5 star camping on the North Sea

Sunshine, North Sea wind and stormy waves - the natural stimulating climate of the North Sea attracts millions of holidaymakers every year. Recreation in the great outdoors is not only a top priority at 5-star campsites on the German, Dutch and Danish North Sea coasts, but is also realised at the highest level. Indoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, wellness facilities and many other amenities perfect the natural recreation package of the ADAC Super Campsites on the North Sea.

Destinations

The German North Sea coast is characterised by long dykes, endless beaches and the Wadden Sea. Adventurous campers who enjoy visiting North Frisian harbour towns are in good hands on the German North Sea. The Bensersiel beach and family campsite is of a high standard. This site is located directly behind the dunes. The well-kept site is ideal for families with children. In addition to creative playgrounds with a castle complex, climbing ship, sand excavator, swinging tyres and rope slides, there is also an indoor sand playground and an outdoor seawater pool at this 5-star campsite on the North Sea.

The East Frisian or North Frisian Islands enchant with their location in the middle of the Wadden Sea. They offer relaxation with long walks along the beach and dunes. Naturally, campers with high expectations will also find culture and lifestyle in the spas. On Sylt, the Rantum campsite offers luxury camping. In addition to a beach sauna, there is children's entertainment and leisure activities for young and old. The Danish and Dutch North Sea coasts also offer sophisticated campsites. Many of them are particularly child-friendly or pet-friendly, so that the whole family gets their money's worth. Bike hire and surfing and sailing schools are either on the campsite or in the immediate vicinity. Hvidbjerg Strand Feriepark in West Jutland, for example, is a wonderful 5-star campsite on the North Sea in Denmark. Thanks to an indoor climbing park and slide paradise, children and teenagers can have fun here in rainy weather.

Although dogs are not allowed at the well-equipped Ardoer Camping Julianahoeve in Renesse, there is an extensive leisure programme for all generations. The outdoor pool has several pools and water slides and is complemented by sports fields and sunbathing areas.

Top tips

• Top gastronomy is the trend in the north! If you want to savour Michelin-starred cuisine while camping with 5 stars, you will find a wide selection of restaurants on the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast alone that have been awarded the coveted Michelin stars. Sylt is considered the No. 1 gourmet destination. Two top restaurants are, for example, the Söl'ring Hof in Rantum and the Kai3 in Hörnum.
• 5-star campers who come to the North Sea not only for luxury camping but also for shopping will find several exclusive shops on the coast. Trendy fashion for young luxury-oriented holidaymakers can be found on Sylt. Those looking for classic designer fashion will find what they are looking for in elegant towns such as Sankt Peter-Ording, but also on the island of Norderney, for example.

Activities and excursions

Most activities and excursions on the North Sea are centred around water. Boat trips, sailing and surfing are very popular. But there is also plenty to experience on the North Sea coasts in unsettled weather.

The Wadden Sea and its sights

The Wadden Sea National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural wonder, which is subject to the tides, is best explored on a mudflat hike. These are offered by the tourist offices on the islands or on the mainland under expert guidance. Excursions to the Halligen islands are just as attractive. The farms, lapped by the North Sea waves, lie isolated in the Wadden Sea and can be visited. Excursions to Heligoland take a little longer. Helgoland, often referred to as Germany's only high seas island, lies 48 kilometres off St. Peter-Ording and is an impressive natural monument with its high cliffs.

Aquariums and seal breeding centre

Not only children but also adults love visiting aquariums. The most famous German North Sea aquariums are located on Borkum and Sylt. The North Sea Oceanarium Hirtshals in Denmark is the largest underwater museum in Northern Europe. At the National Park Seal Centre in Norddeich, animal keepers look after orphaned seals, known as howlers. You can watch the lovely animals being fed and cared for.

Indoor activities

Local museums and art exhibitions are very popular with history buffs and those interested in culture. Children are more enthusiastic about climbing a lighthouse. The highest lighthouse in Germany is located in Campen. It can be visited from mid-March to the beginning of November. A smaller and more colourful example attracts visitors near Emden. The bright red and yellow Pilsum lighthouse is located near Emden and was used as a location in the film Otto - Der Außerfriesische by Otto Waalkes. An entire house in Emden has been dedicated to the famous comedian. Dat Otto Huus doesn't just make children smile. It is definitely worth a visit.

Events

Whether maritime festivals and markets, cultural events or sports - there is always something going on on the North Sea coast.

February

• Biike burning: At the traditional folk festival, several fires are lit on the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast to drive away the spirits of winter. Afterwards, everyone joins together to eat kale in the pubs.

June

• North Sea Week: The North Sea around Heligoland is elegant and chic at Whitsun. Almost 200 yachts take part in the sailing regatta for ocean-going sailors every year. A spectacle to behold with festivities all round.
• Julius Bär Beach Polo: The sport of polo is THE highlight for Sylt's high society. Traditionally, the best players in Europe have been taking part in Hörnum for over 20 years.