Cuxhaven is a charming town located right in the middle of Germany’s North Sea coast, on the rivers Elbe and Weser. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich maritime history and diverse natural landscapes, Cuxhaven offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Since the 19th century it has been a holiday resort and seaside health resort in the Cuxland region, known for its healing climate.
The beaches of Sahlenburg, Duhnen and Grimmershörn are just a few popular spots where visitors can sunbathe, swim in the sea or long walks along the shore. The beaches also offer a variety of water activities such as kiteboarding, windsurfing and sailing.
Worth a visit The Windstärke 10 Museum offers an insight into local maritime history, displaying shipwrecks, navigation tools and interactive exhibitions. Visitors can also explore Alte Liebe, a historic harbour pier with breathtaking views.
Nature lovers should visit the nearby UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea National Park. Guided tours and boat trips offer seal spotting, mudflat exploration and learning about the rich biodiversity of this extraordinary area.
Sightseeing:
Hamburgisches Wattenmeer National Park (Wadden Sea National Park)
The Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park is the smallest German national park in the Wadden Sea. The national park covers an area of 13,750 hectares and includes the three islands of Neuwerk, Scharhörn and Nigehörn.
The Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park has been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1992. Since 2010, expert-led events on geese, bird migration, and nature conservation have been held.
Wernerwald
The Wernerwald is a forest and nature reserve covering around 315 hectares in the municipality of Cuxhaven. The Wernerwald near Dangast and Sankt Peter-Ording is the only forest area in Germany located directly on the North Sea coast.
Pine trees grow mainly on sandy soil. It includes the Finkenmoor and a pond fed by underground springs. As a local recreation area, it is intersected by numerous hiking and riding trails.
Neuwerk
Neuwerk is small an island located approximately 15 km north of Cuxhaven, between the mouths of the Elbe and Weser. It is an exclave of the city of Hamburg. Although it’s about 120km apart from the northern metropolis Neuwerk is politically part of one of Hamburg’s boroughs.
Around 100,000 tourists flock to the island each year to admire its historic lighthouse, diverse birdlife and isolation. The region has always been one of the world’s busiest shipping zones.
Elbe Cycle Route
The Elbe Cycle Route leads along one of the most beautiful and varied river landscapes in Europe. The absolute difference in altitude between Cuxhaven and Wittenberge is around 30 metres. So you can generally cycle upstream or downstream without much effort.
The stage from Cuxhaven to Hamburg covers 359 km, so a stopover along the way is an ideal opportunity to rest. On the way from Cuxhaven to Wittenberge, in addition to the city of Hamburg, you pass many smaller but worth seeing places. These include Glücksstadt, Stade, Lauenburg and Dömitz.
Duhnen beach (Duhnen Strand)
Duhnen Beach is particularly known for its receding and incoming waters, which allow visitors to walk deep into the ocean, up to about 1 kilometer. This unique feature provides a different experience than a regular beach visit.
The clear waters of the beach also allow visitors to spot marine life such as crabs. The beach is a popular place for sunbathing. Facilities here include shops, restaurants, playgrounds, and restrooms. Parking is also available for visitors.
Beach Grimmershörn – Bay
Badestrand Grimmershörn, located in the picturesque bay of Grimmershörn in Cuxhaven. A beach with a sandy shore and calm waters, with wonderful stunning views of the North Sea. Here we find the iconic Kugelbake tower and in the background wonderful views during the day and magical sunsets in the evenings. The photos here come out as if painted with a palette of vivid shades.
Kurpark Cuxhaven
The park offers a perfect combination of nature, wildlife and attractions for the whole family. The park is set around a semicircular lake. Discover the animal world in the petting zoo as well as games and activities for the little ones. Culinary delights invite their guests to the Kurpark restaurant.
Kugelbake
The Kugelbake is the maritime symbol of the city of Cuxhaven: Since the beginning of the 18th century, the impressive Kugelbake has marked the place where the Elbe flows into the North Sea. The naturally fragile wooden structure has been renovated many times since its construction, constantly changing its shape. The current structure dates back to 1924 and still attracts tourists.
Windstärke 10 – Wrack- und Fischereimuseum Cuxhaven
In the Cuxhaven Museum Windstärke 10, the exhibited finds tell of dramatic situations at sea, of human fates and the difficult and dangerous business of sea rescuers and salvors as well as of deep-sea fishing.
Leuchtturm Dicke Berta
One of the most fascinating and historically significant landmarks of the city is the “Dicke Berta”, a lighthouse with a long and eventful history. The lighthouse and its keepers served for many years and safely guided thousands of ships through the Elbe estuary before the lighthouse functions were taken over by lighthouses equipped with the latest technology in 1968.
