schleswig-Holstein's maritime culture. The most famous lighthouse in Schleswig-Holstein is the red and white striped Westerheversand lighthouse on the Eiderstedt peninsula. The red giant in the Wadden Sea, surrounded by salt marshes, is probably one of the most "photogenic" vacation highlights on the North Sea coast with its 41.5 meters and the two adjoining houses where the lighthouse keepers once lived. The lighthouse can not only be visited on a guided tour, but bridal couples can even say "I do" in the wedding room.
The Museum Art of the Westcoast in Alkersum on Föhr is an excursion destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts. In an impressive combination of modern architecture and Frisian charm, the museum is dedicated to works of art that explore the themes of the sea, the coast and life on the North Sea. The collection includes important works by artists such as Emil Nolde, Max Liebermann and Edvard Munch, complemented by exciting temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Visitors can look forward to a unique blend of historical and modern coastal flair.
The 14 famous Pile dwellings in St. Peter-Ording on the Eiderstedt peninsula are a unique vacation highlight on Schleswig-Holstein's North Sea coast. The seven-meter-high wooden houses on stilts are the landmark of St. Peter-Ording and unique on the German coast. For over 100 years, they have shaped the endless expanse of the resort's beach, defying wind and waves. The 6 pile dwelling restaurants in particular are an excursion tip and a must for every North Sea vacation!
The Biikebrennen is an ancient North Frisian custom that lights up the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein every year on February 21. The carnival custom, which has been mentioned in regional history books since 1740, is intended to drive away the spirits of winter and welcome in the new harvest year. Even today, the Biikebrennen is a sociable celebration with mulled wine, fire baskets and Frisian conviviality. Shortly before the start of Lent, there are of course plenty of hot, high-proof drinks at the Frisian national festival. A glass of Pharisee or Tote Tante, for example, is far tastier than the name suggests: Coffee or cocoa with at least three centiliters of rum and topped with whipped cream warms you up from the inside. An event tip for your North Sea vacation!
