The German Coastline

The waters of two seas – the North Sea and the Baltic Sea – lap on northern Germany’s shores, linked by the Kiel Canal, which cuts across the base of the Jutland peninsula. The cool climate on the coast makes for short summers yet, on a sunny day, the beaches are packed with holiday makers, and a holiday here can have a lot to offer. Heiligendamm was the first seaside resort to be established in Germany, in 1783 by a duke of Mecklenburg. By the end of the 19^th century, spas with elegant villas, promenades and piers were springing up everywhere. A popular attraction are the Strandkorbe – huge wickerwork beach chairs.

The Cliffs of Helgoland have a characteristic reddish hue indicating the red sandstone from which they are composed.

The sand dunes form part of a nature reserve in the northern part of Sylt, the largest of the North Frisian islands.

Borkum, one of the East Frisian islands, was once inhabited by whalers. Garden fences were often constructed from whale bones, and some have survived to the present day.

Bremerhaven is a vast port at the mouth of the Weser river. It was constructed from 1827 to support the port of Bremen, which is located farther inland, away from the sea.

Stralsund, a Hanseatic harbour town with a medieval lay-out, has a large number of well-preserved historic monuments.

On the small, flat island of Hiddensee all car traffic is banned. The island was much loved by the writer Gerhart Hauptmann, who lies buried here in the local cemetery.

THE COASTLINE

The hinterland of the Baltic region is generally flat and sandy, but in some areas it is steep and rocky. For visitors the greatest draw are the islands: R・en with its steep chalky cliffs, Usedom with its wide, sandy beaches and Hiddensee. Off the lowlands and the marshy coastal region in the hinterland of the North Sea coast extends the chain of Frisian islands.

The beach at Ahlbeck and the pier with its restaurant are the greatest attractions on the island of Usedom, at the mouth of the Oder river.

Rugen, famous for its unusual chalky cliff formations, was immortalized by Caspar David Friedrich and continues to inspire artists.

CROSS-SECTION OF WATT

The Watt is a flat, boggy stretch of coastline, up to several kilometres wide, which is covered by the sea as the tide comes in, and laid bare as it goes out again. The Watt landscape is fairly monotonous, but it is fascinating to observe the rich flora and fauna, which has adapted to cope with life both underwater and exposed to the air.