Cuxhaven

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Cuxhaven's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Historic Harbor Exploration
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Wadden Sea Mudflat Hiking Adventure
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 3
Kugelbake Lighthouse and Coastal Walks
morning
:

Set out on foot or by bike along the coastal trail towards the iconic Kugelbake landmark. Stop halfway at a dune café for a hearty breakfast with sea views. Snap photos of the historic wooden beacon against the vast sky.

afternoon
:

Visit the Kugelbake Museum to delve into local maritime history and lighthouse lore. Explore the surrounding dunes, admiring the changing textures of sand and grass. Picnic on top of a dune ridge while scanning the horizon for ships.

evening
:

Return to Cuxhaven for a sunset cruise departing from the harbor. Sip on a glass of Riesling as the sun dips below the North Sea. Complete the day with a leisurely dinner at a bistro overlooking the water.

day 4
Neuwerk Island Day Trip
morning
:

Catch the early tidal boat or join a guided walk to Neuwerk Island. Enjoy the crisp sea air as you traverse the shallow waters. Greet the island’s sleepy community from its solitude.

afternoon
:

Explore the fortified church and climb the turquoise lighthouse for panoramic views. Savor a simple lunch at the island inn, featuring local specialties. Wander the winding paths past salt marshes and spot migratory birds.

evening
:

Return to Cuxhaven as the tide rises and lights appear on the horizon. Relish a seafood dinner at a harbor restaurant with your feet firmly on solid ground again. Unwind with a gentle beach walk under starlight.

day 5
Sahlenburg Beach and Dunes Excursion
morning
:

Head to Sahlenburg for a serene beach walk amid towering sand dunes. Collect seashells and watch kite flyers dot the sky. Stop at a beachfront café for a smoothie and fresh fruit bowl.

afternoon
:

Hike through the dune trail, spotting rare bird species in the bird sanctuary. Enjoy a packed picnic amidst the grasses and listen to the whisper of the wind. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the North Sea.

evening
:

Return to town for a casual dinner at a beachfront eatery. As night falls, set up a bonfire with locals in designated areas. Share stories under the Milky Way while the waves gently lap the shore.

day 6
Duhnen Spa and Beach Leisure
morning
:

Indulge in a pampering spa session at Duhnen’s Thalassozentrum with sea salt treatments and massages. Lounge on a private sun terrace overlooking the beach. Savor a healthful breakfast smoothie post-treatment.

afternoon
:

Stroll the Duhnen seaside boardwalk, browsing boutiques and souvenir shops. Stop for a light lunch of fresh salads and seafood ceviche. Spend the rest of the afternoon reading on the sun-kissed sands.

evening
:

Enjoy a refined dinner at a dune-side gourmet restaurant. Later, join a guided nighttime beach walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. End the evening sipping herbal tea in a cozy seaside lounge.

day 7
Helgoland Island Discovery
morning
:

Board the high-speed ferry to Helgoland, admiring the passing chalk cliffs. Arrive at the island and enjoy island coffee specialties at a harbor café. Wander the compact main town among colorful houses.

afternoon
:

Climb the Lange Anna sea stack viewing platform for sweeping sea views. Feast on Helgoland’s famous lobster rolls at a local stall. Explore tide pools around the rocky coastline, looking for starfish and anemones.

evening
:

Return to Cuxhaven by ferry as the sky turns pastel at dusk. Share a communal seafood boil at a local biergarten. Relax with live maritime folk music by the pier.

day 8
Museum and Old Town Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Visit the Cuxhaven Climate House to experience tidal simulations and interactive exhibits. Learn about coastal climate change and marine life. Enjoy coffee at the on-site café overlooking an exhibit of fossils.

afternoon
:

Head to the Windstärke10 maritime museum to see historic North Sea ships and lighthouse models. Have lunch in the old town district, sampling German comfort food. Wander cobbled streets and admire half-timbered houses.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run German restaurant serving hearty schnitzel and spaetzle. Attend an evening concert at the Kurgastzentrum cultural center. Stroll back through the quiet old town under softly lit lanterns.

day 9
Countryside Cycling along Elbe Estuary
morning
:

Rent bikes and set off along the Elbe estuary cycle path towards Glückstadt. Pass scenic marshlands and wind turbines in the cool morning air. Pause at a riverside café for fresh pastries and juice.

afternoon
:

Continue your ride past grazing sheep and historic dykes. Enjoy lunch at a farmhouse-style restaurant overlooking green meadows. Stop at observation towers to watch migrating birds at the wetlands.

evening
:

Return to Cuxhaven as the golden hour paints the sky. Share a casual meal of bratwurst and local beer in a riverside tavern. Relax with a sunset view from the deck chairs on the promenade.

day 10
Sunset Farewell and Departure
morning
:

Pack your bags and take a final beach walk at sunrise, collecting memories like seashells. Enjoy a farewell breakfast buffet at your hotel with North Sea views. Reflect on the highlights of your trip in the crisp morning breeze.

afternoon
:

Visit any favorite spot you might have missed, perhaps one last stop at the Alte Liebe pier. Grab a final fish sandwich from a harbor stall. Capture one last panoramic photo of the sea meeting the sky.

evening
:

Dine at a charming bistro near the train station, savoring a hearty farewell meal. Watch the sun set over the harbor one last time. Board your train or ferry, carrying the peaceful spirit of Cuxhaven in your heart.

Discover Cuxhaven

Read more in our Cuxhaven 2025 Travel Guide.

Cuxhaven Travel Guide