Coastal Views
The Cliffs of Rügen
Germany is land-locked on three sides, but to the north it borders on both the North and Baltic Seas. Even though German beaches aren't world famous, they're rich in natural beauty -- and, whether you're into sailing or sunbathing, they're well worth a trip. These chalky cliffs on the island of Rügen at the northeastern corner of Germany are part of Jasmund National Park. Click for a tour of more of Germany's northern coast.
Sit Back and Relax
Don't forget your number! Otherwise, the chances are slim that you'll ever find your beach chair again. When temperatures rise, sunbathers make their way for Schönberger Beach on the Baltic coast.
Kiel Week
The world's largest sailing event takes place every June in Kiel, attracting thousands of sailors and several million visitors. What started out as purely a race has now become a major festival. 2007 marks Kiel Week's 125th year.
Helgoland
Helgoland is a tiny island located far off Germany's northern coast in the North Sea. Special events like marathons and sailing regattas draw tourists to the 1.7 square kilometer (0.66 square mile) island.
Raised From the Depths
A fisherman discovered this dead finback whale off the coast of Rostock in northeastern Germany last year. The 17-meter-long (56 feet) creature slipped out of the harness and back into the sea shortly after the picture was taken. Eventually, it was recovered and transported to the German Marine Museum in Stralsund.
Setting Up For the Season
Ever wonder how the beach chairs made it onto the beach? This is how it's done -- at least in Lübeck on the Baltic coast. Getting sunbathers onto the beach is even easier. All it takes is a few warm rays.
Flettner in Flensburg
This boat, built by Lutz Fiesser from Flensburg University, is powered by a Flettner engine, which harnesses wind energy with rotating cylinders. Flensburg is located on the Danish border and Baltic Sea waters flow into its bay.
Staircase Tide
Even in the winter, visitors to Hohwacht Beach near Kiel can enjoy the ocean view and the sound of the waves.
Sylt
The North Sea island of Sylt is the northern-most point in Germany and a popular tourist destination. The 99-square-meter (32 square mile) island is shrinking little by little due to erosion.
Wadden Sea
Wadden Sea, near Hamburg, is one of three connected wetland areas in northwestern Germany that have been designated as a natural park. Many rare plant and animal species live there.
Beach Bums
Despite its northern location, Cuxhaven gets a good deal of sun -- and sun-bathing tourists -- in the summer.
Wilhelmshaven
The Jade Weser Port Cup takes place every autumn at Wilhelmhaven, on the North Sea.