For a beautiful holiday by the sea you do not have to travel far or even fly — perhaps simply to the north of Germany. For a long weekend by the sea in particular, the German beaches and harbour towns are ideal. For many holidaymakers the decision whether to head for the North Sea or the Baltic is a matter of conviction; if you are not yet sure which of these holiday regions suits you, we present the loveliest corners and explain the differences.
The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic and is therefore strongly shaped by the tides. The difference in water level between high and low tide can reach three metres here. At low tide the richest and most beautiful mudflats in Europe come to light. The water of the North Sea is also fairly salty, with a salt content of 3.5 per cent. It is precisely the rough weather and the stormy sea that make up the romance of the North Sea. These natural spectacles are best enjoyed from a comfortable roofed wicker beach chair.
Here are our favourites on the North Sea:
Sylt
The best-known and one of the largest North Sea islands in Germany is Sylt. Above all its characteristic shape sticks in the memory — 38 kilometres long and only 12.8 kilometres wide. On Sylt you can take wonderfully long walks on the beach, go shopping and, of course, enjoy wellness.
North Frisia
The region of North Frisia lies in the western part of Germany's northernmost federal state, near Flensburg. From Husum the North Frisian Wadden Sea, a protected natural landscape, is only a stone's throw away. The town of Husum enchants visitors with its historic and colourful inland harbour, but also with its cobbled old town — and not far outside you find traditional houses with thatched roofs.
East Frisia
Culturally and historically diverse East Frisia can be divided into the mainland around the harbour towns of Leer and Emden and the East Frisian islands of Norderney, Juist and Borkum. While the islands shine with long sandy beaches, dunes, long promenades lined with beach chairs and unspoilt nature, the coastal places distinguish themselves as romantic little towns. Here you find narrow lanes, brick houses and historic harbour buildings.