Summer travel has begun in Germany now that most of the federal states have started their school holiday periods. That means the country’s top destinations are busy – and will remain busy until near to the end of August.

Among Germany’s top summer destinations are its northern beaches along the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts – mostly found in the states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.

As reported by BILD, the accommodation booking website Holidu has shared data on which of Germany’s beaches are the most popular destinations this summer.

Here’s a look at what are expected to be Germany’s busiest beaches this summer so you can join the crowds – as well as some alternative options, if you’d prefer to avoid them.

1) Baltrumer Badestrand, Lower Saxony

Although Baltrum island is expected to be quite fully booked this summer, at least vacationers there won’t have to worry about spending much of their trip stuck in traffic. 

That’s because the island is car-free, which makes it appealing to families who like to take a break from their day-to-day commutes.

The island also offers fine white sand beaches and shallow seas.

The beach is also part of the Wadden Sea, which is one of Germany’s natural UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The sea here is part of a broad intertidal zone, has a high amount of biological diversity, and is also an important breeding habitat for migrating birds.

Also nearby

If Baltrumer is fully booked, you can find similar beaches on one of the neighbouring islands – many of which have a small town and a few beaches to choose from.

Directly east of Baltrumer is Langeoog and directly west is Norderney. Further west from there are Juist and Borkum.

Wildlife lovers will have something to look out for no matter which island in the Wadden Sea they should visit.

On Norderney, for example, a wild wolf has recently taken up residence, as was confirmed by a couple sightings caught on nature cameras.

On Langeoog you can gander at a herd of seals (Seehunde) at Seehundbänke.

Or, on the mainland, and enjoy a white sandy beach at Bensersiel – a spa town known to be ideal for clean and quiet seaside getaways.

2) Zingst Strand, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

Also popular for both swimming and birdwatching is Zingst beach, which is located between the city of Rostock and the town of Stralsund on the Baltic Sea coast.

The town of Zingst occupies just one small part of the wider Zingst peninsula, which is lined with a particularly long stretch of sandy beaches.

Popular spots near the town include the sports beach (Sportstrand) and the dog beach (Hundestrand). 

But you may be able to avoid the most crowded areas if you’re willing to venture a bit further from the town centre.

Also nearby

If you missed a chance to book a place in Zingst, you can probably still enjoy a Baltic Sea getaway at one of the region’s other beaches.

Not too far east of Zingst is Rügen island, which is also quite a popular summer vacation destination in its own right, but has enough beaches spread out across the island to disperse the crowds a bit.

Of course, if you really want peace and quiet, you’ll want to seek out a swim spot further from the busy beaches near the main towns.

About an hour and half drive east of Zingst is Lubmin, which has beaches of all types, including a dog beach and a nudist (FKK) beach.

3) Badestelle Ording, Schleswig-Holstein

Germany’s third most popular beach destination is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, and can be a good spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

READ ALSO: Where can you go surfing in Germany?

For those who prefer more leisurely vacation activities, there is also a hot spring bathing facility (Therme) nearby.

Also nearby

Germany’s North Sea coast is full of beach destinations that tend to be especially popular in the summer months. 

For those looking primarily for wind and water sports, Westerland beach on the island of Sylt is well-known. Or, on the mainland there’s also the Büsum Lagoon just a bit south of Ording.

A bit closer to Bremen, the south beach in Wilhelmshaven which is known for pleasant seaside views and sunbathing.

Germany’s next most popular beaches this year are:

4) Zinnowitz Beach, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

5) Badestelle Bad, Schleswig-Holstein

6) Kühlungsborn Beach, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

7) Badestelle Ording Nord FKK, Schleswig-Holstein

8) Sankt Peter-Ording dog beach, Schleswig-Holstein

9) Ahrenshoop Beach, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

10) Südstrand Göhren, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

READ ALSO: Germany’s best beaches – The Local’s ultimate guide