Eckernförde between beach, harbour and culture

Eckernförde brings together Baltic Sea beaches, a harbour and city experiences in a compact area. The fine sandy beach stretches for four kilometres; boats and ships are part of the scene at the town harbour. The harbour is right by the long beach promenade, with the old town and city centre nearby. Shopping streets, the beach, harbour and places to enjoy fish are also close together. This means you can choose between time at the beach, harbour atmosphere, a stroll around town and culinary discoveries during your stay.

Baltic beaches and inland waters

The beach is a defining feature of Eckernförde: it combines fine sand with the opportunity to swim, and its four-kilometre length provides a clear reference point for planning your holiday. The town harbour offers a different atmosphere. Boats and ships, the promenade and its proximity to the old town give your stay an urban dimension alongside the beach.

Windebyer Noor is also associated with Eckernförde and is considered a natural inland lake. So the destination is about more than just the Baltic Sea and the beach: the Noor adds an inland body of water to the area’s natural landscape. The beach, harbour and Noor offer different starting points for deciding what you would like to explore during your stay.

Churches and culture in the town

St. Nicolai is located in the pedestrian zone. Red brick and the design of a hall church characterise the building; its origins go back to an early 13th-century Romanesque church without a tower. Inside, visitors can see historic tombs and ship models. Its architecture, history and exhibits give a visit to the church several points of interest, which you can discover even when you’re not spending the day at the beach.

Borby Church is a striking landmark, visible from far away as you approach Eckernförde. Its old tower chamber is architecturally remarkable and serves as a memorial. Together with St. Nicolai, it adds two distinct historic places to the impressions of the beach and harbour.

Eckernförde’s programme also includes music, literature, theatre and art throughout the year. Individual event dates may change, so check the latest listings if you’re planning to attend a particular cultural event. This lets you include cultural activities in your stay without losing sight of the town’s other features.

Swimming, crafts and activities to enjoy together

The Meerwasser Wellenbad and Hot Spot Sauna are right on the beach promenade and offer swimming and sauna facilities all year round. Check the latest opening times and access rules before your visit. With its four-kilometre bathing beach and these year-round options, Eckernförde offers different ways to swim and enjoy the sauna.

There are also specific activities away from the water: Bonbonkocherei makes sweets and chocolate by hand. The Ostseegolfplatz has 18 holes and is designed as an activity for the whole family. When planning your stay, you can therefore consider handmade confectionery and an activity to enjoy together, as well as the beach and the town’s history.

Fish sandwiches, which you can buy directly from fishing boats at the town harbour, are part of the local culinary experience. Along with the nearby shopping streets, harbour and beach, this gives you different ways to shape your holiday: your stay can focus more on the water or also include the town, culture and food. Choose your accommodation based on the experiences in Eckernförde that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Aukrug, Hamweddel, Fleckeby, Bokel, Dörphof, Rumohr, Gammelby, Krummwisch.

Go to the regional travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.