Heikendorf Beaches

Overview

Heikendorf, nestled on the coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany, offers a distinctive Baltic Sea beach experience. Its prime location on the Kieler Förde provides a special seaside attraction: captivating close-up views of passing ships, a highlight for many visitors. Families often find Heikendorf particularly appealing, as several local beaches boast gentle waters and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for a coastal getaway.

Among the local favorites, Hauptstrand serves as Heikendorf's convenient main town beach. Möltenort Strand is well-regarded for its unique view of the U-Boat War Memorial and its family-friendly setting. Just a short trip away, the renowned Laboe Strand is a famous regional hub bustling with activity, while Hundestrand Schönberg offers an expansive retreat ideal for families. For those seeking a more laid-back and quirky vibe, Strandbad Kalifornien on the Probstei coast is a charming choice. Many visitors also appreciate the natural, quieter setting of beaches like Kitzeberger Strand.

If you're wondering about swimming, the waters of the Kieler Förde at Heikendorf are indeed suitable for a refreshing dip, with water quality generally reported as excellent. While these beaches are popular, especially during the summer months, they tend to be pleasantly well-visited rather than overly crowded, ensuring a relaxing coastal escape. For a comprehensive guide to all the seaside spots Heikendorf and its surroundings have to offer, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches.

Top Beaches

Kurstrand Möltenort

The main beach of Heikendorf, offering comprehensive amenities and easy access for locals and visitors, Kurstrand Möltenort is a popular spot, nestled gracefully in a sheltered bay of the Kiel Fjord. Its modern, redesigned promenade offers a pleasant space for seaside strolls, enhancing the area's maritime charm. From the beach, you can enjoy fantastic views of large ships passing through the fjord's narrow channel, a captivating sight for many visitors. The distinctive U-Boot Memorial nearby provides a historic and striking backdrop to the coastal scenery. Known for its relaxed feel even in summer, it’s a wonderful spot to unwind and watch the beautiful sunsets over the water.

FAQ

Is Heikendorf a good place for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Heikendorf is considered very suitable for family beach holidays. The Kurstrand Möltenort, for example, is protected in a bay, has a gently sloping entry into the water, and features amenities like a playground with a large wooden play ship, a separate swimming area (Seebadeanstalt) with a water slide, and lifeguard services during the season. Many beaches also have nearby kiosks or restaurants.

Can you swim in the Kieler Förde at Heikendorf and what's the water quality like?

Yes, you can swim in the Kieler Förde at Heikendorf's designated bathing areas. The water quality is generally reported as excellent and consistently meets the legal limits of the Schleswig-Holstein bathing water ordinance. The Möltenort beach is a guarded bathing beach, and there's also the Seebadeanstalt Heikendorf for those who prefer not to have sand underfoot.

When is the best time to visit Heikendorf for a beach holiday?

The main season for a classic beach holiday in Heikendorf is during the summer months, from May to September, when conditions are best for swimming and sunbathing. July and August typically offer the most sunshine. However, some also enjoy the quieter autumn months for beach walks, though the water will be colder.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Heikendorf?

During the main bathing season (typically April 1st to September 30th or May 1st to September 30th, depending on the specific beach rules), dogs are generally restricted to designated dog beaches. One such area is south of the Möltenort marina. Outside of the main season (usually from October/November to March), dogs are often allowed on most other beach sections. It's always best to check local signage for the most current regulations.

Are there accommodations with direct beach access or sea views in Heikendorf?

Yes, Heikendorf offers various accommodations, including holiday apartments and hotels, some of which are located very close to the beach or offer sea views over the Kieler Förde. For example, the StrandHotel Seeblick is situated by the sandy beach. Some private holiday rentals also boast direct beach proximity or views.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Can I rent beach chairs (Strandkörbe) in Heikendorf?

Yes, beach chairs (Strandkörbe) are available for rent at the main beaches in Heikendorf, such as the Möltenorter Strand. You can often rent them daily or for longer periods, sometimes with online booking options available through providers like 'Hippie Fisch'.

What are the parking options near Heikendorf beaches and is it free?

There are various parking options near Heikendorf's beaches. For Möltenort beach, there's a free parking lot at Tobringer, about a 350-meter walk (with many steps) to the beach. Other parking areas, like those at Kolonnenweg or Möltenorter Weg, may be fee-based. The Kitzeberger Strand has parking along the roadside. Heikendorf is implementing a new parking concept, so it's advisable to check current signage for fees and zones.

What is special about the beaches in Heikendorf?

A unique feature of Heikendorf's beaches, particularly Möltenort, is their location at one of the narrowest points of the Kieler Förde. This allows for close-up views of passing ships, including large cruise liners and ferries, which many visitors find fascinating. The Möltenort beach also offers a view of the U-Boot-Ehrenmal (Submarine Memorial).

People Also Ask

Are Heikendorf's beaches usually crowded?

While popular, especially during peak summer season, Heikendorf's beaches like Möltenorter Strand are often described as well-visited but not overly crowded compared to some larger Baltic resorts. There's generally enough space, and if the main sandy areas are busy, there are often adjacent grassy areas (Liegewiese).

Are there any entrance fees for Heikendorf beaches?

For the Kurstrand Möltenort, a beach usage fee (Strandbenutzungsgebühr or Kurabgabe) is typically charged during the main season (e.g., May 1st to September 30th). Guests with an Ostseecard (spa card) often have free access as part of their tourist tax. Children and young people up to 18 years usually have free entry. Some smaller or natural beach sections like Kitzeberger Strand may be free of charge.

What kind of activities can you do at Heikendorf beaches besides swimming?

Besides swimming, Heikendorf beaches offer various activities. You can enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball, and stand-up paddling (SUP) at designated zones. The promenades are great for walking and enjoying the views. Children have playgrounds, like the pirate ship at Möltenort. Ship watching is also a popular pastime due to the proximity to the shipping lane.

Heikendorf Strand

How do Heikendorf beaches compare to Laboe beaches?

Both Heikendorf and nearby Laboe offer popular Baltic Sea beaches. Heikendorf's Möltenort beach is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and close-up ship views at the Kieler Förde's narrow point. Laboe offers a wider sandy beach, a marina, and the iconic naval memorial and submarine museum. Laboe might feel a bit larger or more bustling, while Heikendorf offers a slightly more tranquil, village-like charm. The choice depends on preferences for atmosphere and specific attractions.

Heikendorf Strand

Laboe Strand

What are the main beaches in Heikendorf and what are they like?

The main beach area is the Kurstrand Möltenort, a sandy beach popular with families, featuring beach chair rentals, playgrounds, and nearby cafes. It's a guarded beach. North of it is a 'Freistrand' (free access beach area) and a large grassy sunbathing area. The Schröderstrand is good for watching ships. Kitzeberger Strand is a more natural, quieter sandy beach with an adjacent grassy area, and it's free to access.

Is it easy to get to Heikendorf beaches by public transport?

Yes, Heikendorf and its beaches can be reached by public transport. Buses, such as lines 14 or 15 from Kiel, serve Heikendorf. Additionally, the Förde ferries offer a scenic way to reach Möltenort from Kiel or Laboe, which can also help avoid parking issues.

Heikendorf Strand

Are there toilets and shower facilities at Heikendorf beaches?

Yes, public toilets are available at Heikendorf's main beaches, such as Möltenort, with facilities often located at both ends of the beach or near key areas like the U-Boot-Ehrenmal. The Kurstrand Möltenort also offers beach showers.