Discover Germany’s North Sea Coast | railtour travel blog

  • 12.02.2025
  • Team railtour
Couple arm in arm in the dunes at Norddeich | © Tourismus-Service Norddeich

The North Sea air feels like a deep breath of freedom: clear, fresh and full of energy. The wide horizon, the impressive play of clouds, open landscapes, fine sandy beaches and the soothing sound of the waves make every day a special experience.

The German North Sea at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadden Sea is a place to switch off and recharge your batteries. The 13 islands, Halligen, charming harbour towns and popular seaside resorts offer an ideal mix of relaxing beach moments, maritime events, cultural highlights and leisurely strolls.

The healthy, stimulating climate with fine salt particles in the air invigorates body and mind, while the fresh sea breeze gently massages the skin.

The North Sea also delights with its cuisine: from stylish restaurants to cosy beach bars and traditional fish stalls – here you can taste the love of the sea in every bite.

Cycling along the North Sea

For those who don't just want to explore the fresh air on foot, cycling is the perfect way to discover the surrounding area. Travelling on two wheels, you can look forward to wide open landscapes, a fresh North Sea breeze and a feeling of freedom. The cycle paths lead along and behind the dyke, through lush meadows with grazing sheep and quaint villages – often with fantastic views of the unique Wadden Sea. There is a suitable cycle route for everyone. For those who want to go on a multi-day cycle tour along the North Sea coast, the North Sea Cycle Route is ideal.

Discover the World Heritage Site

Around 10,000 animal and plant species are native to the Wadden Sea National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seals, seagulls and cockles are probably the best-known inhabitants. Seals are particularly easy to spot during the ferry trip to the North Sea islands, while cockles and other mudflat inhabitants can be discovered on a guided mudflat walk with a certified national park guide. Walking on the seabed is an adventure for young and old alike. 

Relaxing Beach Holiday

The beaches along the German North Sea coast are diverse. There are wide sandy beaches with picturesque dunes and white sand, as well as a variety of beautiful green beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. They all guarantee a varied holiday with your family, partner or dog. Swimming, building sandcastles, surfing or hiking through the mudflats – everything is possible. In some places, restaurants with direct beach access invite you to linger.

Enjoy Thalassotherapy and Wellness

Whether for a short break or an extended wellness holiday, everyone deserves a break sometimes. Between the sea air, seals and the Wadden Sea, everyone can leave their stress behind and immerse themselves in the maritime world of the North Sea. Only directly on the coast can you enjoy thalassotherapy. During a thalassotherapy treatment, the treasures of the sea, such as algae, mud and salts, are used to regenerate the body and mind and strengthen the immune system. The North Sea island of Norderney is home to Europe's largest thalassotherapy centre, the Badehaus.

Experience the North Sea through its Cuisine

How fortunate that the North Sea is renowned for its fresh seafood and fish dishes. If you love maritime specialities, the coast is the place to be – whether in a restaurant or with a fish sandwich as a snack on the go. Enjoying the first ice cream of the year is a must during the spring holidays on the North Sea. It tastes especially good when you can sit in a wind-protected beach chair and let your gaze wander over the vast North Sea.

Hiking

Hiking along the North Sea coast in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony means exercise in wide open, unspoilt nature. Along dykes, through salt marshes, dune landscapes and the unique Wadden Sea, sweeping views open up to the horizon. Well-signposted paths lead past lighthouses, small harbours and idyllic coastal villages. The ebb and flow of the tide, the fresh sea air and the maritime climate make every tour a special experience. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a long day's hike, the North Sea coast invites you to leave everyday life behind and recharge your batteries.

Event Highlights by the Sea

There's always something going on along the North Sea coast! An attractive and varied programme is offered for young and old alike. Whether it's mudflat hiking or salt marsh tours, concerts and festivals, markets and culinary events. No matter who you're travelling with or where you're going, there's something for everyone here – from large-scale events to small, cosy gatherings.

  • Legends at the Sea Büsum   29 to 30 May 2026              Nena & Johannes Oerding
  • Summertime @ Norderney   29 July to 2 August 2026
  • Sailing Cup Wilhelmshaven  2 to 4 October 2026
Event Highlights

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