Overlooking the Bay of Lübeck, Scharbeutz is a charming seaside resort in Germany’s far north that’s long been popular for its bathing culture. In addition to its long stretch of sand, it’s home to a thermal wellness complex where you can rest and rejuvenate and offers easy access to Lübeck’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.
Things to do in Scharbeutz
Spend a day relaxing on the sands of Scharbeutz and stroll along the pier that protrudes into the Baltic Sea. Backing the beach are plenty of restaurants where you can dine throughout the day, as well as the leafy walking trails of Kurpark Scharbeutz. After challenging your family on the miniature golf course, you can visit Ostsee Therme, a wellness complex featuring swimming pools, spas and a sauna garden with direct access to the beach.
Scharbeutz can be used as a base for exploring historic Lübeck, which is clustered with Gothic architecture dating from its time as the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Photograph the red-brick Holstentor gate that leads to the Old Town, an atmospheric area of gabled residences and hidden courtyards that’s dominated by the 125-metre-high spires of the Marienkirche.
Gain insight into the local folklore and history at Museum für Regionalgeschichte, which lies in the heart of nearby Pönitz. Artefacts dating from the Middle Stone Age to the present day are on display, with exhibits dedicated to the region’s prehistoric settlements, bathing tourism and architecture of the pre and post-war periods.
Getting around Scharbeutz
Scharbeutz is around 30 minutes’ drive from Lübeck and Lübeck Airport while the much larger Hamburg Airport is one hour away. Buses connect Scharbeutz to towns and villages across the region while the central area is compact enough to explore on foot.