Things To Do
in Fehmarnsund

Fehmarnsund is a small coastal locale on the Baltic Sea, located on the island of Fehmarn in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, connected to the mainland by the Fehmarnsund Bridge. The village offers harbor views, quiet beaches, and gentle coastal paths that reveal maritime life. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, sea breeze, and easy access to bike routes and nature reserves.

Its relaxed, sea-driven atmosphere makes Fehmarnsund a great base for exploring the island and Baltic coast.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Fehmarnsund
morning
:

Arrive at Fehmarnsund and check into your charming seaside accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to shake off your travel fatigue and get a feel for the stunning coastal views. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

After settling in, visit the nearby Fehmarn Aquarium to discover the diverse marine life of the Baltic Sea. Spend some time at the local shops and boutiques, where you can find unique souvenirs and crafts. Have lunch at a seaside restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood with a view of the water.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a scenic walk along the shoreline, soaking in the vibrant colors of the sky. Dine at a traditional German restaurant, savoring local dishes like schnitzel or fish from the day's catch. End your day by relaxing at a beach bar, sipping cocktails and listening to the sound of waves.

day 2
Exploring the Island
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before renting a bicycle to explore the island of Fehmarn. Pedal through picturesque landscapes, stopping at quaint villages and stunning viewpoints along the way. Visit the historic St. Nicholas Church in the village of Fehmarn for a glimpse into local architecture.

afternoon
:

After a morning of cycling, have lunch in one of the village cafés, relishing traditional German fare. Dedicate your afternoon to beach activities; try your hand at windsurfing or beach volleyball. Alternatively, relax on the sand and soak up some sun.

evening
:

As you wrap up the day, take a relaxing dip in the sea to cool off. Head to a beachfront grill for a casual dinner, where you can enjoy delicious grilled specialties. Cap off your evening by watching the sunset from the beach, creating a perfect end to your adventurous day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee/Tea$3-5
🛏️Budget hotel room (per night)$70-120
🥖Bakery item$2-4
🚗Gasoline (per liter)$1.80-2.20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm coastal atmosphere with easy access to nature
  • Fresh seafood and maritime culture
  • Flat terrain and good cycling routes
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Some services are seasonal and weather-dependent
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich verstehe nicht" - I don’t understand
  • "Die Speisekarte, bitte" - The menu, please
  • "Rechnung, bitte" - Check, please

Places to Visit in Fehmarnsund

Visit one of these nice places.

Fehmarnsund Bridge Viewpoint

Iconic red-orange bridge crossing Fehmarn Sound; stunning at sunrise or golden hour with water reflections.

Puttgarden Harbour

Quay and breakwater scenes with fishing boats and moored vessels; great for coastal texture and color contrasts.

Burgstaaken Harbour

Active harbor area with colorful boats, ropes, and maritime life—ideal for candid and dockyard photography.

Coastal Dunes and Beach Walk

Expansive dunes and open sea views along the Baltic shoreline; perfect for wide landscapes and long-exposure shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Fehmarnsund

Fehmarn's cuisine centers on Baltic seafood, hearty North German fare, and seasonal produce. Expect fresh fish, simple preparations, and cozy eateries that celebrate maritime culture.

Fehmarnsund Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fischbrötchen

Freshly caught Baltic fish (herring, cod, or plaice) served in a crusty roll with remoulade and onions.

Must-Try!

Schollenfilet (Plaice Fillet)

Pan-fried plaice with dill and lemon, a classic sea-side dish on the island.

Grünkohl mit Pinkel

A hearty kale dish with sausage, a traditional northern German winter staple.

Birnen, Bohnen und Speck

Pear, beans, and bacon—a comforting regional dish often enjoyed in cooler months.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Burg auf Fehmarn Market

Seasonal market offering fresh fish, regional produce, and local crafts near the harbor.

Puttgarden Harbour Stalls

Occasional seaside stalls with quick bites, pastries, and snacks along the quay.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and cool summers, frequent winds, and regular rainfall. The Baltic location brings refreshing sea breezes and relatively moderate temperatures year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo' and use a firm handshake in formal settings.

Punctuality

Timeliness is valued; plan arrivals for reservations and meetings accordingly.

Noise

Be mindful of quiet hours, especially in residential areas and near beaches late at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is high for visitors. Watch for slippery piers and rocks near the water, heed weather warnings during storms, and keep an eye on belongings in busy harbor areas.

Tipping in Fehmarnsund

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, tipping is appreciated but modest. Round up the bill or leave about 5-10% for service in restaurants; cash or card tips are both acceptable.

Payment Methods

Cash and debit/credit cards are widely accepted. Contactless payments and EC/Girocards are common in shops and eateries.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, mild sea temps, and busy coastal towns. Expect sea breezes, outdoor dining, and easy cycling along well-marked paths.

Autumn

Milder hurricanes aside, cooler air with vibrant coastal colors; bird migration picks up and crowds thin—great for nature photography.

Winter

Cold, occasional snow, and shorter days. Coastal scenery can be dramatic in storms; some facilities may have reduced hours.

Spring

Warming temperatures, blooming flora, and quieter beaches. Ideal for walks, birding, and island cycling as routes reopen.

Nightlife Guide

Fehmarnsund at Night

Fehmarnsund’s nightlife tends to be low-key, dominated by harbor-side pubs, seaside cafés, and seasonal beach bars rather than large clubs. In warmer months, many spots offer live music, open-air seating, and sunset drinks with sea views—ideal for relaxed evenings after a day on the water.

Hiking in Fehmarnsund

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Nature Trail Fehmarn West

Dune-lined coastal walk with sea views and birdwatching opportunities.

Fehmarn East Shore Walk

Scenic path along the eastern shoreline with glimpses of lighthouses and open water.

Airports

How to reach Fehmarnsund by plane.

Lübeck Airport (LBC)

Approx. 90-120 km away; connects to major German cities and some international routes.

Hamburg Airport (HAM)

Large international hub about 150-180 km away; frequent flights to domestic and international destinations.

Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG)

Smaller regional airport within a few hours’ drive; seasonal services available.

Getting Around

Walkability

Fehmarnsund and nearby harbor towns are fairly walkable, with flat terrain and scenic waterfront paths. Within towns, you can stroll between eateries and shops, but longer trips between villages are easier by bike or car. The island features extensive cycle paths and pedestrian routes for relaxed day trips on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly German locals, with aging populations in some villages and a stable year-round community.

Tourists

Seasonal visitors from Germany and neighboring countries seeking beaches, sailing, and nature.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing

Baltic winds create excellent sailing conditions around Fehmarn; multiple charters and clubs operate seasonally.

Windsurfing / Kitesurfing

Coastal spots catered to wind sports enthusiasts; equipment rentals available in summer.

Cycling

Flat terrain with scenic routes around the island; bike rental shops are common in tourist hubs.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light to moderate, with local roads and ferry connections to the mainland via Puttgarden. The Fehmarnsund Bridge handles regular road traffic; peak season can bring congestion near popular beaches and harbors. Public transport includes regional buses; car rental is common for exploring remote coastal spots.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Fehmarnsund.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many spots offer vegetarian options; look for salads, vegetable dishes, and dairy-based plates. Ask for fish-free preparations and avoid meat-centric dishes.

Vegan

Vegan options may be limited in some places; opt for salads, vegetable dishes, potatoes, and dairy-free sauces. Clarify ingredients like butter or stock.

Gluten-Free

Many venues can accommodate gluten-free needs with fresh seafood, salads, or grilled proteins; request no bread, pasta, or gluten-containing sauces.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Burg auf Fehmarn with general practitioners and a local clinic; for emergencies, regional hospitals are reachable on the mainland. In peak tourist seasons, clinics may offer extended hours; travel insurance is advisable for visitors.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide