Kühlungsborn Travel Guide: 11 Best Things To Do & See at the Baltic Seaside Resort Town
Everything you need to know about Kühlungsborn including what to do, when to visit and where to stay | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
Seaside spa town dreams
Kühlungsborn is a top destination on the Baltic Coast in Northern Germany.
After we visited during a couple of warm days in mid-August, we understand why Germans and people from all over flock to this pretty seaside town.
The long sandy beach with the iconic beach baskets, the promenade, the shaded avenues, the ice cream vendors, the Ferris wheel… This is a place to vacation.
Whether you want to stay active or unwind, Kühlungsborn has you covered as you can certainly also go for long, leisurely hikes or fun bike rides through the forests and countryside.
In this travel guide to Kühlungsborn, we tell you all the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around and much more.
Our favourite places to stay in Kühlungsborn:
- Ultra-luxury: Hotel Kühlungsborn am Strand – Kühlungsborn’s most luxurious offering. Has direct beach access and splendid views.
- Luxury: Meerblick-Maisonette Ostseebad Kühlungsborn – It’s impossible not to feel like German aristocracy in this luxurious apartment by the beach promenade.
- Value for money: Weißt Du noch – Gästehäuser & Suiten – Romantic, fairy-tale-like suites with incredible reviews in Kühlungsborn.
- Budget: Hotel Rosenhof – Simple double rooms at a budget price close to Baltic Platz and the beach.
Search for the best value accommodation in Kühlungsborn here.
Table of contents
Where is Kühlungsborn?
Between the Hanseatic towns of Wismar and Rostock in the northeastern part of Germany, you will find the small resort town of Kühlungsborn on the Mecklenburg Baltic Coast (Mecklenburgische Ostseeküste in German).
Kühlungsborn is home to around 8,000 people all year round. In the popular summer months though, many more German and international travellers vacation here.
The town is the largest of the seaside spa towns along the Baltic Sea coast in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
There’s a western and an eastern part of Kühlungsborn. They are well-connected by roads but otherwise largely separated by a forest.
How long to stay in Kühlungsborn
We would recommend staying for 2-4 days in Kühlungsborn to enjoy its beaches fully, explore the town’s attractions and hike or bike in the surrounding natural beauty.
This allows for a relaxing pace while giving you ample opportunity to experience the local culture, try out various activities and take day trips to nearby towns and areas.
If chilling on the beach is your thing or you want a totally laid-back holiday with your family, you can even stay for a week or longer.
The best things to do and see in Kühlungsborn
The town offers a variety of sights and experiences, all set within a tranquil and inviting atmosphere that makes it an ideal seaside escape.
Here’s what to do and see in Kühlungsborn:
- Relax on the beach
- Rent a beach basket
- Stroll the promenade
- Take a scenic walk on Kühlungsborn Pier
- Visit the Baltic Sea Watchtower
- Discover the marina
- Ride the Molli steam train
- Explore Ostseeallee
- See the Baltic Platz
- Cycling and hiking
- Wellness and spa
1. Relax on the beach
Kühlungsborn is home to one of the longest sandy beaches in Germany and of course, you have to spend time at the beach if you’re vacationing on the Baltic coast.
Dip your toes in the water, relax, read or maybe even take a nap!
With its picturesque setting, the beach is perfect for sunbathers, swimmers and families looking to unwind by the sea.
There are also lots of opportunities for water sports.
2. Rent a beach basket
For the real German beach experience, consider renting a beach basket (Strandkorb) for a nice time by the sea.
While we didn’t rent one in Kühlungsborn ourselves, we tried it when we visited the island of Sylt – it was quite fun!
These iconic chairs are a beloved tradition on German beaches as they offer a comfortable and cosy way to enjoy the seaside. The beach baskets also provide shelter from the wind and the sun.
They are equipped with reclining seats, footrests and storage space.
You can typically rent a beach basket by the hour or for a full day. In 2024, the daily price for a regular beach basket was 15 or 16 euros (depending on low or high season) with options for weekly rentals as well.
3. Stroll the promenade
The promenade by the beach in Kühlungsborn is one of the longest in the region stretching for more than 3 kilometres along the Baltic Sea.
We enjoyed a leisurely stroll and the stunning views of the ocean and the wide beach.
On the other side of the path, you can admire the elegant, historic houses showcasing classic spa architecture.
4. Take a scenic walk on Kühlungsborn Pier
Built in 1991, the Kühlungsborn Pier (Seebrücke Kühlungsborn) is relatively new.
It’s one of the longest piers on the Baltic coast and we highly recommend walking its 240-metre length to take in the panoramic views of the sea and the expansive beach.
If you time your visit right, we imagine the pier to be an ideal spot for watching the sunset over the Baltic Sea!
5. Visit the Baltic Sea Watchtower
Even though it’s not that big, a visit to the Baltic Sea Watchtower Museum (Ostsee-Grenzturm Museum) is a must for history enthusiasts interested in the Cold War.
Located just west of the pier along the promenade, this museum offers insights into Germany’s divided era when the old East German border troops used the tower.
Due to limited opening hours, it’s probably a good idea to check their website in advance to plan your visit.
6. Discover the marina
Even if you don’t arrive in your own sailing vessel, you can admire an array of boats and yachts at the marina in Kühlungsborn.
At the new, modern marina, you can also relax at a variety of waterfront restaurants, enjoying local cuisine while taking in the views.
If you’re looking for options for sailing, boat tours or different water sports, there’s a great chance you can find it here.
7. Ride the Molli steam train
Cycling is a popular way to explore the entire region, and using your own car is convenient for covering longer distances, but…
Another fun option – and this may be even better if you’re travelling with children – is to take the Molli steam train (Bäderbahn Molli).
The historic narrow-gauge steam railway dates all the way back to 1886. Riding it is like stepping back in time!
The Molli steam train connects Kühlungsborn West to Bad Doberan with stops in towns along the way.
We personally used it for a trip to Heiligendamm where we enjoyed a scenic journey through the coastal landscapes and forests.
Check out the train schedule for the summer period here.
8. Explore Ostseeallee
The main street connecting the east and west parts of Kühlungsborn is called Ostseeallee.
This picturesque avenue runs parallel to the beach and you can stroll or bike along it if you want to explore the town’s unique blend of architecture and coastal charm.
Here, you’ll find beautifully preserved houses showcasing original spa architecture, including elegant villas and grand hotels.
9. See the Baltic Platz
In the western part of town, Baltic Platz is a vibrant square by the ocean where tourists and locals hang out.
While it’s a great spot for visitors of all ages, Baltic Platz is especially family-friendly with a fun playground and a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the area.
Surrounding the square, you’ll find cosy cafes and restaurants. Occasionally, it’s also a hub for events and gatherings like live music, markets and seasonal festivities.
10. Cycling and hiking
While you can certainly spend all of your time in Kühlungsborn relaxing, it’s also a great place to get active.
Kühlungsborn is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with an extensive network of well-marked trails that follow the coastline and meander through the countryside.
During our visit, we joined the many cyclists we saw exploring the area, even pedalling our way up to The Buk Lighthouse (Der Bastorfer Leuchtturm) from Kühlungsborn – a ride that offered breathtaking views and a great workout.
Here’s a great circular bicycle route taking you from Kühlungsborn to the lighthouse.
We rented bikes in Kühlungsborn from Drahtesel and they offer all different types of bikes. Make sure to reserve your bike in advance if you are visiting in a busy period (which is all of summer).
11. Wellness and spa
After all that hiking and biking (or lack thereof…), why not relax for a bit? It is a spa town, after all!
Kühlungsborn is known for its many wellness centres which offer everything from traditional massages to modern wellness therapies.
While most spas are inside the hotels, non-guests can often also indulge for a fee.
Where to stay in Kühlungsborn
First of all: Kühlungsborn is a popular and not very cheap place to stay, especially in summer. Therefore it’s a great idea to book your accommodation well in advance.
With that said, it’s also a lovely place to vacation and there are loads of good options for hotels and apartments.
While beachfront stays can be expensive in Kühlungsborn, the town’s small size means you can walk a few hundred meters inland and find more affordable options without sacrificing much in terms of convenience.
As for choosing between the western, middle or eastern parts of town, each area has its charm and the consistently beautiful beach stretches along the entire coastline.
Search for the best value accommodation in Kühlungsborn here (adlink).
The best ultra-luxury hotel in Kühlungsborn
- Hotel Kühlungsborn am Strand – Kühlungsborn’s most luxurious offering. Has direct beach access and splendid views.
The best luxury hotels in Kühlungsborn
- Apartmenthaus Atlantik – Stay directly by the beach in Kühlungsborn in your own apartment.
- Meerblick-Maisonette Ostseebad Kühlungsborn – It’s impossible not to feel like German aristocracy in this luxurious apartment by the beach promenade.
The best mid-range/value for money hotels in Kühlungsborn
- Weißt Du noch – Gästehäuser & Suiten – Romantic, fairy-tale-like suites with incredible reviews in Kühlungsborn.
- Villa Katharina – Great apartments super close to the beach.
The best budget hotels in Kühlungsborn
- Lodge Boutique Hotel Kühlungsborn – A stylish place to stay near the ocean just west of town.
- Hotel Rosenhof – Simple double rooms at a budget price close to Baltic Platz and the beach.
How to get around Kühlungsborn
By car
There’s no way around the fact that driving around the region and the Mecklenburg Baltic Coast is very convenient and flexible. Roads are in good condition and don’t see too much traffic.
Kühlungsborn is well-connected by road and parking is available at various locations around town, although it can be difficult to find a spot if you visit in the high season.
By walking
The best way to explore Kühlungsborn is on foot.
The town is highly walkable, especially along its seaside promenade. In the town centre, most attractions are within a short walking distance of each other.
By bicycle
A good option to get around is to use the extensive bike network.
Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Kühlungsborn and we saw so many people biking (and did it ourselves).
The town is bike-friendly with well-maintained bike lanes that connect different parts of the town and extend into the surrounding region. It’s also common for cyclists to share the wide sidewalks with pedestrians.
If you haven’t brought your own, you can rent bikes from several places in town – both standard bikes and e-bikes. We could even get a baby bike seat.
By public transport
We didn’t use public transport to get around ourselves (apart from riding on the Molli steam train!), but local buses operate in the area and we’re sure that this is also feasible if you keep a good eye on the timetables.
The Molli steam train is a fun way to get from Kühlingsborn to other towns nearby.
When to visit Kühlungsborn
Spring (March, April and May) is a beautiful time to visit Kühlingsborn with sunny days and blooming flowers. It can still be a bit chilly, so check the weather forecast before you pack.
Summer (June, July and August) is of course the hottest season and the temperatures can get quite high in July and August. At the same time, it’s also at its rainiest in the summer so pack a rain jacket or an umbrella, just in case. The sun is usually shining from early morning until very late in the evening. The summer holidays in Germany are spread out between mid-June and mid-September and this is considered the high season in Kühlingsborn.
Autumn (September, October and November) might not offer the warmest beach days, although September can still surprise you with pleasant weather. However, this season gives you the chance to enjoy Kühlungsborn and the surrounding nature with fewer crowds. If you visit during peak autumn colours, the golden hues beautifully complement the town’s historic resort architecture.
Winter (December, January and February) is generally cold but on the other hand, there are usually fewer tourists. If you’re planning to visit during Christmas or New Year, it’s smart to book your accommodation ahead of time.
What to bring to Kühlungsborn
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen (adlink). Especially if you visit in the summer. We recommend that you use an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
- Hiking shoes, sneakers, sandals or other shoes you can walk in comfortably.
- Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim (or are staying at a hotel with a spa area).
- A refillable water bottle and snacks. You can drink the tap water in Germany.
- Cash for parking and other small purchases, especially 1 and 2-euro coins. Not all places in Germany accept credit cards.
Sustainable travel tips
To minimise your impact during your visit, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Check your sunscreen before going in the water. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
- Respect wildlife.
Thanks for reading
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Kühlungsborn. We hope it has been helpful!
What do you think about the Baltic seaside resort town?
If you’ve been to Kühlungsborn it would be awesome to hear your best tips and tricks.
If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below. We’re happy to help.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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