North Sea and Baltic Sea

About the region

Trips to the beach or a walk through coastal woodland are ideal ways of relaxing. The best times of the year for visits to the coast are spring and summer. In the autumn and winter, it’s usually too stormy and cold. In the fresh, salty wind, referred to by Germans from the north as a „steife Brise“, or stiff breeze, you can recharge your batteries or burn off excess energy exercising on the beach. If you want to spend the whole weekend on the coast, there are plenty of inexpensive campsites where you can pitch your tent even at short notice. The beach parties in the evening are something you shouldn’t miss.

ECKERNFÖRDE: NATURE AT ITS BEST (TOUR 1)

The pretty town of Eckernförde is situated right on the coast, and the beach is a special attraction with its clear water and fine quartz sand. In Eckernförde, both beach and promenade are around five minutes from the station.

A jogging round in the fresh sea air or a horse-ride through salt meadows is an ideal way to enjoy the countryside. Eckernförde boasts riding stables offering guided rides. A guided ride takes around two hours.

For lunch in Eckernförde, treat yourself to a fish roll on the promenade near the town centre. This is a popular and traditional take-away snack which is also a favourite with the locals.

Refreshed and revived, you can now explore the countryside on foot. Maps and information about the best hiking trails on the Baltic coast are available from the tourist information offices in the town centre or at the station. The routes start in Eckernförde and are clearly signposted.

After a lengthy hike or walk, the coffee shop Capilano, Kieler Strasse 74 (next to the Subway snackbar) is a good place to stop off for coffee and cake. Located directly between the sea and the station, the trendy café is the ideal place to visit before and after a trip to the beautiful sandy beach.

SYLT: SPORT AND PARTY (TOUR 2)

The island of Sylt is famous not only for its typical North Sea atmosphere with lighthouse, sand-dunes and fish rolls but also for its flirt factor, especially when it’s party time.

Hörnum boasts an attractive lighthouse. You can cycle from Westerland to the lighthouse in approximately one hour, bikes can be hired from the bike rental store Sylter Pedale, Kirchenweg 15, close to the station, from ten euros a day.

The best parties take place on balmy summer evenings after the “Windsurf World Cup Sylt” on Brandenburger beach near Westerland or at “Sunset Beach” beach bar (Brandenburger Straße 15). Both a 15-minute walk from Westerland station.