Blick auf den Strand von Heiligenhafen an der Ostsee im Sommer

Summer in Schleswig-Holstein

Oh, welcome sunshine, we're packing our bags for the north.

When colorful swimming trunks and bikinis plunge into the North Sea and Baltic Sea, a refreshing breeze blows pleasantly around your nose after a hot day and a sea of sandcastles, built with hard work, adorn the beaches - then it's summer in Schleswig-Holstein. Whether water sports on the numerous lakes in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein, summer events throughout the state or seasonal specialties - summer in the true north is a treat for body and soul.

Warm days in the true north

Sun lovers relax on the beaches of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the promenades are bustling with life, people hike through the green nature between the coasts or take a break with a picnic at one of the beautiful lakes that glisten in the sunshine. Kiters fly over the North Sea and a walk across one of the famous piers on the Baltic Sea lures people out into the fresh air. When the blue sky meets the glittering sea on the horizon during the day and the most beautiful sunsets can be admired in the Duchy of Lauenburg in the evening, this means one thing: pure summer feelings.

© sh-tourismus.de/Geheimtipp Media

Experience summer

Segelkatamarane am Ufer
© sh-tourismus.de / Jan-Christoph Schultchen
Kanufahrer auf einem See in der Holsteinischen Schweiz
© sh-tourismus.de/MOCANOX
Windsurfer an der Nordsee
© sh-tourismus.de / Jan-Christoph Schultchen
Stand Up Paddling in Timmendorf an der Ostsee
© www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de / Oliver Franke
Steg an der Ostsee
© www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de / Oliver Franke

Beaches and bathing spots

Events in summer

Nature and forest at Pipersee
© sh-tourismus.de/MOCANOX

Ten excursion tips for the summer

  • The warm water temperatures are good conditions for your first water sports experience. Book a taster surfing or sailing course and experience the element of water up close.
  • Visit the numerous summer events, such as Kiel Week, NordArt or the Wacken Open Air Festival.
  • Do you love the sound of the waves and have always wanted to sleep under the stars? Then you should rent one of the more than 50 sleeping beach chairs dotted along the coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea and spend a night on the beach.
  • Take advantage of the good weather to visit the varied open-air museums. For example, pay a visit to the Molfsee open-air museum or take a trip back in time at the Haithabu Viking Museum.
  • Explore the Schleswig-Holstein countryside by bike. The 13 well-developed long-distance cycle paths often lead along the coastline and offer great views of the water. The breeze also allows you to cool off on hot days.
  • Long walks under the dense canopies of the nature parks are the ideal way to escape the blazing summer sun. Tip: Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh forest air.
  • Enjoy movie classics or blockbusters in the open air. In many places in Schleswig-Holstein, open-air cinemas offer very special movie experiences.
  • Go on an 8 km guided mudflat hike on foot from Föhr to the neighboring island of Amrum and discover small and large North Sea inhabitants.
  • In addition to the coasts of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, freshwater sources such as lakes and rivers inland also offer a wonderful way to cool off. For example, explore the Eider-Treene-Sorge by canoe or SUP.
  • How about a wine tour through lush green vineyards? Visit one of our wineries and let yourself be convinced by the taste of a real Schleswig-Holstein country wine.

Sunny time out

Badestrand auf Sylt im Sommer
© CC0

The sun warms the skin while a refreshing salty breeze blows through the hair. The ferries shuttle between the mainland and the North Frisian Islands to take the delighted vacationers to their destination. The sound of the waves echoes through the laughter of the beachgoers when the water is not quietly receding. People are fascinated by the ebb and flow of the tide, and there are many different guided tours of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have to experience summer on the North Sea.

Beachlounge in Scharbeutz an der Ostsee
© www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de / Oliver Franke

Relaxing on the beach and enjoying a delicious fish sandwich in a deckchair - you can do this particularly well on the Baltic Sea. Water sports enthusiasts cavort on the water and offer spectators a great show. Sailing in particular is very important on the Baltic Sea and is duly celebrated with events such as Kiel Week and Travemünde Week. The various piers in the Baltic Sea resorts are popular walking routes, some of which even have play facilities for children. You have to experience summer on the Baltic Sea.

Frau auf einem Steg am Lütauer See
© CC0

Take a pedal boat through the lake landscape in Holstein Switzerland or go for a hike in the shade of the impressive forests in the Duchy of Lauenburg and Stormarn - away from the hustle and bustle of the coasts. A canoe tour through the Schlei region or a bike tour along the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) is a wonderful way to enjoy the peace and quiet. Well-known events such as the Karl May Games, NordArt and Wacken offer visitors a spectacular program. You have to experience summer in the heart of Schleswig-Holstein.

Erdbeeren mit Büffelmozzerella und Basilikumhonig
© BjörnWeinbrandt

Strawberries with buffalo mozzarella and basil honey