A lighthouse on Rügen Island | Photo by lianem ()
Though “island paradise” is perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Germany, did you know that there are several islands just waiting to be explored in the Baltic Sea? With perfect sandy beaches, picturesque cliffs and sand dunes galore, there is no shortage of beauty located in northern Germany. Visit any one of these islands for your next outing in Germany!
Rügen Visit Germany’s largest island for an escape filled with pristine beaches, white-washed cliffs and stunning national parks. If you want to soak in the sun, head to the beach, which stretches for 37 miles. Stay at a seaside resort or relax at a rejuvenating spa. Explore Jasmund National Park and hike along the cliffs for the perfect afternoon of outdoor activity. No trip to the area is complete without a ride on the Rügensche Kleinbahn, a steam locomotive railway that takes visitors through the beautiful forests and past lux beach resorts. This outdoor oasis is sure to exceed your expectations!
A sandy beach on Hiddensee | Photo by lianem
Hiddensee This car-free island is located west of Rugen and is truly a hidden gem. With just over 1,000 inhabitants, this little island is sure to charm you with its natural beauty. Spend the day cycling around the area, hiking on various trails, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride or shopping for a piece of beautiful local amber. The seafood is extra fresh here, so don’t miss out on trying local favorites like “Bismarckbrotchen” (pickled herring on a bread roll) or “Himmel und Erde” (potatoes, bacon and applesauce).
Chairs on a white sand beach on Sylt island | Pawel Kazmierczak
Sylt Perhaps the biggest draw to this island is its massive shoreline that stretches with the finest of sand beaches for 25 miles. With so much space, the diversity here is outstanding. You’ll find rough surf on the west coast, tidal flats on the east, sand dunes, green dykes, cliffs and more. Hike up 110 steps to the lookout point in Uwe Dunes or head to the Sylt Aquarium to see over 150 species of fish from the North Sea.
Sunny day at the Baltic Sea in Usedom | Photo by Frank Peters
Usedom Known as the sunny island, Usedom is a great location for relaxation. Hit a luxurious spa for the day or visit Trassenheide, Europe’s largest butterfly farm. Stroll through a shopping center, searching for the perfect souvenir to bring home. Don’t miss the farmers market at Koserow, a fun location for the whole family with a petting zoo, bouncy house, slides and more. Of course, there are also hiking paths, cycling trails, nature reserves and everything else a nature lover could ever want to find in a vacation location.
Horses running on Fehmarn Island | Photo by Jürgen Wackenhut
Fehmarn This island has a little something for everyone, ranging from watersports and seaside spas to farm stays. Here you’ll find colorful meadows and dense forests where you can do a variety of activities. Go angling, cycling, geocaching, horseback riding or play volleyball, football or tennis. If you want to try farming for yourself, book a stay in a rural setting and experience a growing trend called agritourism. Feed the animals or go for a tractor ride; a thrilling experience for young children and adults alike!
Whether you want to relax on the beach or get active outdoors, the islands of Germany offer a plethora of things to do for the entire family. Head north on your next adventure to experience even more beautiful German landscapes!
