Schillig Beaches

Overview

Schillig offers a unique coastal experience on Germany's North Sea coast. It boasts the only natural sand and dune beach on the Lower Saxony mainland, setting it apart from the region's more common grassy dykes. Visitors should know that the beach is part of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the sea retreats for miles during low tide. This tidal rhythm governs the day, with swimming possible during high tide and the vast, exposed mudflats offering a different kind of natural wonder when the water is out.

The main beach, Strand Schillig, is the heart of the area, a vast sandy expanse perfect for families and sunbathers. For a change of scenery, the nearby Grünstrand Horumersiel provides a unique seaside experience on a well-kept lawn right by the water. Those seeking a classic island adventure can take a day trip to the car-free island of Wangerooge to enjoy the iconic Strand von Wangerooge.

Whether you're looking for relaxation or activity, Schillig delivers. The calm atmosphere is ideal for unwinding, while the steady winds make it a prime spot for watersports like kitesurfing. When the tide recedes, the beach transforms, inviting visitors to try guided mudflat hiking—a truly memorable North Sea activity. Beyond these highlights, the Wangerland region is dotted with other coastal spots, which you can discover in our complete guide to the area's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Can you actually swim in the sea at Schillig or is it just mudflats?

Yes, you can swim in the North Sea at Schillig, but it's entirely dependent on the tides. The beach is part of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means the water recedes for several kilometers during low tide, exposing the vast mudflats. Swimming is generally possible for about two hours before and after high tide. The beach has a very gentle slope, making it ideal for families with children as the water remains shallow for a good distance. For safety, the main beach area is monitored by lifeguards during the bathing season.

Strand Schillig

Naturstrand Schillig

Is Schillig's beach suitable for a family holiday with young children?

Schillig is very well-suited for families with children. The main beach has a gentle slope into the water, creating a large, shallow area for kids to play in safely during high tide. A large playground is located right on the sand, separated from the water only by the promenade, allowing children to easily switch between playing and swimming. Additionally, family-friendly amenities like restrooms and snack bars are readily available.

Strand Schillig

Do I have to pay to access the beach in Schillig?

Yes, access to the main beach in Schillig requires payment of a visitor's tax, known as the 'Gästebeitrag' or formerly 'Kurtaxe'. This fee contributes to the maintenance of the beach, cleanliness, and the presence of lifeguards. Upon payment, you receive a 'Nordsee-ServiceCard', which grants you access to the beach in Schillig and many other coastal towns in the region. The fee varies depending on the season and the age of the visitor.

Strand Schillig

What are the rules for dogs on Schillig beach?

Schillig has a designated dog beach ('Hundestrand') where dogs are welcome. This section is a natural sandy beach located towards the eastern end. However, it's important to know that a leash law is in effect on the entire beach, including the designated dog area, primarily to protect the local wildlife in the Wadden Sea National Park. The main, guarded swimming beach does not permit dogs.

Strand Schillig

Is it better to stay in a holiday apartment or on the campsite in Schillig?

The choice depends on your preference for comfort and proximity to the beach. The Nordsee-Camping Schillig is one of the largest in Germany and is located directly behind the dyke, offering immediate beach access. It's a very popular option for those who enjoy camping culture. Holiday apartments and houses are located in the small village of Schillig, typically a few hundred meters' walk from the beach. They offer more space and amenities, which can be preferable for families or those seeking more privacy and comfort.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What is there to do at the beach when the tide is out?

When the tide is out, the beach transforms into the Wadden Sea mudflats, offering a unique activity: mudflat hiking ('Wattwandern'). You can join guided tours to explore the unique ecosystem, discover the small creatures that live in the mud, and even walk to the nearby island of Minsener Oog. It's a classic North Sea experience. For safety and to avoid getting stuck or caught by the returning tide, it is highly recommended to go with a certified guide.

Is Schillig more for relaxing or for active/watersports holidays?

Schillig caters to both. Its calm atmosphere and expansive sandy beach are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and long walks. For more active visitors, Schillig is a popular spot for watersports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing, due to its large, shallow bay and steady winds. There are local surf schools offering courses and equipment rental. You can also enjoy activities like beach volleyball, cycling on the dykes, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Strand Schillig

Naturstrand Schillig

How does Schillig's beach compare to Hooksiel's?

Both Schillig and Hooksiel are popular beach destinations in the Wangerland region, but they offer different experiences. Schillig is known for having the only natural sand beach with dunes on the Lower Saxony mainland, giving it a more natural, expansive feel. It's generally considered quieter and more focused on nature and camping. Hooksiel has a large grassy beach area and a separate, tide-independent inland lake ('Hooksmeer') for swimming and watersports, which can be an advantage when the North Sea tide is out. Hooksiel also has a more traditional harbor town feel.

Strand Schillig

Hooksieler Strand

People Also Ask

What's so special about the beach in Schillig?

The most special feature of Schillig's beach is that it's the only natural sand beach with a dune landscape on the entire Lower Saxony mainland coast. This gives it a more wild and expansive feel compared to the many green, grassy dyke-beaches typical for the region. Its location on the northeastern tip of the East Frisian peninsula also provides fantastic views of the Wadden Sea National Park and the shipping lanes leading to Wilhelmshaven, where you can watch large ships pass by.

Strand Schillig

Are there sandy areas or is it all grass and mud?

Schillig boasts a long and wide natural sand beach, which is a unique feature on the German mainland North Sea coast. Behind the sandy area, there are grassy sections on the dyke for sunbathing. When the tide goes out, the sandy beach transitions into the characteristic mudflats (Watt) of the Wadden Sea. So you get a combination of sand, grass, and mudflats, but the primary beach area is fine sand.

Strand Schillig

Naturstrand Schillig

What are the parking options near Schillig beach and are they free?

There are no free parking spots directly at the beach. You have two main paid parking lots: a large one at the main beach entrance ('Strandbad') and a smaller one closer to the natural beach and dog beach section. The parking fees are charged daily during set hours, typically from morning to evening. From the lots, it's a short walk of a few hundred meters over the dyke to get to the sand.

Strand Schillig

Can you rent beach chairs (Strandkörbe) in Schillig?

Yes, you can rent the iconic German beach chairs, known as 'Strandkörbe', at the main beach in Schillig. They are available for daily or weekly rental and provide excellent protection from the sun and the often-present wind. It's recommended to book them in advance, especially during the peak summer season, as they are very popular.

Strand Schillig

Schillig Beaches

Overview

Editor's Pick

Strand Schillig

Strand von Wangerooge

Grünstrand Horumersiel

Hooksiel FKK Beach

Schillig Dog Beach

FAQ

Can you actually swim in the sea at Schillig or is it just mudflats?

Is Schillig's beach suitable for a family holiday with young children?

Do I have to pay to access the beach in Schillig?

What are the rules for dogs on Schillig beach?

Is it better to stay in a holiday apartment or on the campsite in Schillig?

What is there to do at the beach when the tide is out?

Is Schillig more for relaxing or for active/watersports holidays?

How does Schillig's beach compare to Hooksiel's?

The Natural Coast

Strand Schillig

Naturstrand Schillig

Hundestrand Wangerland

Naturnaher Strand

People Also Ask

What's so special about the beach in Schillig?

Are there sandy areas or is it all grass and mud?

What are the parking options near Schillig beach and are they free?

Can you rent beach chairs (Strandkörbe) in Schillig?

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Schillig

Nudist Beaches in Schillig

Wangerland Coastal Tour

Grünstrand Horumersiel

Naturstrand Schillig

Hooksieler Strand

Strand Harlesiel

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Hundestrand Hooksiel Wangerland

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Hauptstrand Wangerooge

Schillig Beaches Map

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