Geltinger Bay: Sailing, Coast and Nature

Water sports and nature take centre stage on Geltinger Bay: the bay offers areas for surfing and sailing, the coast opens up views as far as Denmark, and a nature reserve shapes the landscape at Geltinger Birk. If you are looking for accommodation, you can start by considering whether you would prefer to spend your holiday on the water, on a bike or observing nature. These different priorities give your search for a suitable place to stay a clear direction.

Water Sports and Coastal Landscape

Wackerballig marina lies directly on Geltinger Bay and the open Baltic Sea. The marina was inaugurated on 18 July 1980 and has 234 berths and a 220-metre-long pier. The bay itself offers areas for surfing and sailing. If you are interested in the region’s maritime side, both the view of the harbour and the broader setting of the bay and the open Baltic Sea can help guide your trip planning.

The coastal landscape is also remarkable underwater: the second-largest continuous reef system in the Schleswig-Holstein Baltic Sea stretches along Geltinger Bay and beyond Schleimünde. Large parts of this system are protected by marine nature reserves. In March 2026, the marine nature reserve “Ostseefläche Geltinger Bucht bis Schleimündung” was designated. The rules published following its designation permit swimming, bathing and diving there.

Exploring Geltinger Birk on Foot and by Bike

In Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve, a seagrass meadow about 1,000 metres long extends into Geltinger Bay. On land, the developed hiking and cycling trail “around the Birk” runs for approximately 12 kilometres, mostly along the dike around the nature reserve, between the two entrances to the Birk. The route combines clear geographical orientation with a longer outing; its stated length makes it a different kind of plan from a short detour. Many cycle paths along the coast of Geltinger Bay also offer views across the bay as far as Denmark.

The birdlife of Geltinger Birk is another point of interest for nature lovers. In 2026, regular NABU birdwatching tours will run from April to September. They start at the car park by the “Birklein” kiosk at Charlotte Mill. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to include a guided tour in your plans.

Mill, Lighthouse and Beach

Charlotte Mill is a ground-smock windmill built in 1826. It was constructed to drain the Noor and grind grain. The historic Falshöft Lighthouse stands on the coast of Geltinger Bay. The two structures add different aspects of coastal history and orientation to the experiences of nature and water.

Geltinger Bay’s beach lies between Norgaardholz and Ohrfeld. There is a playground, use of the beach and car park is free, and a campsite is nearby. If you are travelling with children, the playground is a useful additional stop during a visit to the beach. You can plan to use the beach and car park regardless of whether the rest of your trip focuses more on cycling, nature or water sports.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

If you are interested in sailing or surfing, you can make the bay’s sailing areas the focus of your trip; if you prefer to explore on land, the Birk, its birdlife and the coastal cycle paths offer other points of interest. The beach, mill and lighthouse add further highlights. When choosing a specific place to stay, check its location in relation to the places you would like to visit. This way, your choice of accommodation is guided by your actual plans rather than by a general idea of what must be central to every holiday.

Discover More Places

Discover more destinations: Steinberghaff, Kronsgaard, Steinberg, Niesgrau, Stoltebüll, Sterup, Esgrus, Steinbergkirche, Quern, Stangheck, Rabenholz, Pommerby, Nieby, Maasholm, Hasselberg, Rabel.

For the higher-level travel overview: Schleswig-Flensburg.