Our Four Favourite Bodies of Water Near Hamburg

Imagine leaving the city and experiencing the sensation of being entirely alone in the world—and with a little bit of luck, this dream might just become a reality. Klüthsee is located north of Hamburg close to Großer Segeberger See. As you walk towards the bathing spot on the lake’s northern shore, listen for summer as she softly whispers in your ear. The melody of the wind as it gently sweeps through the surrounding fields causing wheat stalks to rustle and little twigs to crack accompanies chirpy birdsong. Just a ten-minute walk under the canopy of giant oak trees will bring you to a large, sloped lawn that looks out over the lake. A wooden diving tower rounds off the idyllic, postcard-worthy view that greets you upon arrival.

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Krebssee is located east of Hamburg in a district called Hellbachtal. The closer you get to Lehmrade, the clearer it’ll become that this is an insider’s tip. Even your navigation device might struggle to guide you in the right direction. Hence, we recommend typing the exact coordinates for the parking lot in Hellbachtal (53.585880, 10.733828) into your app from the start. After parking your car, you’ll need to enter the nature reserve to reach the bathing spot on the lake’s eastern shore. Whether by bike or on foot, a series of forest paths will lead you to your destination. Here, a sandy beach leading into the water at a slight incline awaits your arrival. Krebssee’s crystal clear waters beckon you in, and you can even swim to the shore on the opposite side of the lake. If you decide to take a walk around the circumference of the lake, be sure to take your swimsuit with you. You’ll come across a series of more hidden bathing spots that might tempt you to take a dip along the way.

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Nothing beats a refreshing dip in cool waters on a hot summer’s day. In addition to our deep-rooted passion for lakes, we also have a soft spot for the rivers that flow through Germany’s landscapes. Historically, Dove Elbe—a branch of Elbe River—was utilised by farmers for the transportation of goods. Today, sun-seekers and paddlers frequent this 18-kilometre waterway that passes through Vierlande. Toward Die Reit Nature Reserve, Dove Elbe transforms into a lake-like extension of the river, making it a popular destination for bathing enthusiasts. But visitors are not only attracted to this section of the river by its numerous sandy beaches. Spectators also come to experience the rowing racecourse, characterised by a series of piers. On a separate note, please keep in mind that it is forbidden to swim in Eichbaumsee, a nearby lake separated only from Elbe River’s waters by a narrow stretch of land. Head westward from here to enjoy breathtaking views of the island. Or, with a bit of luck, as an eastward-bound visitor, you’ll get to enjoy a small bay entirely to yourself.

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St. Peter-Ording? Really? We’re well-aware that some Hamburg natives were surprised when we chose to include this beach in our book. But St. Peter Ording is undoubtedly one of our favourite places in the region, and we confidently recommend it to anyone looking to experience a true taste of Northern Germany’s flair. We admit that our sense of nostalgia might have something to do with “Gegen den Wind”, a TV series that aired when we were children and shot was in St. Peter Ording. Today, this 10-kilometre-long beach in Schleswig Holstein remains one of the most popular destinations along the North Sea’s coastline. 

As you step out from the shade of the surrounding dunes, salt marshes, and pine forests, the seemingly endless horizon that greets you on this 400-metre-wide stretch of sand evokes a unique sense of freedom. Admire the view, take a deep breath, and make your way towards the soft, lapping waves. If you travel with your dog, we recommend parking your car in Norddeich and stopping by the designated dog beach. For a bit of FKK-flair, you’ll also find a nudist beach not far from here. The kitesurfers along the coastline put on a show for passers-by. Equally impressive is the series of seven-metre-high steel constructs that line the landscape. It’s been over one hundred years since the first wooden hut was erected on stilts on this coastline. Today, these impressive constructs have been transformed into restaurants and are considered part of the region’s cultural heritage. The little district Böhl is a great place to seek out rest and relaxation over a long weekend. Dorf, on the other hand, offers vacationers a bit more entertainment with its weekly farmer’s market.

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