In a nutshell
- Want a Baltic Sea vacation without the overcrowded tourist hotspots? Eckernförde is exactly what you’re looking for.
- This charming little port town has a four-kilometer-long beach of fine quartz sand, a historic old town full of listed buildings, and a beautiful surrounding landscape — plus solid rainy-day options.
- We asked our local insider Barbara — a trained city guide who’s lived here for years — for her top picks on things to do in Eckernförde, where to eat, and where to stay.
As part of our Germany by Locals series, Barbara shared her best insider tips — from must-see sights to her favorite restaurants and the best spots you won’t find in any guidebook.
Tips and Info for a Vacation in Eckernförde
Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you need before visiting Eckernförde.
Location
Eckernförde is a town on the Baltic Sea coast.
More specifically, in Schleswig-Holstein.
Even though Eckernförde sits on the Baltic Sea, you can reach the North Sea coast in just about an hour by car.
From there, the stunning North Sea islands are also just a short hop away.
That makes Eckernförde a great base for a day trip to either the North Sea or the Baltic Sea coast.
Our Hotel Recommendations
Eckernförde is a small town, so the hotel selection isn’t huge. That said, we found three lovely places to stay across three price ranges.
Travel Guides
Admittedly, we don’t know of any travel guides specifically for Eckernförde. But if you’re interested in day trips around the Baltic Sea region, these two books are worth a look:
52 kleine & große Eskapaden in Schleswig-Hollstein an der Ostsee: Whether hiking, cycling, or paddling — this series is packed with ideas for outdoor excursions in the region.
Reise Know-How Ostseeküste: A concise, compact overview of all the well-known and lesser-known highlights along the Baltic coast.
Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Eckernförde
Our Expert
My name is Barbara, and I’ve been living in Eckernförde with my husband and our cat Tommy for several years now. I’m a trained city guide and head the AG FotoDokumentation Eckernförde und Umgebung.
This working group brings together eight experienced amateur photographers who share a passion for cultural history and historic preservation.
Our goal is to document significant and endangered sites through photography, store the images centrally, and make them accessible for future generations.
Eckernförde in Three Words
Cozy, peaceful, livable.
Why Go There?
To experience this small Baltic Sea town in Schleswig-Holstein in all its facets — it’s got a lot more going on than you might expect.
What Makes Eckernförde Unique
The annual Green Screen Nature Film Festival. It’s the most popular festival for nature documentaries in Europe. In 2019, 45,000 nature-loving film fans came to watch nature films from around the world. It’s been held every September in Eckernförde since 2007.
Things to Do in Eckernförde
Must-Sees
The round red-brick granary topped with a golden angel right at the harbor, the wooden bascule bridge, and the harbor itself — with its fishing boats, traditional sailing vessels, and modern yachts — are all absolutely worth seeing.
Also not to be missed: the Baltic Sea Info Center, the squirrel sanctuary, St. Nicolai church in the heart of town, the Borby Church, and the Windeby Noor with its many hiking trails.
On a Rainy Day
When the weather turns, head to the Baltic Sea Info Center to learn about life beneath the Baltic and even touch starfish and fish in a special touch tank.
There’s also the saltwater wave pool, which has a large sauna area and great views of the beach and sea.
At the city museum, you can catch rotating art exhibitions, learn about the town’s history, and check out the historic model railroad layout run by the Eckernförde Railway Enthusiasts.
With Kids
Kids will love the squirrel sanctuary at Hans-Christian-Andersen-Weg 7. The large release enclosure gives rescued squirrels space to prepare for life in the wild, and guided tours of the grounds are available.
There’s also a long stretch of beach, gently sloping water perfect for little ones, and a large playground featuring a play ship — with plenty of room on the wooden steps for parents and grandparents too.
Everyone, young and old, enjoys a visit to the candy factory on Frau-Clara-Straße. You can watch how candy is made, and of course sample and buy some.
Best Day Trip Destinations
I love heading to the coastal cliffs at Langholz, part of the community of Waabs, about 20 minutes from Eckernförde.
There’s a large, free parking lot from which you can walk along the beach and up a wooden staircase to reach the cliffs.
On one side, open fields; on the other, the sea in all its shades. Wonderful for walking, photography, and even painting.
I walk this path in every season, and it’s simply breathtaking. On the way back in summer, there’s a snack stand and restrooms.
To Unwind
Head to the Brekendorf Forest near Brekendorf. It has well-marked hiking trails of varying lengths (two to five miles) through beautiful mixed woodland, accessible from four different parking lots. Informational brochures will show you the way.
Even during peak season, when the town and beach are packed, you’ll have the trails almost entirely to yourself. The terrain is gently rolling (by North German standards!), with lovely forest floor and even a small lake with two swimming docks. The Brekendorf Forest is about 30 minutes from Eckernförde.
Best Viewpoint
Below the Borby Church lies the Petersberg, north of Eckernförde’s inner harbor. From up there you get a fantastic panoramic view of the town, the harbor, and Eckernförde Bay.
Best Photo Spot
Just off the Noor hiking trail, you can still make out the foundation remains of an old water mill. Ancient, intertwined, moss-covered trees stand in a gorgeous tangle.
The former millstream winds through the thicket, creating small waterfalls — seriously beautiful for long-exposure photography, so bring a small tripod. It’s especially stunning in autumn when the beech leaves turn color.
Hardly anyone knows about this spot, even though it’s only a few steps from the main hiking trail. There’s an ordnance survey map “1524 Hütten” from 1955 that still shows the former mill.
Most Adventurous Activity
The Altenhof High Ropes Course. It’s set in a beautiful beech forest right on the Baltic Sea. Afterward, Café Schmerhörn is right there for delicious cake and freshly brewed coffee.
Best Event of the Year
The Strand Open Air at Südstrand brings several well-known artists to Eckernförde every July.
Best Museum in Eckernförde
Museum Alte Fischräucherei, Gudewerdtstr. 71 in the historic center. This museum tells the story of Eckernförde’s history as a major hub of the fish-smoking industry and as the birthplace of the Kiel sprat.
Food and Drink in Eckernförde
Local Culinary Specialty
Kiel sprats — caught and smoked right here in Eckernförde. Before the town had its own train station, the sprats were shipped from Kiel to destinations around the world. The crates were labeled “Kieler Bahnhof” as the sender, which is how the misconception arose that they came from Kiel.
Favorite Restaurants
Fischdeel, Kattsund 22 in the old quarter. Pretty much everything is excellent here, but the fresh-caught cod in mustard sauce with parsley potatoes and cucumber salad is honestly unbeatable.
Steakhouse im Domkrug, right next to St. Nicolai, is a very popular spot for meat lovers.
Sri Tai at Sehestedter Str. 3 is an excellent choice for Thai cuisine.
Best Burger
When I’m craving a really good burger, I head to the Strandrestaurant in Karlsminde, about 20 minutes from Eckernförde toward Waabs. Pass the large campground, head toward the beach, and you’re there. Always a great choice.
Best Ice Cream
For me, it’s the ice cream at La Gondola, Kieler Str. 74. My favorites: chocolate, Amarena cherry, and yogurt. The quality really shines through in the dairy-based flavors especially.
Best Breakfast
Café Adele right at the harbor tip. It’s always busy, so you’re better off making a reservation.
Going Out in the Evening?
Der Spieker, right on the inner harbor in a former grain warehouse, is something special.
It’s on the smaller side, but offers a diverse program — Fresh Folk, Salsa Classica, and more.
Admission is free, and a hat is passed around for the artists. The atmosphere is always fantastic!
And then there’s Römer & Wein on Frau-Clara-Straße near the harbor.
A lovely courtyard, great wines, excellent small bites, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and really good value for money.
Where to Stay in Eckernförde
Our Top Hotel Pick
Zeit in Eckernförde, at Nicolaistraße 17. Because Eckernförde is a small town, the hotel is super quiet despite its central location. There are four rooms, all decorated with great care and attention, plus a wonderful breakfast. Guests keep coming back.
