Burhave Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Burhave, a charming seaside resort on Germany's North Sea coast offering a unique beach experience. Rather than traditional sandy shores, Burhave is famous for its 'Grünstrand' or green beaches—manicured grassy dikes perfect for relaxing in a classic beach chair. This distinct landscape defines the coastline, with the town's main waterfront at Badestrand Burhave providing the most direct access to the sea and promenade, embodying this special coastal character.

The rhythm of the North Sea, with its dramatic high and low tides, governs daily life and activities here. While swimming in the sea is possible at high tide, low tide reveals the vast Wadden Sea mudflats, a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for guided hikes. For those seeking a swim anytime, the Nordsee-Lagune Burhave offers a brilliant solution. This large, man-made seawater lake features sandy shores and is completely tide-free, ensuring swimming and splashing are available all day long, making it a favorite for families.

Burhave is an exceptionally family-friendly destination with diverse attractions. For a day of adventure, the pirate-themed Friesenstrand Tossens is just a short drive away, captivating younger visitors with its creative play areas. These highlights offer just a glimpse of the coastal fun available. For more ideas and to discover other unique spots, be sure to explore our complete guide to the beaches in and around the area.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are the beaches in Burhave sandy?

Burhave is primarily known for its 'Grünstrand,' or green beach, which is a grassy lawn area right up to the sea wall, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing in a traditional beach chair ('Strandkorb'). While you won't find vast, classic sandy beaches for building sandcastles directly on the sea, the nearby Nordsee-Lagune offers a large, sandy beach experience.

Can you actually swim in the sea at Burhave because of the tides?

Swimming in the North Sea at Burhave is dependent on the tides. At high tide (Flut), you can swim in the sea. However, at low tide (Ebbe), the water recedes for a great distance, exposing the Wadden Sea mudflats. For a tide-independent swimming experience, Burhave offers the Nordsee-Lagune, a large seawater lake where swimming is possible all day long.

What is the North Sea Lagoon (Nordseelagune) in Burhave?

The Nordsee-Lagune is a unique, man-made seawater bathing lake located directly on the coast. It is filled with filtered North Sea water but is completely independent of the tides, meaning you can swim and splash all day, even when the sea itself is at low tide. It features sandy beaches, play areas for children, and sports facilities, making it a very popular alternative to the open sea.

What is there to do in Burhave when the tide is out?

Low tide (Ebbe) opens up a unique landscape for exploration. The most popular activity is a 'Wattwanderung,' or guided mudflat hike, where you can discover the unique ecosystem of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can search for shells, observe small crabs, and learn about the flora and fauna. It is strongly recommended to only go with a certified guide for safety.

What kind of accommodation is typical near the beach in Burhave?

The most common types of accommodation near the beach are 'Ferienwohnungen' (holiday apartments) and 'Ferienhäuser' (holiday homes), many of which are located in holiday parks or within easy walking distance of the dike and lagoon. There are also several hotels and guesthouses. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the peak summer season.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Is Burhave a good destination for a family holiday with kids?

Yes, Burhave is considered very family-friendly. The Nordsee-Lagune provides a safe, tide-free swimming area perfect for children. Additionally, the town has attractions like the 'Spielscheune,' a large indoor play barn, which is great for rainy days. The shallow waters and numerous playgrounds make it a popular choice for families.

Do I have to pay to get on the beach in Burhave?

Yes, like in most German coastal resorts, visitors are required to pay a 'Gästebeitrag' (visitor's contribution), often called 'Kurtaxe'. This fee grants you access to the beaches and other public tourist facilities. The revenue is used for the maintenance and cleaning of the beaches, safety services like lifeguards, and local events.

Are dogs allowed on the beach in Burhave?

Yes, Burhave is a dog-friendly destination. There is a designated dog beach area where dogs are welcome. In this section, your dog can enjoy the beach with you, and some areas may even allow off-leash play. There are also facilities like dog showers available. However, in the main bathing areas and on the dikes, leashes are generally required.