RATED: Top Urban Beaches in German Cities
Discover the unique charm of Germany's urban and city beaches this summer, as these vibrant spots offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From the bustling heart of Hamburg to the picturesque banks of the Elbe in Dresden, there's a beach for everyone to enjoy.
In Dortmund, the "Herr Walter" stands out as an urban oasis, offering sun decks and a stunning view of Dortmund Harbour. Described as relaxed, charming, and urban, it's the perfect spot for a laid-back day by the water. Admission costs just €3.
Frankfurt's Citybeach, located on the roof of a high-rise building, is another popular destination. With entry at €5 after 5pm, and after midday on weekends and public holidays, it's an affordable way to enjoy a beach experience in the heart of the city. Citybeach also boasts a small pool, a beach volleyball court, and serves cocktails and burgers. Reservations are advised due to its popularity.
Berlin's Strandbad Wansee, Europe's largest outdoor pool, is another must-visit. Filled with golden sand from the Baltic Sea, it offers beach chairs, boat rentals, a water slide, and huge sunbathing areas. Entry costs €6.50 for adults and €3.80 for children, with family discounts available.
Besides these well-known city beaches, there are several other popular spots worth exploring. Munich's Olympiapark Beach Club, for example, recreates a beach atmosphere with sand, deck chairs, and regular events, despite not being a natural beach. Stuttgart's Neckarstrand offers a relaxed vibe along the Neckar River, complete with sand and palm trees. Leipzig's Urban Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and socializing, while Cologne's Rodenkirchen Beach is trendy for summer chilling and volleyball.
Hamburg's Stadtpark Strand and Düsseldorf's Rheinwiesen are other seasonal urban beaches that pop up during the summer months, often featuring sand, deck chairs, and sometimes bars or concerts. Many German cities also set up temporary "city beaches" in parks and along riverbanks, providing a similar urban beach experience within city centres.
The Elbstrand in Hamburg is a public beach in the heart of one of Europe's busiest ports, offering a variety of beach bars and restaurants, and allowing barbecuing and camping. In Bremen, the Weserstrand beach and Cafe Sand are located across the Wilhelm-Kaisen-Brücke bridge. Dresden's Citybeach is a beach along the Elbe, a great place to cool off during hot summer days.
Other cities with urban beaches include Mainz, Saarbrucken, Magdeburg, Erfurt, Nuremberg, Potsdam, and Cologne. Whether you're in the mood for a lively atmosphere or a quiet retreat, Germany's city beaches have something for everyone. So, pack your beach bag and get ready to soak up the sun!
At the urban oasis of Herr Walter in Dortmund, home-and-garden enthusiasts will appreciate the vibrant outdoor-living space with sun decks and a scenic view of Dortmund Harbour. On the other hand, in Berlin, Strandbad Wansee, Europe's largest outdoor pool, offers a unique blend of home-and-garden elements with its golden sand from the Baltic Sea, resembling a beach-inspired home-and-garden setup.
