Schleswig-Holstein is Germany's northernmost federal state, a narrow peninsula wedged between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, bordering Denmark. It combines windswept Wadden Sea islands like Sylt and Amrum, the historic Hanseatic port of Lubeck, the sailing capital Kiel, and the tranquil lake district of Holstein Switzerland. The state is defined by water on nearly every side, a mix of German, Danish, and North Frisian culture, and a laid-back maritime pace of life.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Hansa-Park
Northern Germany's largest theme park, set beside the Baltic Sea near Sierksdorf, with roller coasters, water rides, an amusement park and a Baltic Sea aquarium combined - a guaranteed all-day family highlight
Duration: Full day
Multimar Wattforum
An interactive Wadden Sea visitor center in Toenning with touch pools, seal and shark tanks, and hands-on exhibits explaining the tidal mudflats of the North Sea National Park, ideal for curious young naturalists
Duration: 2-3 hours
Sylt Beach Day
The wide, sandy beaches of Sylt, particularly around Westerland and Kampen, offer safe, gently sloping sand ideal for building sandcastles, flying kites in the North Sea wind, and renting an iconic wicker Strandkorb beach chair
Duration: Full day
Guided Wadden Sea Mudflat Walk (Wattwanderung)
A guided barefoot walk across the tidal mudflats near Sankt Peter-Ording or from the North Frisian Islands, spotting lugworms, crabs, and mudflat wildlife with a certified Wattfuhrer - a hands-on, memorable family experience
Duration: 2-3 hours
Kiel Zoo (Tiergehege Tannenfelde/Kiel)
A compact family zoo near Kiel with native and exotic animals, playgrounds, and picnic areas, an easy half-day outing that pairs well with a morning at the Kiellinie waterfront
Duration: Half day
Lubeck Old Town & Holstentor
Lubeck's UNESCO-listed medieval old town, with its red-brick Holstentor gate and marzipan shops, is compact, walkable, and full of gabled houses that make history tangible for children, especially combined with a marzipan-tasting stop at Niederegger
Duration: Half day
Ferry to Fohr or Amrum
A short ferry crossing from Dagebull to the North Frisian Islands of Fohr or Amrum, with wide sandy beaches, dune landscapes, and bike-friendly, car-light villages that children can explore safely
Duration: Full day
Kiel Fjord Boat Trip
A relaxed sightseeing cruise along the Kiel Fjord past ferries, sailboats, and the naval harbor, especially exciting during Kiel Week when the water fills with regatta boats
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Familotel Robinson Club-style resorts (Sylt & Sankt Peter-Ording)
Purpose-built family resort hotels along the North Sea coast with kids' clubs, pools, and childcare programs, popular bases for a beach-focused family holiday
Family features: Kids' clubs, indoor and outdoor pools, family rooms, childcare programs, beach proximity
Hotels near Hansa-Park (Sierksdorf & Scharbeutz)
Baltic coast hotels and holiday apartments within a short drive of Hansa-Park, offering an easy base for a theme-park day combined with beach time at Scharbeutz or Timmendorfer Strand
Family features: Family rooms, kitchenettes, near Hansa-Park and Baltic beaches, playgrounds
Ferienwohnungen (holiday apartments) in Wyk auf Fohr
Self-catering apartments on the North Frisian island of Fohr, a quieter and more affordable alternative to Sylt with sandy beaches and a car-light, bike-friendly main town
Family features: Kitchen facilities, flexible space, close to beach and bike rental, quieter than Sylt
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
North German restaurants and fish stands welcome children at any hour, and many offer a simplified Kinderteller (children's plate)
Fischbrotchen (fish rolls with herring or shrimp) from harbor kiosks are inexpensive, quick, and popular with most children
Labskaus, a mashed corned-beef and potato dish topped with a fried egg and herring, is a mild, filling regional specialty worth introducing to older children
Ice cream (Eis) shops line the promenades of Sylt, Travemunde, and Kiel and are a reliable way to reward a day of sightseeing
Kids' menus (Kindermenu) are common at coastal and resort restaurants, typically €6-10 for a main and a drink
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.