Wendtorf Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Wendtorf, a charming and relaxed beach destination on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Unlike its busier neighbors, Wendtorf offers a unique blend of modern marina life and tranquil nature. Here, visitors can enjoy both a developed, family-friendly beach area right by the harbor and a vast, protected natural beach bordering the serene Bottsand nature reserve. This dual character makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful seaside escape with varied scenery, from sailboats and promenades to untouched dunes and coastline.

The surrounding area provides a rich selection of Baltic beach experiences. For a classic seaside day with a long sandy shore and pier, Schönberger Strand is a popular and lively choice. Nearby, Laboe Strand captivates visitors by combining beach relaxation with impressive historical sights like a naval monument and a submarine. For a quieter, picturesque alternative, Strandbad Kalifornien offers classic coastal scenery perfect for photos. Families with young children will particularly appreciate the nearby Strand Stein, known for its calm, shallow waters that are perfect for splashing and playing safely.

Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of a resort town or the solitude of a natural landscape, the coast around Wendtorf caters to every preference. The region thoughtfully includes designated areas for dogs as well as a secluded FKK/naturist section for those who want to enjoy the sun and sea in a natural state. This overview highlights just a few of the beautiful spots available. For a complete picture of the coastline, be sure to explore our full guide to the area's many beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Wendtorf suitable for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Wendtorf is considered very family-friendly. The main beach area near the marina offers shallow, calm waters, making it safe for children to splash and play. Additionally, the nearby beach in Stein is particularly popular with families due to its wide, flat-water zone and sandbanks. For activities beyond the beach, Wendtorf features a 25,000-square-meter nature adventure playground (Kinderabenteuerland) with climbing structures, a pirate tower, and opportunities for nature discovery, ensuring kids stay entertained.

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

Yes, you can swim in the Baltic Sea at Wendtorf. The water at the main beach is known for being largely shallow and calm, which is ideal for casual swimming and families. The natural beach section near the Bottsand nature reserve offers a more rustic swimming experience. For those seeking more action, the area is also popular for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, particularly at the nearby Heidkate beach.

Strand Heidkate

Do I have to pay a tourist tax (Kurtaxe) for the beaches in Wendtorf?

No, the beaches in Wendtorf and the neighboring beach in Stein are 'kurabgabefrei,' meaning there is no daily beach usage fee. However, overnight guests in the municipality of Wendtorf are required to pay a tourism tax (Tourismus-Taxe or Übernachtungsabgabe), which is calculated as 4% of your accommodation cost. This is a general municipal tax and does not result in a 'Kurkarte' that offers specific discounts.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Wendtorf?

While Wendtorf's main beaches have restrictions, the region is generally dog-friendly. The nearby beach in Stein features a designated dog beach where dogs can run off-leash and swim. Another excellent option is the extensive dog beach at Heidkate, which spans three sections of the beach. These designated areas ensure that dog owners can enjoy the coast with their pets.

Are there holiday apartments right on the beach in Wendtorf?

Yes, the Marina Wendtorf development features a large number of modern holiday apartments and houses, many of which are located just a few steps from the water and offer sea views. The area has seen significant development, mixing new, modern holiday homes with the original apartment blocks from the 1970s. These accommodations provide direct access to the marina promenade and the adjacent beach area.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What is the beach at Wendtorf actually like? Is it a natural beach or more developed?

Wendtorf offers a mix of beach experiences. Adjacent to the modern Marina Wendtorf, you'll find a developed promenade and a smaller, accessible sandy beach area. Heading east, the beach becomes a protected, natural beach (Naturbadestrand) that borders the Bottsand nature reserve. This section is praised for its tranquility, dunes, and natural beauty, offering a quieter, more rustic experience compared to the marina area.

How does the beach in Wendtorf compare to Laboe or Schönberger Strand?

Wendtorf's beach is generally considered quieter and more nature-focused than the beaches in Laboe or Schönberg. Laboe is a larger, more bustling resort town with a prominent naval memorial, a submarine museum, and a wider range of restaurants right on the promenade. Schönberger Strand is also very popular and can be busier, famous for its pier. Wendtorf, by contrast, offers a more relaxed atmosphere, especially at its nature beach next to the Bottsand reserve, making it a choice for visitors seeking tranquility over crowds.

Is there an FKK/naturist beach section in Wendtorf?

Yes, there is a designated FKK (Freikörperkultur) or naturist section at the Wendtorf beach. This 280-meter-long area is located on the natural beach part, directly adjacent to the Bottsand nature reserve, offering a secluded and scenic spot for nude sunbathing and swimming.

FKK Strand Bottsand

People Also Ask

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

There is a large, paid parking area called 'Bottsand' located at Schleusenweg, right behind the dike. This is the primary parking for visitors to the natural beach. There are also various parking lots (P1-P7) associated with the Marina Wendtorf, with different seasonal availabilities and tariffs. It's recommended to check the signs for current fees and rules, as parking is managed digitally based on your license plate.

What is there to do in Wendtorf if the weather is bad?

If you experience 'Schietwetter' (bad weather), there are several indoor alternatives nearby. You can visit the Meerwasser-Hallenbad (seawater indoor pool) in Laboe for a swim. Laboe also has the famous U-995 submarine museum and the Naval Memorial. For families, indoor playgrounds like the Sum Sum Indoor-Spielpark in Kiel or the Action Arena in Schwentinental offer entertainment. Visiting the regional Probstei Museum in Schönberg is another good cultural option.

Laboe Strand

What is the Bottsand nature reserve next to the beach?

The Bottsand is a significant nature reserve directly east of the Wendtorf beach. It's a protected area consisting of a coastal spit, dunes, salt marshes, and a shallow lagoon (Bodden). It is an important habitat for rare birds like the Little Tern and Common Ringed Plover. While direct entry into the core reserve is restricted to protect wildlife, you can enjoy views of it from the beach and the dike. The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) operates a nature station there and offers guided tours.

Can you rent beach chairs (Strandkörbe) in Wendtorf?

Beach chair rentals are not a prominent feature of the natural beach in Wendtorf, which maintains a more rustic and undeveloped character. While a couple of chairs might be spotted near the small marina beach, it is unlike other major Baltic resorts that have rows of them for rent. The nearby, more developed beaches like Stein or Schönberger Strand offer more extensive beach chair rental services.