Camping on the North Sea: beach, Wadden Sea and seals – vacation tips

Camping North Sea – The vacation season is just around the corner and you are still looking for the right destination?
Whether it’s sunbathing on the beach, walks in nature or exciting mudflat hikes – the North Sea has a lot to offer and impresses with its diverse range of amazing landscapes, beaches, interesting sights and cultural highlights.
So there’s something for everyone here.
The best way to explore popular towns such as Sylt, Cuxhaven or Borkum is on a camping vacation with a roof tent, as this gives you the flexibility to plan your trip and enjoy the closeness to nature well into the evening hours.
Whether alone, as a couple or with the family – here are our vacation tips for top sights and things to do on the North Sea.

Family vacation by the sea: carefree with dogs & children

So if you want to switch off, enjoy the peace and quiet and have a change from your otherwise stressful everyday life, you should pack your loved ones and plan a vacation to the beautiful North Sea.
You can easily arrive with your own car and roof tent and spend a relaxing, adventurous and eventful time here.
Whether it’s white beaches, clear water, picturesque landscapes or pure relaxation – there’s never a dull moment on the diverse North Sea, so you can make the most of your time in nature.
Here’s another reading tip in advance: Top beaches on the North Sea!

A vacation at the North Sea offers you:

  • Relax in the fresh sea air
  • Sunbathe & relax on the sandy beach
  • Bathing or swimming in the clear sea
  • Mudflat hikes with the whole family
  • Family-friendly leisure activities

Before we get to our vacation tips, here is some general information about the North Sea:

North Sea islands and coast: overview & first impressions

Here you can get an overview of the region around the beautiful cities and islands of the North Sea from above.
This will give you the first exciting impressions for your upcoming vacation!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuGy7sq1tUw

On the German coast: North Sea on the map

The North Sea stretches in Germany from Emden on the border with the Netherlands to the border with Denmark at the height of Sylt.
The coastline is more than 1,300 km long in total.
You can easily reach the popular towns along the coast, such as Sankt Peter-Ording, Büsum, Cuxhaven or Bremerhaven, by car.
You can also reach some islands, such as Sylt or Borkum, by car train or ferry.
Or you can visit a dyke, where you should go to do so, you can learn here: the most beautiful dykes on the North Sea.
Big blue water – here you can see the North Sea on the map:

Vacations on the North Sea: Sylt, Cuxhaven, Büsum & Co.

The North Sea coast stretches for over 1,300 km, so there are several beautiful towns right by the sea.
With so much to choose from, it’s hard to keep track, which is why we’ve not only listed the most beautiful cities on the North Sea for you, but also planned a tour from the beautiful north of Sylt west along the coast.
Join us on our virtual journey and maybe you’ll be inspired for your own summer tour!
You should definitely visit these cities on the North Sea:

Tour by car: from Cologne to Sylt

Our virtual tour starts in the metropolis of Cologne.
You should know in advance that getting to the north of Germany is often difficult.
Routes that would normally take you less time take longer, and sometimes you even have to take the ferry.
But with a view of the wide open sea, time passes much more quickly.
On the first leg from Cologne to Sylt, you will need 9 hours for less than 700 km.
That’s why it’s worth setting off early to make the most of the sunlight.
All the important figures at a glance:

  • Distance: 686 km
  • Route: from Cologne via A1
  • Travel time: just under 9h

For better orientation, you can view the route on the map here: Now we come to our vacation tips:

Bucket list by the sea: 3 tips for activities & sights

Why are we Germans drawn to the south when the North Sea has so much to offer?
Of course, the weather conditions there are not always as ideal as in Spain, but there are a whole host of attractions that the North Sea has to offer.
Walking in the dunes or going on a mudflat hike while watching seals – you can only find that in the North Sea!
The North Sea is known for its picturesque landscapes with a charm all of their own.
But apart from amazing nature, white sandy beaches and clear seas as far as the eye can see, the North Sea has much more to offer.
Whether it’s hikes in the mudflats, walks in the dunes or historical input in one of the museums – the North Sea is like a fascinating world and is therefore a popular and worthwhile vacation destination for young and old.
What you should definitely do at the North Sea:

  • Mudflat hikes with the family
  • Seal watching
  • Excursion to the Pilsum lighthouse

Wadden Sea: Hikes & exciting seabed

Wadden Sea – The Wadden Sea is definitely one of the absolute highlights of the North Sea.
The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected as a national park, which is why it is definitely worth a visit.
Nowhere else in Germany do holidaymakers have the opportunity to walk across the seabed and discover a unique world.
From unique shells to colorful crabs, there is a lot to discover and explore.
An unforgettable experience, especially for young children!
That’s why a vacation at the North Sea is also a great option for a vacation with the whole family.
Guided mudflat walks are also offered, during which interesting information is provided so that you can have fun and learn interesting facts.
The highlights of the Wadden Sea:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park
  • Exploring the seabed
  • Fascinating wildlife and shells
  • Mudflat walks with interesting information
  • Unforgettable experience, especially for children

Seal station: Rescue & rearing of stranded animals

Seal station – Another top attraction for families are the seal stations at the National Park House and Friedrichskoog.
Stranded seals are given a temporary new home and pups can also be born here safely and securely.
Every year, between 80 and 150 seals find a temporary home in the National Park House alone and are cared for and raised by the helpers.
So if you want to find out all about these extraordinary animals, their habitat and how they are reared, then you should definitely take a trip to one of the seal stations.
Feedings also take place daily at 10:00 and 17:00 and can be observed if you are interested.
What you should know about the seal sanctuaries:

  • National Park House and Friedrichskoog
  • Temporary home for stranded seals
  • Young can be born and be born
  • Between 80 and 150 seals per year
  • Interesting information about habitat and breeding
  • Daily feeding at 10:00 and 17:00

Route between the seal stations: Take a look at both or choose one!

Pilsum lighthouse: photo motif & North Sea landmark

Also typical of the East Frisian North Sea coast are the many lighthouses, which are often used as photo motifs.
Probably the best-known lighthouse is the Pilsum lighthouse, which also appears in well-known feature films, for example.
The landmark is located in the Krummhörn vacation region and is particularly well-known for its yellow and red stripes, which can be seen from afar.
So if you are interested in lighthouses, then you should definitely pay a visit to one of the popular towers and take a guided tour to find out interesting information about the tower and the history of the North Sea in general.
Everything about the Pilsum lighthouse at a glance:

  • Landmark of the North Sea
  • Located in the Krummhörn vacation region
  • Appears in well-known feature films
  • Yellow and red stripes
  • Guided tour with interesting information

Let’s start with our round trip from Sylt to Büsum:

Round trip: Sylt to Büsum with a stop in Sankt Peter-Ording

The first real round trip along the coast starts on Sylt and has the southern destination of Büsum in mind.
A stopover in Sankt Peter-Ording is a must.
A 12-kilometre-long sandy beach, dunes, the best fish and events for the many tourists.
Sankt Peter-Ording is a must-see on the North Sea!
It will take you 4.5 hours on the B5 to cover 216 kilometers.
So you can plan your trip better:

  • Distance: 216 km
  • Route: from Sylt via B5
  • Travel time: 4h 27 min

You can find your way more quickly with a map: Whether on Sylt, Borkum, Büsum or in Sankt Peter-Ording – you should definitely go camping on the North Sea!

Camping by the sea & beach: an alternative to a vacation apartment

To get the most out of your vacation, you should choose to go camping on the beautiful North Sea coast.
The natural landscapes in the towns and on the islands have an idyllic flair and attract numerous visitors to the attractive campsites every year.
The North Sea is the ideal destination for families in particular.
Salty sea air, the screeching of seagulls and the smell of fresh grass in the morning await you here.
If you travel with a roof tent or tent trailer, you are flexible in how you spend your day and always have an enormous and, above all, comfortable place to sleep ready in the evening.
It can be unfolded in just a few minutes and offers space for up to 5 people.
Read more about the advantages, different models, costs and assembly here: Roof tent for the car!

That’s why camping is unbeatable

Whether it’s exciting conversations around the campfire, guessing constellations with your loved ones or simply enjoying the peace and quiet until the early hours of the morning – camping is the best way to gain exciting experiences, have adventures and make new friends.
Camping is also cheaper than staying in a hotel or vacation apartment.
So if you want the full range of nature experiences on your vacation, then you should opt for the increasingly popular vacation option of camping.
Camping offers these advantages:

  • Close to nature until the evening hours
  • A sense of freedom and tranquillity
  • Flexible daily organization and travel planning
  • Cost-effective option compared to a vacation apartment
  • Dog and family friendly

One of the best reasons to go camping: Not only your children, but also your dog has all the freedom! What should I pack for a camping vacation by the sea?

Packing list: Tips & suggestions for your beach vacation

Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, a table and loungers are also a must on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
Here’s a checklist to help you take all the essentials with you on your camping vacation and make the most of your time.
These are the most important accessories:

Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners!

Campsite recommendations: Cheap and central campsites

As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should opt for campsites or legal pitches for your overnight stays here.
The numerous campsites are all lined up along the coast and offer an extensive leisure program for young and old.
Many of the sites are open all year round, so you will also find a quiet spot in the low season.
In the best cases, you even have direct access to the beach.
If you fancy a trip to the city in between, that’s no problem either.
You can easily and conveniently reach several shopping towns within a short distance.
I have selected some popular, inexpensive and central campsites here:

Camping on the North Sea beach in Dornum

4.3 / 5 (1,533 ratings)

North Sea Camp Norddeich in Westermarsch Two

4.4 / 5 (2,644 ratings)

Camping North Sea in Büsum

4.5 / 5 (1,133 ratings)

Activities: Beach, walk & meal in the restaurant

When camping, you will always find yourself surrounded by nature and usually have access to exciting leisure activities and attractions right on your doorstep.
The North Sea is simply a wonderful place for a relaxing vacation with a feel-good guarantee.
There are fantastic beaches and breathtaking landscapes that will immediately put you in the vacation mood.
And there’s plenty of fun and exciting adventures for the whole family to keep you on your toes!
Here I have picked out some interesting attractions that await you on the North Sea and provide adventure, fun and excitement:

Let’s continue our virtual tour to Cuxhaven:

Trip from Büsum to Cuxhaven

Continue by car from Büsum to Cuxhaven.
Here you have to plan a ferry route and will need around 2 1⁄2 hours to cover the 83 kilometers.
First, take the B5 to Brunsbüttel.
From there, take the ferry to the landing stage and then continue the last few kilometers by car to Cuxhaven.
A quick overview:

  • Distance: 83 km
  • Route: Via B5, then continue by ferry
  • Travel time: 2h 34 min

You can find the route on the map here: Which time of year is best for a vacation at the North Sea?

Weather: temperatures and trend

North Sea vacationers enjoy the place at any time of year.
In spring they feel the first rays of sunshine on their skin, in summer they even dip their feet in the water and enjoy the fresh sea air.
In the fall they take long walks along the sea and in the winter they enjoy the wellness hotels and empty beaches.
The North Sea belongs to the temperate climate zone.
Accordingly, there are moderately warm summers and fairly mild winters and an average temperature of between 7 and 9 degrees.
Never been camping in winter before?
Then read our tips for beginners and everything you need to know about essential equipment and recommended regions: Winter camping in Germany.

  • Temperate climate zone
  • Warm summers and fairly mild winters
  • Ø temperatures winter: 7 °C – 9 °C

Weather on the map: warm summers

Here you can already find a weather forecast for the Cuxhaven region for today and the coming days.
Practical on the map: From Cuxhaven, the route continues in the direction of Norderney:

Round trip: From Cuxhaven to Norderney via Norden

Once you arrive in Cuxhaven, you can continue your journey after a mudflat hike and relaxing in the colorful beach chairs.
It will take you almost 3.5 hours to travel 188 kilometers to Norderney.
Along the way, there are towns worth visiting such as Wilhelmshaven and Norden.
In addition to the many museums, there are absolutely breathtaking natural beauties.
The Leybucht bay, Greetsiel harbor or Norddeich beach will enchant you with their views and there are numerous boat attractions for the children.
What you should know about the route:

  • Distance: 188 km
  • Route: from Cuxhaven via A27
  • Travel time: 3h 21 min

Quickly found on the map:

Final destination of your trip: Borkum

Borkum is the largest of the East Frisian islands.
The journey is an experience, because in the port of Borkum you continue on the historic ‘Borkumer Kleinbahn’, the oldest German island railroad.
Your first visit to Borkum will enchant you.
Borkum offers health, sport and fun for the whole family.
The island has its charm at any time of year.
In summer you can conquer the miles of beaches and the shopping streets of Bismarckstraße and Franz-Habich-Straße, and in winter you can enjoy the peace and beauty of Borkum.
Would you like to find out more about the largest of the East Frisian islands?
Then read all about sights, beaches, family vacations and camping on Borkum here!

FAQ: Questions & Answers

Before every vacation there are a few unanswered questions.
That’s why it’s important to find out in advance.
Where is the North Sea?
Where is the most beautiful place on the North Sea?
And how long is the German North Sea coast actually?
Here we have summarized the most important questions that are often asked in connection with the North Sea.

Where is the North Sea?

The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
It is a shelf sea (a relatively shallow sea) and is located in north-western Europe.
In Germany, it stretches from Emden on the Dutch border to the Danish border at the level of the island of Sylt.

Where does the North Sea begin and end?

Seven countries border the North Sea: France, Belgium, Great Britain, Norway, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.

How long is the German North Sea coast?

The length of the German North Sea coast is approximately 1300 kilometers.
The west coast of Schleswig-Holstein is around 550 kilometers long and is characterized by diked coastal marshes and the Wadden Sea.

Where is the most beautiful place on the North Sea?

Some of the most beautiful and popular vacation resorts on the North Sea:

  • St. Peter-Ording
  • Pearl Bay family lagoon
  • Sylt
  • Amrum
  • Spiekeroog
  • Westerland main beach
  • North Sea beach Norddeich

Where is the border between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea?

The North Sea and the Baltic Sea are generally not directly connected if the Kattegat is seen as a separate sea.
If you take the Kattegat as an arm of the North Sea, the Öresund is the point where the two seas meet.
If you would like to find out more about the cities and islands of the Baltic Sea, you can read all about a vacation here: Camping by the Baltic Sea.

Reading tips: Vacation in Germany

You haven’t decided on the North Sea yet and would like more tips on recommended regions?
Then you can find more articles on vacation inspiration here.

Top beaches on the North Sea

In this article, we show you 10 of the most beautiful North Sea beaches, whether on the German mainland or on popular North Sea islands such as Borkum, Norderney or Sylt.
Here you will find a list of the most popular beaches with maps and locations, as well as a current weather map for the conditions on the North Sea coast.
Rediscover the German coast and fall in love with our dream beaches!
Read more in the detailed article:

Camping in Schleswig-Holstein

The federal state of Schleswig-Holstein lies exactly between the two seas of Germany.
That’s why a vacation or trip here is ideal for beach or bathing vacations.
Of course, cycling tours with the family or city trips with your partner are not out of the question either.
Grab your camping equipment, camper or maybe even a rooftop tent and off you go!
Here you’ll find the best tips for great places like Fehmarn, Sankt Peter-Ording, Sylt and Scharbeutz.
You’ll also find general information about the coastal regions of the Baltic Sea and North Sea:

Camping in Lower Saxony

Blooming heath landscapes, sunny beaches and fresh sea air on a bike tour along the coast – what more could you want?
You’ll find all this and much more in Lower Saxony.
Be it the Alfsee for exciting water sports, Bensersiel for relaxation, Cuxhaven for a beach vacation, hiking in the Harz Mountains, cycling tours in the Lüneburg Heath, island vacations on Norderney or fishing on the Steinhuder Meer.
You can travel to all these places flexibly with a roof tent or tent trailer.
Or you can go on a coastal tour on the North Sea.
You can find pictures, locations and the best tips for the most beautiful places in the German federal state here:

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
Aluminum body
Wheels
Terrain values
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
Aluminum structure
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.