Wild Beaches for a Wintry Walk up North

There once was a time when pirates would lurk around Brodten’s steep coast, waiting to plunder goods from unsuspecting fishermen. But these occurrences have long been a thing of the past. Today, you might find yourself utterly alone atop this meter-high cliff. Left to the mercy of the wind and the waves, Brodten stands the test of time as it continues to erode ever so slowly.

Head up to Travemünde this winter to embark on a revitalising two-hour walk. A series of small, rickety trails lead from the top of the cliff down to the Baltic Sea’s sandy shoreline. The beach that awaits you at the bottom looks as though it sprung from the pages of a gripping adventure tale. Uprooted trees and exposed rocks line the path beneath your feet—remnants from the ice ages during which they were carried to this coast from Scandinavia. Keep a steady pace as you take in the sound of the waves striking the sand while piping winds whistle through your woollen hat. Follow the beach until you reach Niendorf. Circle back via the path along the escarpment to take in the unparalleled views of the Bay of Lübeck.

Yearning for some soothing Nordic scenery, but not really up for a long drive? Just half an hour from the heart of Hamburg, your cravings are sure to be satisfied by a wintry walk along Elbe River’s banks.

A white, sandy beach awaits your arrival at Falksteiner Ufer in Blankenese. Further uphill, the views from Waldpark Falkenstein and the Roman Gardens provide a pedestal for the river to show off its most enchanting side.

Set out from the parking lot behind Falkenstein’s bus stop. This route will lead you along the river’s slopes, through the forest, all the way down to Falkensteiner Ufer and back again. Take in the scent of pine trees, beech trees, and birches along the way. And who knows, between the wooded backdrop, the fine sand, and the splashing puddles beneath your winter boots, you might not even realise that you are, in fact, still in Hamburg.

This long, stunning beach claims a whopping 10 kilometres of the North Sea’s shoreline. Step out from the shadows of the landscape’s dunes, salt marshes, and pinewoods, and head straight for St. Peter-Ording’s 400-metre-wide strip of sand. The seemingly endless horizon transmits a blissful sense of freedom. Let the view sink in, take a deep breath, and decide on a direction.

This wintry stroll at the water’s edge will lead you past a series of pile dwellings that are up to seven metres high. It has been over one hundred years since the first of these wooden houses on stilts was erected on this beach. Today, their impressive structures serve as cultural assets and restaurants. The closest dog beach is located at the northern dike, where you’ll also find plenty of parking spots. If you start out from here, we recommend following the shoreline south.

The best part? While St.Peter-Ording is a tourist hotspot in summer, in winter, you’ll only be greeted by a few passersby. Rest your gaze on the horizon to really feel like you have the sea entirely to yourself.