Travemünde Beaches

Overview

Travemünde offers a distinctive seaside experience on Germany's Baltic coast, where wide sandy beaches meet the lively atmosphere of a working port. Part of the historic city of Lübeck, its unique appeal comes from the blend of a relaxing beach holiday with the maritime charm of watching large ferries and ships pass by. This constant connection to the sea gives Travemünde a character that sets it apart from more traditional coastal resorts.

The local coastline caters to every preference. For a truly scenic and wild experience, the dramatic cliff-lined coast at Strand am Brodtener Ufer is perfect for nature walks and stunning photographs. A short ferry ride across the river leads to the quieter Priwall peninsula, a natural area home to the official FKK Strand Priwall, offering a clothing-optional experience in a peaceful setting. For those seeking a more polished and upscale atmosphere, the famed Timmendorfer Strand is just a short journey away, known for its chic social scene and long promenade.

Travemünde is exceptionally welcoming for families, with the main beach featuring calm, shallow waters ideal for children. The main promenade is bustling with activity, while the beaches on the Priwall peninsula provide a more tranquil retreat surrounded by nature. With designated areas for naturism and a variety of landscapes from busy promenades to secluded dunes, there is a perfect spot for everyone. For a complete look at all the options, be sure to explore our longer list of local beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Do you have to pay to go on the beach in Travemünde?

Yes, for the main beach (Kurstrand) and the Priwall beach, a beach usage fee (Strandbenutzungsgebühr), also known as a tourist tax (Kurtaxe), is charged per person during the main season, typically from May 15th to September 14th. The fee is slightly lower if you arrive after 3 p.m. The beaches at Brodtener Ufer are generally free to access.

Can you swim in the sea at Travemünde and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the Baltic Sea at Travemünde. The water quality is regularly monitored and rated as excellent. The main beach slopes gently, making it suitable for families and less confident swimmers. The water can be quite cool, even in summer, so some people, especially children, might be more comfortable wearing a wetsuit. Be aware of wind and currents, and always pay attention to the flags from the DLRG (German Life Saving Association) for safety information.

Travemünde Strand

Is Travemünde good for a family beach holiday?

Travemünde is considered very family-friendly. The main beach is wide, has fine sand, and the water is shallow and calm, which is ideal for children. There are numerous amenities like playgrounds directly on the promenade, including a large pirate ship playground, and beach toy rentals. The Priwall beach is also known for its very gentle slope into the water, making it great for toddlers.

Travemünde Strand

FKK Strand Priwall

How much does it cost to rent a beach chair (Strandkorb) in Travemünde?

Renting a traditional German beach chair, or Strandkorb, costs around €15 to €16 per day for a standard two-person chair. Larger family-sized chairs are also available for a higher price, around €21 per day. Weekly and seasonal rentals are also possible and offer better value. It is highly recommended to reserve a chair in advance, especially during peak season, directly with one of the many rental providers along the beach.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Travemünde?

During the main season, from April 1st to September 30th, dogs are only permitted on two designated dog beaches: one at Brodtener Ufer and one on the Priwall peninsula. Outside of this period, from October to March, dogs are allowed on all of Travemünde's beaches. On the promenades, dogs must be kept on a leash.

FKK Strand Priwall

What's the difference between the main beach and the Priwall beach?

The main beach (Kurstrand) is located directly along the bustling town promenade, offering easy access to cafes, shops, and amenities. It's wide, lively, and where most activities take place. The Priwall beach, on the other hand, is on a peninsula you reach by a short ferry ride. It is known for being more natural and quieter, with gentle dunes and an adjacent forest, offering a more tranquil experience. It's particularly favored by families with small children due to the very shallow water.

FKK Strand Priwall

How do you get to the beach from Lübeck?

Getting to Travemünde's beaches from Lübeck is straightforward. You can take a regional train (Regionalbahn) from Lübeck's main station (Hauptbahnhof) directly to the "Lübeck-Travemünde Strand" station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the main beach. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive via the B75 road or take a local bus.

Travemünde Strand

Is there a nudist (FKK) beach in Travemünde?

Yes, Travemünde has designated areas for nude sunbathing and swimming, known as FKK (Freikörperkultur). There are two official FKK sections: one is located on the Priwall peninsula at the eastern end of the beach, and the other is at the Brodtener Ufer, north of the main beach area.

FKK Strand Priwall

People Also Ask

Which is better for a beach holiday, Travemünde or Timmendorfer Strand?

The choice depends on your preference. Travemünde offers a unique mix of a wide beach, a busy port with large ferries, and the charm of being part of the historic city of Lübeck. Timmendorfer Strand is often seen as a more upscale and chic resort town, focused purely on the beach holiday experience with long promenades, boutiques, and restaurants. Travemünde has a more maritime, industrial flair with the passing ships, while Timmendorfer Strand is a more classic, polished seaside resort.

Travemünde Strand

Timmendorfer Strand

Where can I park to go to the beach in Travemünde?

There are several paid parking options near the beach. The 'Möwenstein' car park and the 'Parkplatz am Strandbahnhof' are very close to the main promenade. For the Priwall beach, there is parking available after you take the car ferry across. A large, and sometimes free, car park is the 'Parkplatz Kowitzberg', which is a bit of a walk from the main beach but a good option during busy times. Following the electronic parking guidance system is recommended.

Is Travemünde more for couples, parties, or a quiet retreat?

Travemünde is versatile but primarily appeals to families and couples looking for a relaxing seaside holiday with a maritime atmosphere. It combines beach life with the interest of a working ferry port and the proximity to Lübeck. While it has lovely cafes and restaurants, it is not known as a party destination. The Priwall side offers a quieter, nature-oriented retreat, while the main promenade is livelier but still maintains a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

What is there to do on a windy or rainy day at the beach?

On windy days, the beach is very popular for flying kites. A walk along the Brodtener Steilufer (cliff trail) can also be very dramatic and beautiful in windy weather. If it rains, you can visit the Old Lighthouse, explore the museum ship 'Passat', or take a short trip into the historic old town of Lübeck, which has numerous museums, churches, and the famous Niederegger Marzipan Salon.