Eckernförde combines a Baltic Sea beach, a harbor, and a diverse cultural scene. The four-kilometer-long, fine-sand bathing beach adds a distinctly maritime touch; the town also offers churches, events, and leisure activities. When planning your trip, it is worth noting that the harbor, beach promenade, and town center are close together in Eckernförde, while some cultural and leisure activities have their own dedicated destinations. This makes it easy to tailor your trip to the interests that matter most to you.

Beach, town harbor, and town center

The town harbor is right beside the long beach promenade and close to both the old town and the town center. The harbor, shopping streets, beach, and places to eat fish are also near one another—a combination that lets you pair a stroll around town with time by the water. The beach is four kilometers long and fine-sand. Boats and ships are part of the harbor scene, and you can buy fish sandwiches straight from the fishing boats. Eckernförde’s landscape also includes Windebyer Noor, a natural inland lake.

These attractions offer different perspectives on the town: the promenade and bathing beach focus on the water, while the harbor and town center showcase other sides of local life. For a quick local bite, look for fish sandwiches sold straight from the fishing boats at the town harbor.

Churches and cultural history

St. Nicolai stands in the pedestrian zone and is a red-brick hall church. Its history dates back to the early 13th century, when it was built as a Romanesque church without a tower. Inside, you can see historic tombs and ship models. A visit to the church thus brings together its architectural form and early history with specific features of its interior.

Borby Church offers a different point of interest: it is visible from afar as you approach Eckernförde. Its old tower room is architecturally striking and serves as a memorial. St. Nicolai and Borby Church thus represent different aspects of architectural and commemorative heritage.

Eckernförde’s cultural program includes music, literature, theater, and art throughout the year. If you want to plan your trip around a particular event, check the dates for your chosen travel period; individual events may change.

Leisure activities and local production

The Meerwasser Wellenbad and Hot Spot Sauna are right on the beach promenade. Together, they offer swimming and sauna facilities year-round. The Bonbonkocherei makes candy and chocolate by hand. Ostseegolf combines 18 holes with activities for the whole family. Alongside the beach and culture, there are also swimming, sauna, food, and leisure activities. For specific opening times and access requirements, it is worth checking the latest information, as procedures and details of the services offered may change.

Rendsburg-Eckernförde as a regional setting

Beyond Eckernförde, the wider destination of Rendsburg-Eckernförde offers other attractions. Rendsburg-Eckernförde district has 55 kilometers of Baltic Sea coastline, a 1,000-kilometer signposted cycling network, and four nature parks. The 180-kilometer Nature Park Trail passes through these four nature parks. Also in the district, the 98-meter-high Aschberg offers views in clear weather reaching as far as the Kiel Canal, Eckernförde Bay, and the state capital, Kiel. These regional features complement the picture of Eckernförde, but are separate attractions within the wider destination.

This can help you decide which focus is right for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Krummwisch, Lütjenwestedt, Eiderkanal, Fockbek, Felm, Schülp Bei Rendsburg, Karby, Thumby.

Back to the overview of destinations: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.