The Baltic Coast with its 2,000 km of sandy beaches is the kind of place people come to again and again. The scenery is varied and includes high cliffs, forests and green lands. Islands like Usedom or Rügen are perfect for beach holidays and don’t worry, you don’t have to take your clothes off if you’re not so inclined.

Rügen, Germany’s biggest German island,  connected to the mainland via a dam, is famous for its limestone cliffs that feature in the works of the romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. Beaches are wide and white such as the Schaabe with beautiful dunes and 10km of sands, or the beach at the resort of Binz with shallow waters, making it suitable for children. From here, sunbathers have also great views on the white cliffs nearby. Speaking of sun, Rügen has on average 30 percent more sun than the rest of Germany. And yes, it can get really hot here.

A real jewel is Hiddensee, a tiny island just off Rügen, with a stunning lighthouse, 15km of beaches and no cars at all – verboten. The idea here is to first rent yourself a Strandkorb, one of the roofed wicker beach chairs to be found on every German beach and invented in the 19^th century by one Wilhem Bartelmann in Rostock. And then simply relax. No stress, just nature and peace.

Usedom, a bit further east off the Baltic Coast and also known as “Berlin’s bathtub”, has fantastic beaches and is very much liked by families. The Kaiserbäder (Emperor’s spas) Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck and Bansin were frequently visited by Wilhelm II, hence the name “Emperor’s spas”, and have beautiful promenades, lined by magnificent villas. The promenade connecting Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf is a particular treat for a relaxed stroll with lots of elegant architecture on the way. In Heringsdorf, Ahlbeck, Bansin and Zinnowitz visitors can also admire the famous piers, the Seebrücken.

Breathtaking landscape and a quiet pace of life

Very much recommended by locals is also the Darß peninsula with nice beaches between Prerow and Zingst. The landscape here is breathtaking and the pace of life quiet. Apart from the islands, the mainland of the Baltic Coast offers plenty of beaching options as well. Timmendorfer Strand is arguably the most famous Baltic beach, 6 km long and with a wealth of sports and leisure facilities. The beach at Nienhagen is a favourite for divers and nature lovers and next to the Gespensterwald (ghost forest) with interesting flora and fauna.

And there’s, of course, Heiligendamm. The small seaside resort , also called “white town by the sea” because of the ubiquity of white buildings lining the sea, and its Grand Hotel Heiligendamm have seen many a celebrity, past and present. Most recently, the participants of the G8 summit in 2008 managed to squeeze into one gigantic, specially made Strandkorb there. You can get one all by yourself. All you need to do is choose a favourite beach.