Camping by the sea on the North Sea

Just a few steps away from the campsites by the sea on the North Sea, holidaymakers can explore the bottom of the mudflats at low tide and learn more about this unique habitat. The Waterkant is also the perfect place for a relaxing day in a beach chair, for cycling trips and, of course, for swimming. You should also try the high-quality fish cuisine in one of the restaurants.

Destinations

East Frisia is one of the most beautiful regions for a holiday at a campsite by the sea on the North Sea. Located in the far north-west of Germany, the mighty mudflats stretch out here, which can be explored on guided hikes at low tide. Many visitors are also drawn to the seal breeding centres and the dykes for cycling. A popular place to stay overnight is the Bensersiel beach and family campsite. Only a few steps separate campers from the sea here. It is also not far from the yacht and ferry harbour of the seaside resort. There is also a swimming pool with a slide. If you feel like it, you can play mini golf or hire a bike. In the Netherlands, the West Frisian Islands are one of the top destinations for camping and motorhome fans. On Terschelling, Nes or Texel, nature lovers can stroll over the metre-high dunes and enjoy the fresh North Sea breeze. The culturally interesting cities of the Netherlands, such as Alkmaar, Amsterdam or Groningen, are also within easy reach. On Texel, the Landal Sluftervallei resort receives very high ratings from holidaymakers. Customers appreciate the location on the dune belt, the proximity to the municipality of De Cocksdorp and the swimming pool. You can play beach volleyball, golf and mini golf on site. Denmark, with its Jutland peninsula, is also part of the North Sea. The Wadden Sea and Thy National Parks are located here, for example. In the south, the islands of Röm and Fanö as well as the seaside resorts of Vejer Strand and Blavand are first-class destinations for camping by the sea on the North Sea.

Top tips

• If you are on holiday in Denmark with your family, you can take a short trip to Legoland in Billund. The theme park is one of the top attractions for children in Jutland and can be reached within an hour from the North Sea coast.
• In the North Sea spa town of Norden, the seal breeding station is an important attraction for holidaymakers with children. Here, the young howlers, separated from their mothers, are lovingly nursed.
• Anyone travelling to the North Sea should eat typical regional food. North Sea crabs are best enjoyed in a beach chair. The coastal regions also know how to prepare plaice fillets, herring bites and mussels. In Denmark, you should definitely try the wholemeal slices with herring and egg, a popular version of smörrebröd.

Activities and excursions

The North Sea coast is a paradise for active holidaymakers: the spectrum of possibilities ranges from sailing and kiting to mudflat hiking and sledging.

Mudflat hiking

At low tide, it is possible to explore the seabed on foot. Especially in the south of Denmark on the coast of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony as well as in North Holland, the national park centres offer guided tours where participants can learn more about this unique habitat.

Conquering the dunes

Impressive dunes await travellers on the East and West Frisian Islands. The metre-high sand mountains are best conquered on foot and enjoy the view over the water's edge and the sea. Visitors to Thy National Park in Denmark will also find dunes worth seeing.

Sledging

In East Frisia, the catches from the fish traps were transported across the muddy bottom of the Wadden Sea on a sledge for centuries. Today, some local operators invite visitors to take a trip on a sledge.

Cycle tours

The dykes are ideal for cycling tours. Fantastic cycle paths run along the entire North Sea coast - from Belgium to the northern tip of Denmark. The legendary North Sea Coast Cycle Route is almost 6,000 kilometres long and even follows the British and Norwegian coastline.

Sailing

The harbours in northern Germany are excellent starting points for a sailing trip. From here, for example, you can set off for the islands off the coast. There are also good options in the Netherlands for discovering the waters on a cruise. Boats can either be booked with a sailing licence or together with a skipper.

Kitesurfing and surfing

The North Sea coast is one of the best terrains for a kitesurfing and surfing trip. Stable winds prevail all year round, with the period from around April to October being ideal for this activity. The top spots include the island of Sylt, the north of Jutland and the coast of North Holland.

Events

The best events on the North Sea include the Dutch King's Day and the Husum Harbour Days.

April

• King's Day: In the Netherlands, everything turns orange at the end of April. King's Day is one of the country's most important public festivals.

May

• Scheveningen International Sand Sculpture Festival: In May, visitors to Scheveningen in the Netherlands can admire impressive sand sculptures.
• Matjes Days Emden: In Emden, the last week of May is all about matjes herring. In addition to the delicious fish sandwiches, the more than 100 historic ships in the harbour are a highlight.

August

• Husum Harbour Days: In mid-August, the Schleswig-Holstein town of Husum celebrates with good seafood, fairground rides, live music and fireworks.
• Norddeich fishing boat parade: In East Frisia, all the fishing boats in operation parade through the harbour at the end of August. This is accompanied by shanty singing and fish cuisine.