Things to Do in Cuxhaven: Insider Tips from a Local

Tips and Info for a Vacation in Cuxhaven

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you need before visiting Cuxhaven.

Location

Cuxhaven is located in Lower Saxony.

More specifically, along the beautiful Lower Saxon North Sea coast.

You can reach Bremerhaven by car in just half an hour.

The Hanseatic cities of Bremen and Hamburg are also super accessible. Bremen is an hour’s drive away and Hamburg is two hours.

Our Hotel Picks

Cuxhaven has a solid range of hotels and vacation rentals. Here are some great options across all price ranges:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Cuxhaven

Our Expert

I’m Nicole Otte, and I’ve been living (finally!) back in my hometown of Cuxhaven for 15 years. Once a coast kid, always a coast kid.

Living with my small family in this little town by the sea and being able to roam freely with my camera feels like a gift. I’m out with my camera on every beach in Cuxhaven and throughout the Cuxland.

With me, there’s always MORE sea!

Cuxhaven in Three Words

My personal WWW:

Wind: There’s almost always a breeze along the coast — even on warm summer days. When it gets stormy, it’s perfect for clearing your head on a beach walk.
Vastness: Only by the sea do you get that unobstructed view. Mudflats and water as far as the eye can see. Here and there a freighter or a sailboat.
Wadden: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, a densely populated habitat, uncovered twice a day — the Wadden Sea. Walking where the sea was just moments before. Truly one of a kind!

Why Go There!

Here you can have it all: a tourist hotspot in Duhnen, long sandy beaches, tides, a small-town feel, coziness, and the dramatic meeting point of the Elbe and the North Sea at the northernmost tip of Lower Saxony.

Miles of cycling trails (the Weser Cycle Route, the Elbe Cycle Route) — you could theoretically ride from Bremen through Cuxhaven all the way to Hamburg. Bridle paths through the coastal heath, a horseback ride at low tide on the Sahlenburg mudflats, or kite and windsurfing: there’s so much to discover in Cuxhaven.

What Makes Cuxhaven Unique

The Kugelbake and the Alte Liebe (more on those below), the lightship Elbe 1, the view of the Elbe and the world’s largest container ships and passenger vessels — close enough to almost touch.

Within just a few square kilometers you have everything: beach, mudflats, heath, forest, harbor, maritime atmosphere, horse racing on the ocean floor — just no mountains. The highest point here is the dike or the Altenwalder Höhe (37.5 m above sea level).

And you can walk from Cuxhaven to Hamburg in three hours — more on that later.

Things to Do in Cuxhaven: Top Sights and Activities

Must-Sees

The Kugelbake: The geographically northernmost point of Lower Saxony. The Bake once served as a sea marker. A predecessor of the current Kugelbake served for a time as a lighthouse for the entrance to the Elbe estuary, which is still considered a difficult waterway to navigate — which is why all ships here are subject to a speed limit and are required to take on a pilot.

The Kugelbake marks the end of the inner Elbe and the beginning of the North Sea. Every ship coming from the Atlantic and heading to the Port of Hamburg must pass by here — and the same applies on the return journey.

The Kugelbake was, and still is, made of wood. Wind and weather, saltwater and storms have always taken their toll, which is why it has had to be rebuilt time and again over the centuries.

It adorns the city coat of arms and is the landmark of Cuxhaven and the entire region — a tourist magnet and Nicole’s personal favorite spot.

The Alte Liebe: First a harbor fortification, then a pier, and today one of Cuxhaven’s most iconic landmarks. The Alte Liebe was built as a pile structure made of wood on top of the wrecks of three retired ships. The origin of the name “Alte Liebe” (Old Love) has never been definitively established.

One of the sunken ships is said to have been called “die Liebe” (The Love). Another and more widely told account speaks of a ship named “Olivia.” The ship was known colloquially simply as “Oliv.” “Oliv” sounds in Low German like Ol’ Leev — Alte Liebe.

On a Rainy Day

When Northern German drizzle sets in, a visit to the Ahoi! pool is a great option — for the whole family, too. It features a wave pool, a large slide, a paddling area for little ones, wellness offerings, and a seriously impressive sauna landscape — including a panoramic sauna with views over the Wadden Sea. After a sauna session, you can unwind with a book by a crackling fireplace. Who cares what the weather’s doing outside?

In the Sahlenburg spa district, the Wadden Sea Visitor Center opened in 2015. An extensive exhibition showcases everything about the flora and fauna of the Wadden Sea, salt marshes, and coastal heath. Admission is free, and the center’s team also offers nature tours.

Otherwise, the Northern motto applies: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothing!” And after a beach walk in wind and rain, tea tastes especially good.

With Kids

Cuxhaven and the Cuxland have always been popular with families. Building sandcastles and damming up tidal channels on the beach tops the list — that fascination never, ever ends!

If that’s not enough, you have every option here:

In the Sahlenburg district there’s a climbing park for kids and adults alike: set in the Wernerwald, directly connected to a large forest playground and within sight of the sea.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there are three lovely mini-golf courses. With focus, a good eye, and a bit of luck, you can sink that putt.

What you absolutely have to do in a town by the sea: take a harbor tour and/or a boat trip to the seal sandbanks. These adorable marine mammals love sunbathing just as much as we do.

The Cuxibahn runs between the spa districts — a highlight for every young visitor.

There’s no zoo in Cuxhaven itself, but the Kurpark in Döse has several aviaries with various bird species, and a penguin feeding takes place daily at 3:00 p.m.

The nearest zoos aren’t far away, though:

Head south on the A27 to Bremerhaven (about 30 minutes by car): there you’ll find the Zoo am Meer, well known from the ARD series “Seehund, Puma und Co.”

Head east (also about 30 minutes by car) on the B73 to the Zoo in der Wingst: a beautifully integrated zoo with a large petting zoo area for the little ones.

In the neighboring town of Otterndorf, right behind the dike, you’ll find a spacious playground with grilling facilities, a swimming lake, and a water ski facility. There’s also a play barn with a small café and a footgolf course. Note: Cuxhaven spa cards are not valid here!

A Great Day Trip

Since Cuxhaven is essentially a merger of several smaller communities, it doesn’t really feel like a city. Everything is quite small and laid-back.

For a change of pace, head to Altenbruch.

Altenbruch is also part of the city of Cuxhaven, but sits a bit further out. At the Dicke Berta, a small lighthouse (open for visits from Holy Saturday through September, Tuesdays 10 AM–12 PM and Saturdays 3–5 PM), you have a wonderful view of the small harbor and the Elbe.

On the terrace of the little restaurant by the lock, you can treat yourself to a coffee or another drink. Or take the short walk to the nearby Grünstrand beach, which has an ice cream shop and a restaurant. The buoyed swimming area is supervised by its own DLRG lifeguard station during the swimming season.

For Relaxation

If even Altenbruch isn’t quiet enough for you, the advice is simple: drive to Spieka-Neufeld and the cutter harbor. At low tide — especially in the evenings — all you can hear is the gurgling of the mudflats and the sounds of gulls, ducks, and oystercatchers. The ultimate in slowing down.

If you want a change of scenery from sea and mudflats, take a hike on foot or by bike through the Cuxhaven coastal heath. You can explore a unique protected cultural landscape, with designated bridle paths also available.

Best Viewpoint

Everywhere along the waterfront in Cuxhaven, the views are simply indescribable. For fans of seafaring, the Alte Liebe is certainly the most exciting vantage point. Rarely do you get the chance to watch container ships, pilot boats, tugboats, sailboats, and passenger ships pass by this close.

The Elbe is about 15 kilometers wide here — and on a clear day you can see the wind turbines over in Schleswig-Holstein.

Standing at the Kugelbake, you’re similarly close to the Elbe shipping lane, but the North Sea feeling intensifies. On a clear day you can even see all the way to Büsum from here.

Best Photo Spot

Even a little off the beaten path, you’ll find compelling subjects.

Here are Nicole’s favorite spots (the ranking isn’t set in stone and depends on the mood):

Marina Cuxhaven: Just past the bascule bridge heading into the city lies a sailing harbor. Residential buildings are built right up to the water’s edge. Depending on the weather, the scene offers some really great shots.

Back side of the Hapag Halls and Mützelfeld Shipyard: Railway tracks from the former emigrant train station, historic architecture within sight of the harbor and shipyard. A popular spot for wedding photos, but also something a little different for visitors.

Spieka-Neufeld Cutter Harbor: Always worth a visit. The tide-dependent sluice harbor winds its way in tight curves toward the open sea. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of the shrimp cutters heading out — or coming back in.

Kugelbake and Alte Liebe: The location itself is no secret — what matters here is the time of day. Visitors who make the effort during their vacation to pack their camera before that first cup of coffee and head to these spots will be rewarded, in the right weather, with some of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see.

Especially in summer, you’ll encounter only the occasional jogger or dog walker — or one or two fellow photo enthusiasts. Fewer people, but all the more atmosphere.

Wildest Activity

Vacation on “the slab” or walking from Cuxhaven to Hamburg in three hours — you decide.

At the ferry port there’s an RV parking area — generally known simply as “die Platte” (the slab). There are no restroom facilities, but you get bread roll delivery from the parking attendant and a front-row view of the giant container ships. Vacation with a twist.

In Cuxhaven you can also go on wonderful mudflat hikes — all the way to Hamburg. You don’t believe it? But it’s true.

If you join a guided hike from Cuxhaven to the offshore island of Neuwerk, you’ll be stepping into the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg upon arrival!

Neuwerk doesn’t belong to the city of Cuxhaven, but to the Hamburg-Mitte district. The lighthouse, visible from far away, is the oldest brick building in Hamburg. For the return trip after the hike, you take a boat (Reederei Cassen Eils — reservations are strongly recommended!).

You can also make the journey to the island on horseback or by mudflat wagon. That’s a bit more comfortable, since the island is about 12 kilometers from Cuxhaven — even if it looks closer.

Warning: Please never venture onto the mudflats without a certified guide, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and check the mudflat walking times beforehand. The tide never comes straight back in toward the shore — and the rising water won’t wait for you to make it back to dry land!

Best Event of the Year

The Summer Evening by the Sea.

In the Grimmershörn Bay between the harbor and the Kugelbake, the area around the buoyed swimming beach transforms into a festival mile: live music, food stalls, and colorful lights. Thousands of people line the dike on this evening. At no other time and in no other place do visitors and locals mix as freely as they do here.

Many Cuxhaven residents have a beach chair set up at the Grünstrand beach, which becomes a gathering spot and buffet table for family and friends.

Everyone — whether visitor or local — enjoys the view over the bay with a cold drink and something delicious to eat, whether from a beach chair, a camping chair, or a blanket on the grass.

Why? Because it’s wonderful! Because it’s fun. And because this evening also features a spectacular fireworks display over the water.

When the lightship Elbe 1 and all the other ships (often including an AIDA cruise ship passing by) sound their foghorns — that is THE summer evening by the sea.

Other crowd-pullers include:

• The Duhner Mudflat Race
• The trotting and gallop racing on the ocean floor: strictly limited in time and always a draw for the entire horse-racing crowd.
• Deichbrand Festival: From a small festival to one of THE festival highlights in Germany. In 2019, around 60,000 visitors attended this spectacular event.

Best Museum

YES! Since 2013 there’s been Windstärke 10. Evolved from the original shipwreck museum, a brand-new modern museum was created in the harbor. Two fish halls were connected — and despite (or perhaps because of?) modern architecture and materials, the original character of the halls was preserved and incorporated — magnificent!

At Windstärke 10 you’ll learn a great deal about fishing, the history of the fishing industry in Cuxhaven, and plenty of fascinating facts about sea rescue operations and spectacular shipwrecks.

Recovered wreck pieces and personal belongings are woven into audio and video content and interactive elements. Changing exhibitions and events are also held in the museum’s galleries.

For aviation enthusiasts, a visit to the Aeronauticum in Nordholz is highly recommended.

The history of the airships built by the Schütte-Lanz company is told here in an impressive exhibition — because it wasn’t only Zeppelin who built airships.

Favorite Neighborhood

Nicole’s favorite neighborhood is the Lotsenviertel (Pilots’ Quarter). Many old apartment buildings and pilots’ houses still stand here, and along the small shopping street Schillerstraße you’ll still find many small, lovingly run independent shops.

From stationery to jewelry design, lighting and décor to fashion, tea and wine, and even a Cuxhaven coffee roastery — there’s something here for every visitor. The area is traffic-calmed, and the Schillerstraße simply has a wonderful atmosphere.

Food and Drink in Cuxhaven

Local Specialty

Fish — in every form!

Whether at one of the many restaurants or as a fish sandwich, fish belongs to Cuxhaven just as much as the Kugelbake and the Elbe 1.

Tip: At the fish shops in the harbor, you can have your fish sandwich made fresh to order!

Favorite Restaurants

Restaurant Seelust, Duhnen — You’ll always eat well here. But if you happen to visit Cuxhaven around Christmas, you absolutely have to try the duck. Glazed with honey and roasted… pure bliss!

Romeo & Gulia, Altenbruch district — A little out of the way, but totally worth the trip. If you like a bit of heat, definitely order the “Indiavolata” pizza and/or the “a la Pugliese” pizza. The pizza also comes with chopped pickled pepperoncini and garlic — hot, but delicious!

Prefer something hearty and Northern German but don’t want to sacrifice variety? Then check out the hotel-restaurant Norddeutscher Hof in Lüdingworth. “Mr. Rumpsteak” or the Italian grill pan are among the favorites.

Best Burger

At the Burger Bar right on the dike.

Rustic atmosphere, a friendly team, and a wide selection ranging from veggie burgers to monster burgers. The crunchy chicken burger on a barley malt bun is seriously good. Follow it up with a short digestive stroll to the harbor and the Alte Liebe, which are right next door.

Best Ice Cream

The best ice cream is at Curry & Café on Nordersteinstraße (pedestrian zone). They offer a small, carefully curated, ever-changing selection of flavors, and the scoops are still actual scoops. They also offer a fine selection of homemade cakes — a portion of which is always vegan and gluten-free.

2nd pick: Eiscafé Italia in Sahlenburg — a classic Italian ice cream café right near the beach, across from the Wernerwald with its climbing park and children’s playground.

Best Breakfast

Am Pier at the Alte Liebe is a wonderful place to indulge. Breakfast is served from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Reservations recommended.

Nightlife?

Even though Cuxhaven tends to be laid-back and attracts many families, you don’t have to miss out on fun, music, and a good time.

Feel like karaoke? You’ll find plenty of music in Cuxhaven-Duhnen at the Paulaner Keller, right behind the dike. “Keller” (cellar) is meant literally!

If you’d like to enjoy an excellent cocktail in good company along with some homemade tapas, Benito’s “Kiste” is exactly the right place.

The Kiste has by now become a Cuxhaven institution.

In the mood for a club with music across five floors? No problem! Just outside the city limits lies Jansen’s Tanzpalast in Lüdingworth.

That’s right — Lüdingworth came up just a moment ago. Directly attached to the hotel-restaurant is the largest nightclub in the Elbe-Weser triangle. JTP is part of the family business and keeps evenings interesting with a constantly changing lineup of events.

Favorite Hotels in Cuxhaven

Hotels in Cuxhaven are, as they say, as plentiful as sand on a beach. From a budget hostel in the harbor with breakfast to a top-rated five-star property with fine dining (and an award-winning wine cellar beneath the dunes), you’ll find it all here.

If Nicole were putting up friends or family, she’d book a room at the Moin Hotel or the Hotel Meerzeit.