Book a Baltic Sea holiday home – explore the colorful Hanseatic towns or the dune landscape of Słowiński!

The Baltic Sea is a northern European inland sea that enabled trade between various Hanseatic towns during the Middle Ages. Along the German east coast you will find some of the most beautiful cities of the trade alliance, such as Lübeck and Rostock. Nature also plays an essential role here – think of the lakes of Schleswig-Holstein, the chalk cliffs of Rügen, or the desert-like dunes of Słowiński National Park in Poland. Whether you are considering a city trip to a medieval town or want to enjoy nature and coastal walks in southern Sweden, a Baltic Sea holiday home is the perfect idea!

Enjoy a paddling holiday in Schleswig-Holstein from your Baltic Sea holiday home

Imagine a region filled with large lakes and a landscape that rolls gently across the horizon. This is one of the defining features of the Holsteinische Schweiz in Schleswig-Holstein. When you set out for a walk, you pass meadows with hedgerows, forests, and hills covered with yellow rapeseed. The comparison with Switzerland might be far-fetched – in truth, it feels more like Sweden with all that water! A number of castles can also be found in the heart of this region, such as Eutin Castle and the white Plön Castle at the edge of Lake Plön. Along this lake you can rent a kayak and paddle through connected waterways to reach the Kiel Fjord. Because many lakes are linked, Holsteinische Schweiz is perfect for a varied paddling holiday!

Looking for a hiking tip? Discover the surroundings of the town of Lütjenburg, where you can walk past rolling grain fields with views of a reconstructed motte-and-bailey castle.

Lübeck – restored Hanseatic glory on the German Baltic coast

Schleswig-Holstein borders a large part of the Baltic Sea and offers many beautiful beaches. One of the most popular is the wide sandy beach of Travemünde, a resort at the mouth of the Trave River. A relaxing afternoon here combines perfectly with a visit to the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. For this UNESCO gem, however, you may want to reserve an entire day! Lübeck stood at the cradle of the thriving Hanseatic period and still displays much of its authentic charm. Admire the massive city gate and the churches with pale green spires, stroll through narrow streets, and marvel at the monumental gabled houses along the water. The lively atmosphere is equally inviting, especially the terraces near the white arcaded town hall. You can also relax along the banks of the Trave, where grassy lawns provide lovely spots with views of the city.

Did you know that Lübeck is closely associated with marzipan? Taste this local specialty at Café Niederegger or during a culinary walking tour. Other great activities include a canoe trip on the Trave or a ride on the amphibious Splashtours bus.

Admire brick Gothic in Rostock and Stralsund

Another city that impresses with its medieval architecture is Rostock. Along the quay, numerous terraces line up with views over the sea inlet. It’s a delight to see the wide variety of merchants’ houses, from colorful stepped gables to pastel-shaded façades. If you rent a holiday home on the Baltic Sea near Rügen, don’t miss Stralsund. This old seaside town features stately churches built in the medieval brick-Gothic style that also characterizes many other buildings in the region.

White chalk cliffs and elegant seaside resorts on Rügen

Looking for a destination rich in nature and beaches? Consider a Baltic Sea holiday home on Rügen. In addition to visiting Stralsund, you can admire the iconic chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park. These white rock faces covered in forest rise along the island’s northern coast. On the way you’ll cycle or drive through the gently rolling inland hills toward Sassnitz, a well-known starting point for a scenic coastal walk to the cliffs. If walking is difficult, a shuttle bus runs from Sassnitz or from the Hagen parking area.

As white as the chalk cliffs are, so white are the beaches and seaside architecture of Sellin. The elegant pavilion on the pier is especially beautiful and gives the resort a refined, almost Belle Époque atmosphere. Bonus: Sellin is also one of the departure stations for a ride on the historic steam train Rasende Roland.

Ystad, Sweden – colorful houses and white beaches

A gem on the Swedish Baltic coast is the picturesque town of Ystad. Its colorful houses along gently curved streets invite you to take a photogenic city walk. Several churches rise above the rooftops, and the small homes alternate with a surprisingly large main square. One of the most beautiful sights is the Greyfriars Abbey, a long building beside a pond with a yellow half-timbered façade. Walking along Ystad’s beaches is also a must – Mossbystrand is a bright white strip of sand framed by pine forests and wide open fields.

Tip: from Ystad, also visit the coastal town of Simrishamn. This lively harbor town features colorful wooden houses and a white church rising above the picturesque quay, completing the postcard view.

Walk through the desert dunes of Słowiński National Park

Along the Polish coast near the urban area of Gdańsk stretches a vast dune landscape with rich flora and many bird species, including spoonbills. In some places the dunes rise several meters high, resembling a white desert. Because the sand is not firmly anchored by dune grass, this is one of the largest shifting sand dune areas in Europe. At the edge of the forest you can see the white dunes dropping steeply downwards. Exploring this area takes some effort, but the views are extraordinary – especially at sunset, when the dunes and grasses cast long shadows across the golden-orange landscape.

Rent a Baltic Sea holiday home

Will Lübeck be your next city break, or would you rather watch the evening light fade over the chalk cliffs of Rügen? For these highlights, rent a holiday home on the Baltic Sea. Yet this inland sea offers much more – from the charming towns of Ystad and Simrishamn to the dunes of Słowiński. Want to make your trip as active as possible? Paddle a canoe across the lakes of Schleswig-Holstein or relax on the quiet beaches of southern Sweden.