Scharbeutz and Haffkrug between the Baltic Sea and the Pönitz lakes

• The municipality comprises ten villages between Lübeck Bay, woodland and the Pönitz Lake District.
• Scharbeutz and Haffkrug are seaside spa resorts; Gronenberg, Klingberg and Pönitz am See are officially recognised resorts.
• The coastal stretch from Haffkrug to Scharbeutz extends for around six kilometres and has two piers.
• The promenade along the coast is multifunctional and includes a cycle path that can also be used for inline skating.
• The Pönitz lakes complement the seaside beach with woodland and inland trails, as well as a designated bathing area at the Großer Pönitzer See in Klingberg.

In the Baltic Sea resort of Scharbeutz, the focus is on the coastal promenade and its sea views. The Dune Mile brings together cafés, restaurants, boutiques and beach access points; the pier extends out over the water as a place to stroll. The beach is divided into different themed areas, including family, activity, dog-friendly and nudist sections. So when choosing where to go, the specific access point matters more than the place name alone: the dog beach is at access point 4, near the high ropes course and Ostsee-Therme, while the nudist section begins at access point 2 below the spa.

If you enjoy being active, you can walk or cycle along the promenade. A coastal cycle path connects the resorts around Lübeck Bay; in Scharbeutz, the dune golf course and skate park make for additional local stops. The municipality also has a high ropes course in Kammerwald and an outdoor swimming pool at the Großer Pönitzer See. This makes it easy to add an inland destination to a day on the Baltic Sea, while keeping beach and lake activities distinct.

Haffkrug is the older of the two seaside resorts and has stronger ties to coastal fishing. The new pier, beach playground and promenade provide distinct landmarks in the village centre. The designated dog beach is at beach access point 31 by the Gösebek. For a quieter stroll, you can follow the promenade between Haffkrug and Scharbeutz in either direction and pause at either pier head.

There are ten DLRG lifeguard stations along the municipality’s coastal stretch; they are staffed daily during the season from 10 am to 6 pm. For supervised bathing areas, follow the specific beach access point and the current signs on site. For a freshwater swim, the bathing area at the Großer Pönitzer See in Klingberg is an alternative: set in the green hinterland, it is supervised by the DLRG during the season, from 15 May to 15 September, when open from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Pönitz Lake District sets the municipality apart from purely coastal resorts. Woodland and lake landscapes around Klingberg, Pönitz am See and the other villages are ideal for walks and bike rides. That means your accommodation’s location will shape your daily plans: staying in Scharbeutz or Haffkrug makes it easier to get to the beach, pier and Dune Mile, while a base inland puts you closer to the lakes and rural trails. You can compare accommodation in Scharbeutz based on what interests you.

For comparison elsewhere around Lübeck Bay, Timmendorfer Strand and Niendorf offer a combination focused more on piers, the harbour and the town centre. In Travemünde, the Priwall peninsula and ferry services play a bigger part in the coastal experience. If you’d rather take a trip to the lake district, Plön offers a castle and nature trails by the Großer Plöner See. The Holstein day-trip guide provides more context on these coastal and inland destinations.

What is the difference between Scharbeutz and Haffkrug?

Scharbeutz centres on the Dune Mile, promenade and pier; Haffkrug combines its pier with the history of an old fishing village. Both are on the same coastal stretch, which is around six kilometres long, and each has its own beach access points.

Is there freshwater access as well as the Baltic Sea beach?

Yes. The bathing area at the Großer Pönitzer See in Klingberg provides a designated swimming spot inland. Unlike the seaside beach, it is by a lake and operates seasonally.

Where can I take my dog to the beach?

Designated dog beaches are at beach access point 4 in Scharbeutz, near Ostsee-Therme, and at access point 31 in Haffkrug, by the Gösebek. Local signs indicate the section currently in use.