Fehmarn is a great island for a holiday with children. Distances are short, the water slopes gently at many beaches, and it’s rarely more than a twenty-minute drive from the beach to a day-trip destination. Anyone who travels with children knows the equation: the less time spent travelling, the more of the holiday you have left.
On this page, you’ll find twelve places to visit, beaches that are truly family-friendly, and the practical details that people rarely think about in advance. We checked that each destination was open in August 2026. In fact, there are two classic spots that still feature on many people’s lists of places to visit, but which you can no longer visit. All distances are given from Burg on Fehmarn.
Fehmarn is flat. That may sound unspectacular, but with children it makes all the difference: handcarts, balance bikes and bike trailers aren’t a workout here, but simply a normal way of getting about. The island has around 78 kilometres of coastline, and yet you can reach almost any destination from Burg or Burgtiefe in just under half an hour.
Added to this is something that parents value more than any attraction: during the bathing season, four sections of the beach are patrolled by DLRG lifeguards, namely the South Beach, Meeschendorf, Bojendorf and the Grüner Brink. There are over 40 public toilets and numerous beach showers scattered across the island, and the quality of the bathing water is regularly tested.
And everything is in German, with no language barrier and no long journey. For many families, that is precisely why their first holiday on Fehmarn turns into a regular tradition.
Not every beach on Fehmarn is suitable for young children. The difference lies less in the beauty of the beach than in the surface, the depth of the water and whether there are toilets nearby.
The Südstrand in Burgtiefe is the obvious choice. Fine sand, gently sloping water, a well-maintained beach promenade around 1.8 kilometres long and DLRG lifeguards on duty during the bathing season. Everything you need for a family day out is within walking distance: beach chairs, places to eat, toilets and play areas.
Meeschendorf in the south-east is the quieter option and is also lifeguard-supervised during the bathing season. Those travelling with a dog will find two designated dog beaches here. Bojendorf in the north-west is also under DLRG supervision and is situated close to the natural surroundings of the waterbird reserve.
To be honest: Grüne Brink in the north is the island’s most scenic beach, but it’s only suitable for little feet to a limited extent. It’s a natural beach with quite a few stones. It’s well worth a visit with older children, but not really ideal for a daily spot of sandcastle building.
How close your accommodation is to the water determines the whole course of your day. That’s why we’ve Accommodation in prime locations specially compiled. A You can hire a beach chair right there on the spot.
The wind, which makes Fehmarn a haven for water sports, is the only real nuisance when you’re with young children. A beach chair is therefore less of a luxury and more of a windbreak, a source of shade and a base camp all in one. Especially during the peak season, it’s worth arriving early in the day or booking in advance.
Sun protection is often underestimated on the Baltic Sea. Because the wind makes it feel cooler, you hardly notice the sun, and the sand also reflects the sun’s rays. You should therefore pack a hat, a long-sleeved top for in the water and plenty of sun cream, even on days that seem mild.
And then there are the activities that cost nothing yet keep you occupied all afternoon: hunting for shells and crabs, defending a sandcastle against the incoming waves, flying a kite. If you’ve got a spade and a bucket with you, you rarely need anything else on Fehmarn.
From year-round to purely seasonal, from indoors to outdoors. Each destination lists its opening times and the age groups it is suitable for. We have deliberately chosen not to list admission prices and exact opening times, as these are subject to change. Please check these with the relevant provider before you set off.
The most reliable attraction on the island, as it is one of the few that is open all year round. An underwater tunnel leads through a large tank, where you can see sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks and nurse sharks. Suitable for everyone from toddlers to teenagers. Find out more on our page about the Fehmarn Marine Center.
On the Südstrandpromenade in Burgtiefe, featuring a seawater wave pool and a large sauna and wellness area. The perfect spot for an afternoon when the Baltic Sea is too cold or too choppy. You can get a discount with the Ostseecard. In winter, the lido is closed for several weeks for maintenance.
In Burg, with butterflies flitting about in a hall with a tropical climate. On a chilly day in particular, the warmth in there is a draw in its own right. Ideal for younger children, as the route is easy to follow. Open from around April until well into November.
Located at the entrance to Burg, it is divided into a ‘BioWorld’ and a ‘TechWorld’, with a strong focus on hands-on activities. For curious primary school children, it makes for a long, enjoyable afternoon. It operates seasonally and is mostly closed in winter.
A 3,000-square-metre glass-roofed conservatory in Burgtiefe, featuring an indoor playground, Pit-Pat, restaurants and shops. It forms part of the IFA Fehmarn Hotel on Südstrand, which is why its opening hours are subject to the hotel’s operating schedule. Find out more on our page about the Vitarium Fehmarn.
Climbing on an old grain silo in Burg, with 14 routes ranging from 5 to 40 metres in height. Anyone at least 1.10 metres tall is welcome to take part. For children who are feeling brave, this is the activity they’ll be telling their families all about when they get home. As the climbing takes place outdoors, the weather will play a part.
At Burgstaaken Marina, in a large boathouse, with 22 lanes complete with obstacles, water features and a sound staircase. This is available during the summer months, so it’s not a year-round alternative for rainy days. You can find out where else it’s available on our website Golf and Mini-Golf on Fehmarn.
In Burgstaaken harbour there is a former NATO submarine which visitors can explore from the inside. Walking through the cramped compartments is particularly impressive for older children. It is closed in the depths of winter, and experience has shown that the published opening times are not always up to date. Further details can be found on our page about the Submarine Museum.
Also in Burgstaaken, featuring the history of sea rescue and a rescue cruiser on display. A small museum that can easily be combined with a visit to the submarine in a single afternoon, as both are moored in the same harbour.
In the west of the island, with observation huts from which you can spot birds. Binoculars are the most useful item to bring along here. This outing requires patience and works much better when planned in advance rather than on the spur of the moment. Find out more on our website about Wallnau Waterfowl Reserve.
Located at the south-eastern tip of the island, it was built in 1903 and remains in operation to this day. A note that is often missing from many sightseeing guides: The site is not open to the public, and the tower cannot be visited from the inside. The route there leads from the Staberhuk car park for around two kilometres along a narrow path on the cliffs. It’s not suitable for pushchairs, but it’s a lovely outing with children who can walk confidently. More about the Lighthouses on Fehmarn.
Six buildings, ranging from the Fehmarn Museum, housed in a preacher’s widow’s house dating from 1581, to the oldest working windmill in Schleswig-Holstein. Opening times vary considerably, and several are closed during the winter. You can find out which six they are in our overview of the Museums on Fehmarn.
In August 2026, we checked that every destination on this page was still operational. Two long-standing favourites failed this test, yet they still feature in many recommended day-out guides for Fehmarn.
Farmworld Fehmarn, the miniature world of agriculture, has closed down permanently after twelve years. The message on its own website is clear: on 19 April 2026, the operators closed their doors for good because the lease had expired and no new premises could be found.
The situation is much the same at the indoor play centre Jumpy Doo in Burger Harbour. The website is no longer accessible, and the listing has disappeared from the Fehmarn Tourist Information Service. We are therefore not listing it as a place to visit. If you have any information to the contrary, we’d be grateful if you could send us a quick message.
So if you come across a list that still includes either of these, it’s out of date. A wasted journey with whingeing children in the car is annoying enough to warrant a mention here.
A unique feature of Fehmarn that many families aren’t aware of: on the island, you can spend the night in a
The offer is available during the season, roughly from April to October. Bookings can be made through the beach chair hire service, the Fehmarn Tourist Information Centre, or directly with the relevant operator on the beach. One chair isn’t enough for a whole family, but it’s a lovely idea for a special night out for an older child with one parent – a holiday memory that will last longer than a third visit to a museum.
After a day by the water, nobody’s in the mood to wait a long time for a table. Two things help: go out for a meal early, as the island gets busy late in the day, and make a point of visiting the courtyard cafés. These often have outdoor play areas, so the children can keep themselves occupied whilst they wait for their food.
A fish sandwich at one of the five harbours is the simplest option of all and is an essential part of any island holiday. You can find out which restaurants, cafés and courtyard cafés are available on our page about Dining on Fehmarn. You’ll also find a separate section there on eating out with your dog.
As the island has no significant inclines, cycling with children here is actually a very relaxed experience. There are around 300 kilometres of signposted cycle paths, many of which run along the dyke and away from motor traffic. You can find out which routes are suitable for families on our page at Cycling on Fehmarn. You can get bikes and trailers from a number of places borrowed on the island.
There’s almost always a breeze on Fehmarn, and you can make the most of it. Flying kites is a staple of any island holiday, and the surfing and kitesurfing schools offer courses for children. Age limits vary depending on the school and the sport, so it’s worth checking before you arrive.
Fehmarn is one of the sunniest regions in Germany, but you can’t rule out the odd grey day. With the Maritime Centre, the water park, the Vitarium and the island’s museums, there’s plenty to do indoors.
We have compiled a clear overview of which resorts are open all year round and which are only open during the season at Fehmarn in bad weather.
When you pay the visitor’s tax, your host will give you the Ostseecard. It’s more than just a receipt: it entitles you to free use of local public transport in fare zone 1, i.e. in Burg, Burgtiefe, Neue Tiefe and Landkirchen. The community bus is also free with it. For families without a second car, this is the most practical benefit of all.
In addition, there are discounts, such as on admission to the FehMare water park, free Wi-Fi at several hotspots and free borrowing from the municipal library. The visitor’s tax applies to all guests aged 18 and over; children and young people are therefore exempt. You can find the current rates and the full list of benefits at the Fehmarn Tourist Information Centre.
A note on getting there: There is currently no train service to Fehmarn. Due to the expansion of the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, the railway line between Lübeck and Fehmarn is expected to remain closed until 2029. If you’re travelling with children and luggage, the car is therefore the most practical option. You can find out about other amenities, doctors and shopping facilities on our page about Life on Fehmarn.
Just so you know what to expect: Fehmarn doesn’t have an amusement park or any single attraction that can keep you occupied for a whole day on its own. The island works differently. Its charm lies in the mix of beaches, short distances and small attractions, and that’s exactly what makes it so relaxing with children.
If you’re looking for a big rollercoaster, you’ll find one on the mainland. Hansa-Park is easily accessible from the island and is well worth a day trip. You can find out about other places to visit in the area on our page about the Day trips from Fehmarn. For everything else, the island itself is more than enough.
When you’ve got children, it’s the location that determines how your day goes. If you’ve got the beach on your doorstep, you can pop back there after the afternoon nap without having to get the car out, and forgetting a towel isn’t a big deal anymore.
At Inselblume Fehmarn You’ll find high-quality holiday flats, holiday homes and bungalows in Burgtiefe and Burg. Families in particular should take a look at our Accommodation in prime locations, Because when you’ve got children, having a short walk to the beach makes all the difference to the day. And if the dog’s coming too, there’s something for him as well suitable accommodations for you.