Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany

Landkirchen Beaches

Overview

While Landkirchen itself is nestled inland on the island of Fehmarn, it serves as an ideal starting point for discovering some of Germany's finest Baltic Sea coastline. The island is a celebrated beach destination, offering a diverse range of shores just a short drive or bike ride away. From wide sandy expanses perfect for families to windswept spots for adventure, Fehmarn provides a complete coastal holiday experience.

Visitors will find a beach for every taste. For the classic seaside day, Südstrand is the island's most popular destination, boasting fine white sand and calm, shallow waters. In contrast, Strand Grüner Brink is a paradise for watersports, renowned as one of the country's top kitesurfing locations. For a completely different atmosphere, the dramatic coastline at Strand Katharinenhof offers impressive cliffs and scenic walks away from the main crowds.

If peace and quiet are a priority, natural beaches like Strand Gammendorf provide a tranquil escape. The island's variety extends to numerous other shores, from designated dog-friendly areas to quiet coves on the west coast. For a complete look at all the options, be sure to explore our longer list of Fehmarn's best beaches.

FAQ

Does Landkirchen have its own beach?

Landkirchen itself is located inland on the island of Fehmarn, not directly on the open Baltic Sea coast. It sits on the Burger Binnensee, an inland lake. For the classic sandy sea beaches that Fehmarn is famous for, you will need to take a short drive or bike ride. The most popular beaches, like Südstrand, are easily reachable from Landkirchen.

Is Fehmarn a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Fehmarn is an excellent destination for families. Beaches like Südstrand in Burgtiefe and Grüner Brink are particularly family-friendly, offering wide sandy areas, very shallow water for safe paddling, and DLRG lifeguard supervision during the summer months. Many beaches also have amenities like playgrounds, restrooms, and snack bars nearby.

What is the 'Kurtaxe' and do I have to pay it to go to the beach?

The 'Kurtaxe' or 'ostseecard' is a local visitor's tax that most Baltic Sea resorts in Germany, including those on Fehmarn, are required to collect. The fee supports the maintenance of beaches, public facilities, and safety services. In return, the ostseecard often provides discounts on local attractions. Access to supervised beaches like Südstrand during the main season typically requires a valid ostseecard or a day ticket purchased from an automaton.

Which beach on Fehmarn is best for swimming and which is best for kitesurfing?

For classic swimming and sunbathing, Südstrand near Burgtiefe is the most popular choice with its fine white sand and calm, clear water. For kitesurfing and windsurfing, Fehmarn is a top European spot. The best beaches for these sports are Grüner Brink in the north and the area around Wulfener Hals, which benefit from consistent winds and have designated water sports zones to avoid conflict with swimmers.

Is it better to stay directly at Südstrand or is Landkirchen a good base?

Staying directly at Südstrand offers immediate beach access and a resort-like atmosphere with many hotels and holiday apartments. It's perfect if your primary goal is a classic beach holiday. Landkirchen, being more central and a traditional village, offers a quieter, more 'local' experience. It's an excellent base if you plan to explore all parts of the island, including various beaches, towns, and nature reserves, as everything is a relatively short drive or bike ride away.

Can I bring my dog to the beaches on Fehmarn?

Yes, Fehmarn is very dog-friendly, but dogs are restricted to designated dog beaches ('Hundestrände') during the main season to ensure comfort for all visitors. Designated dog-friendly beach sections can be found at Grüner Brink, Bojendorf, and Meeschendorf, where your dog can run and swim freely.

What is the water like and when is it warm enough to swim in the Baltic Sea?

The Baltic Sea around Fehmarn is known for being refreshing. Water temperatures are coolest in spring and reach their peak in July and August, typically averaging around 17-18°C (63-64°F). While some find this temperature brisk, it's considered pleasant for swimming during the height of summer, especially on warm, sunny days.

Are there any quiet, less crowded beaches on Fehmarn?

Yes, if you're looking to escape the crowds of the main beaches, Fehmarn offers several natural and quieter alternatives. The beaches on the west coast, like Püttsee or Bojendorf, are often less frequented and offer a more rugged, natural experience. The east coast features stony beaches and steep cliffs, such as at Katharinenhof, which are perfect for long, peaceful walks rather than traditional sunbathing.

People Also Ask

Do I need a car to get to the beaches from Landkirchen?

While Fehmarn has a good network of cycling paths that can get you from Landkirchen to many beaches, having a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the entire island. The main beaches like Südstrand or Grüner Brink are a 10-15 minute drive from Landkirchen. Public transport options exist but may be less frequent, making a car or a bicycle the most common modes of transport for beach trips.

Are there FKK (nudist) beaches on Fehmarn?

Yes, Fehmarn has designated FKK (Freikörperkultur, or nudist) beaches for those who prefer textile-free sunbathing. There are official FKK sections at the beach in Wallnau on the west coast and at Wulfener Hals in the south, which caters to both naturists and campers.

What's the difference between Südstrand and Grüner Brink?

Südstrand, in the south, is Fehmarn's most popular and developed beach, known for its fine white sand, calm waters, beach chair rentals, and promenade with cafes and shops; it's ideal for families and sunbathers. Grüner Brink, in the north, is a more natural beach bordering a nature reserve. It has shallow water, making it good for families, but it's also a premier spot for kitesurfers due to the wind, giving it a more active, sporty vibe.

Do I have to pay for parking at the beaches on Fehmarn?

Yes, most of the popular beach car parks on Fehmarn are fee-based during the main season (typically April to October). For example, parking at Südstrand or Grüner Brink requires a fee. The town of Fehmarn uses a zone system, and you can often buy day tickets (around €5) or weekly tickets that are valid in multiple beach parking areas, which can be convenient for visitors.

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Germany
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Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Beaches