Ostsee (Ostsee), that is, the East Sea – this is how the Germans call the Baltic. The total length of the Baltic coast in the German states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein is almost 2250 kilometers.
Kitesurfers in Laboe in Schleswig-Holstein
Sea resorts
Windsurfing is great in the German resorts of the Baltic Sea, but most tourists come here to swim and sunbathe. It is here that the sunniest place in Germany is located – the island of Fehmarn, over which the sun shines, on average, about 2200 hours a year. In many regions of the country, this indicator of hours is 500-600 less.
Beach in Kühlungsborn
beach baskets
Not a single Baltic resort can do without traditional wicker seats – beach baskets that allow you to spend time comfortably: they protect from the sun, rain and wind. The first beach basket was invented and made in 1882 in Rostock by order of a noble lady who suffered from rheumatism. She just wanted to be able to sit comfortably on the beach.
Heringsdorf beach resort on the island of Usedom
Sea berths
Another characteristic attraction of the German resorts in the Baltic is such passenger berths, sometimes going many hundreds of meters into the sea. Fishing enthusiasts, armed to the teeth with fishing rods, love to practice their hobbies here, and tourists love to walk to take a look at the coastal line from afar. The longest such 500-meter pier in Germany is located in the resort of Heringsdorf.
Sand dunes on the Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula
Expanse for naturists
The Baltic resorts have the most beaches in Germany for those who love to sunbathe and swim in what their mother gave birth to (German: FKK-Strände). Naturism has been popular here since the days of the GDR, where it was considered a completely natural thing. However, we will not interfere with vacationers without swimming trunks and swimsuits, but just look at one of the local sand dunes.
Chalk cliffs on the island of Rügen
Impressive Landscapes
The Baltic coast is distinguished by landscape diversity. We have already seen sand dunes. Now it’s the turn of the legendary Chalk Rocks on the island of Rügen. Their height reaches 120 meters, and the thickness of limestone deposits here is as much as half a kilometer. At one time, the rocks inspired the artists of the German Romantic era, and now they serve as a favorite motif for photographers.
Parade of sailboats in the Bay of Kiel
Maritime romance
Where the sea is, there are ships, but even better – sailboats, which you can admire for a very long time. Going on a tour by boat or yacht is also easy – you just need to organize it. A special event for lovers of maritime romance is the Kiel Week celebration and regatta, during which this photo was taken.
Old town in Lübeck
world heritage
The Baltic coast of Germany is rich in architectural sights. A special place is occupied by Lübeck, as well as Wismar and Stralsund. The historical architectural ensembles of these ancient cities are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Historic center of Wismar
Hanseatic League
These and many other cities in the region were part of the Hanseatic League – a medieval association created to protect trade routes and protect common commercial interests. This historical period is reminiscent of imposing brick Gothic churches, luxurious facades of town halls, merchant and burgher houses – for example, in Wismar.
Fish stall in the port of Wismar
Seafood
For lovers of fish delicacies, the Baltic coast is a real paradise. The main part of the catch of the local fishermen in the sea is herring, cod, flounder, eel and salmon. There are perches, carps, pikes and zanders in the lakes.
Amber workshop in Ribnitz-Damgarten
Amber Shores
If you’re lucky, while walking along the beach or along the shore, you can find amber, jewelry from which was made in these places already 10 thousand years ago. The highest chances of luck for amber seekers are after a storm on the islands of Hiddensee, Rügen and Usedom.