Things To Do
in Cuxhaven
Cuxhaven sits at the mouth of the Elbe estuary where the North Sea meets the coast of Lower Saxony. The town blends a lively harbor, long sandy beaches, and a compact historic center with promenade walks and maritime heritage. It’s a year-round destination for seafood lovers, birdwatchers, and water-sport enthusiasts seeking fresh sea air and dramatic tides.
From harbor vistas at Kugelbake to easy day trips into the Wadden Sea area, Cuxhaven offers accessible coastal charm with welcoming local hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with an early walk along the Kutterhafen, watching fishermen prepare their boats. Enjoy a fresh pastry and strong coffee at a seaside café. Let the salt breeze introduce you to Cuxhaven’s maritime heritage.
Visit the Seute Deern museum ship to learn about local fishing traditions. Have a light seafood platter at a harbor-side eatery. Explore the bustling port area and watch tugboats guiding massive container ships.
Dine at a renowned seafood restaurant along the Alte Liebe pier, sampling freshly caught dishes. Take in the panoramic sunset views over the North Sea. End the night with a peaceful stroll along the moonlit beach.
Embark on a guided mudflat walk into the Wadden Sea National Park at low tide. Feel the unique wet sand under your boots as you trek toward the horizon. Learn about the delicate ecosystem from an experienced guide.
Pause on a sandbank to enjoy a packed picnic while seabirds wheel overhead. Wade through shallow channels and spot small crabs and worms in the mud. Return to shore refreshed by the invigorating sea breeze.
Relax at a cozy waterfront café with a warm bowl of soup. Watch the tide roll back in, covering the mudflats in a shimmering sea. Reflect on the day’s adventure under the glow of lanterns along the promenade.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🥤Soft drink | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch for one | $12-20 |
| 🍽Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal charm with beaches and harbor views
- Excellent seafood and maritime culture
- Easy day trips to the Wadden Sea islands
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Can be windy and chilly outside peak summer
- Crowds in peak season on beaches and promenades
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist der nächste Bahnhof?" - Where is the nearest train station?
- "Ich hätte gern ein Fischbrötchen." - I would like a fish sandwich.
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
Places to Visit in Cuxhaven
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic lighthouse at the mouth of the Elbe offering dramatic sea and horizon views, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Harbor viewing platform with close-up ship traffic, piers, and panoramic water vistas—excellent at golden hour.
Historic castle grounds and manicured gardens providing tranquil green space and classic architecture backdrops.
Long sandy beach with rolling dunes and sea spray; ideal for wide beachscape photography and silhouettes.
Food in Cuxhaven
Cuxhaven Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly baked bread with a slice of fish (often cod or herring), onions, pickles, and remoulade from harbor stalls and fish markets.
Must-Try!
Salted and cured herring fillets served on rye bread with onions, gherkins, and cream sauce—popular at coastal eateries.
A hearty hash of corned beef, mashed potatoes, onions, and beetroot, often served with pickles and fried potatoes.
Kale and smoked sausage dish typical of northern Germany, especially popular in cooler months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the town center offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, bread, and ready-to-eat bites.
Seasonal street-food stalls along the harbor selling fried fish, Fischbrötchen, and seaside snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common when meeting someone; use formal 'Sie' with strangers and suffixes until invited to use the informal 'du'.
Be punctual for appointments and respect queues, especially at markets and transit points.
Tides, protected coastal areas, and wildlife deserve careful respect; follow local guidance during Wattwanderungen and in nature reserves.
Safety
Tipping in Cuxhaven
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, a tip of 5-10% is customary if service is not included in the bill. Leave cash or add to the card payment as you prefer.
Cash and cards (debit cards including EC, and major credit cards) are widely accepted. Contactless payments are common; some small vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest and sunniest season with long daylight hours; ideal for beach days, water sports, and harbor strolls; expect crowds but abundant outdoor dining.
Moderate temperatures with colorful coastal scenery; migratory birds along the Wadden Sea attract birdwatchers; fewer crowds than summer.
Cool and windy with occasional storms; Christmas markets and cozy cafés provide warmth indoors; days are shorter but atmosphere is moody and picturesque.
Milder days and renewing nature; perfect for outdoor walks, cycling, and early-season wildlife viewing along the coast and marshlands.
Cuxhaven at Night
Hiking in Cuxhaven
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Tide-dependent mudflat hikes offering unique coastal landscapes and wildlife viewing.
Scenic coastal dunes and heathland ideal for walking and photography.
Airports
How to reach Cuxhaven by plane.
Major international airport about 120–150 km from Cuxhaven; good rail and road connections.
Regional airport roughly 100–120 km away; convenient for domestic flights and some international options.
Large airport about 180–210 km away; broad flight options and rail links.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families are drawn to beaches, parks, and kid-friendly attractions.
Appeals to retirees seeking a relaxed pace, scenery, and coastal amenities.
Year-round visitors drawn by seafood, nature, and maritime culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Favored along the North Sea coast with strong winds and open water access.
Active harbor scene with rental and lesson options for beginners and experienced sailors.
Flat coastal routes and dyke paths suitable for all levels; many routes connect to nearby villages.
Seasonal courts on popular beaches during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cuxhaven.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes and restaurants; look for salads, dairy-based dishes, and veggie plates. When in doubt, ask for fish-free preparations or cheese and egg-based dishes; many places can adapt recipes.