Summer in Hamburg: 7 relaxing beaches

Summer is just around the corner, and what could be better than a trip to the beach? You don't have to go all the way to the sea when you're on holiday in Hamburg. There are plenty of beaches in the beautiful Hanseatic city that invite you to sunbathe, linger, and swim. For a relaxing day by the water, we discovered seven beautiful beaches in Hamburg that we can't wait to share with you.

Wittenberger Shore

Hamburg is located on the River Elbe, and it may come as a surprise to some visitors that there are some beautiful sandy beaches along the river. One of these is the Wittenberger Shore area of the Elbe Beach. Here you will find a fine sandy beach and a beautiful nature reserve – the ideal combination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach is a great place to take a stroll and watch the boats go by. In principle, you can swim here, but due to the current, we recommend only dipping your feed in the water.

Adress: Rissener Ufer 27, 22559 Hamburg

Falkensteiner Beach

A little further along is Falkensteiner Ufer, another beautiful sandy beach. It's often described as the most beautiful beach in Hamburg, and we think it's well worth a visit. It is particularly romantic at sunset when you can sit on the beach and watch the boats, have a drink and just daydream. Swimming is not recommended here either, but the beach alone is worth the trip.

Adress: Falkensteiner Ufer, 22587 Hamburg

Övelgönne

The sandy beach of Övelgönne is an essential highlight on any list of Hamburg’s beaches. It is one of the most famous and popular in the city and has a lot to offer. Take a walk around the picturesque pilot houses or visit the famous Harbour museum. The beach itself is another highlight. Here, you can unwind and fully enjoy the summer in Hamburg. You can also swim here, but as everywhere on the Elbe, you should be careful.

Adress: Övelgönne 60, 22605 Hamburg

Elbe Beach Finkenriek

Another beautiful Hamburg beach, the Elbe Beach Finkenriek is hidden away on the Süderelbe. This relatively small stretch of beach is best known for its fantastic views of the Elbe railway bridge and the Schweenssand nature reserve. As the current is a little stronger here, we recommend a walk along the dyke. Feel the fresh breeze and fine sand and enjoy a moment of peace and relaxation during your holiday. This is a place where you might forget you’re in a bustling city.

Adress: Finkenrieker Hauptdeich 5, 21109 Hamburg

Naturbad Stadtparksee

For a relaxing swim, try the Stadtparksee. The lake is the largest open-air swimming pool in the Hanseatic city and invites you to bathe, swim, and relax. With the fantastic backdrop of the Stadtpark, you can experience Hamburg's green side and enjoy the city's urban atmosphere at the same time.

Adress: Südring 5b, 22303 Hamburg

Timmendorfer Strand

It’s true that Hamburg has some lovely beaches, but since many of them have swimming restrictions, we recommend a trip to the Baltic or North Sea for the ultimate seaside experience. Both of Germany's seas have plenty of dream beaches, quaint villages, wicker beach chairs and more. For example, try a trip to Timmendorfer Strand. It is about an hour's drive from our hotel and just under 1.5 hours by train.

Adress: Strandallee 95, 23669 Timmendorfer Strand

St. Peter-Ording

St. Peter-Ording also offers a relaxing seaside holiday near Hamburg. Located about 150 kilometres from the Hanseatic city Hamburg, the sandy beach stretches out for twelve whole kilometres. Surrounded by dunes, mudflats, and salty North Sea water, you can enjoy the vastness, fresh sea air and beauty of this coastal gem with all your senses.

Adress: Am Deich 34, 25826 St. Peter-Ording

Dreamy overnight stays in Hamburg

Summer holidays in Hamburg are wonderful. If you would like to explore Hamburg and its beaches as part of a city break, we have the ideal hotel for you. At Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg, you can stay right in the heart of the city on the Inner Alster Lake. Enjoy an unforgettable time at our enchanting grand hotel.