Want to feel the sand between your toes in the middle of the city and catch some rays on a lounge chair by the Elbe river as you watch the ships go by, drink in hand? If this sounds like paradise to you, why not spend summer exploring Hamburg’s many beach bars, beach clubs and outdoor bars. Here are some of our favourites.
28° Strandbad Wedel (Wedel, Hakendamm 2)
From old kiosk to stylish beach club, this hotspot offers everything you’d expect from a trip to the beach, especially hot beats and cool drinks. 130 tons of the finest Baltic sand were even shipped in to transform the riverbanks into a holiday oasis in the middle of Wedel. Many parking spaces are available.
For more information, menu and opening hours, see here.
AHOI Strandkiosk (Othmarschen, Övelgönner Elbstrand)
This beach bar directly on the Elbe invites you to taste fresh, regional dishes, snacks, home-made cakes, and cocktails. Watch the passing yachts and beautiful Hamburg sunsets while taking in the relaxed atmosphere.
For availability, see here.
Alex im Alsterpavillon (Neustadt, Jungfernstieg 54)
Relax on armchairs, sofas and loungers on this large sun terrace with an incomparable view of the Inner Alster lake. The outdoor bar creates a real beach-y vibe with cool drinks and a relaxed urban atmosphere. You can’t help but chill out.
For reservations, menu and opening hours, see here.
Anleger Hamburg Beach Club Bar & Grill (Groß Borstel)
The perfect beach club for watching the paddle boarders and rowers pass by on their Alster excursions. But why not get in on the fun? The Anleger also rents out canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards, so you can start the day with some action and finish it with your feet in the sand and a cool drink in your hand. The location can be rented for grilling parties as part of a company event, birthday or other celebration.
For more information, menu and opening hours, see here.
Dock 3 (St. Pauli, Parkdeck Landungsbrücken)
Hamburg's first beach club is located on the parking deck of the Landungsbrücken piers. It has plenty of space for lying around and catching that summer feeling. There are even hammocks! You can see the giant cruise ships pass by or meet friends for a cool cocktail.
For more information and opening hours, see here.
Karo Beach (Karoviertel, Rindermarkthalle)
Every summer, Germany's first zero waste beach club aims to create a sustainable outdoor bar in an atmosphere that is both urban and relaxing.
For more information and opening hours, see here.
Like Ice & Sunshine (Wandsbek, Wandsbeker Marktplatz)
Wandsbeker Marktplatz is transformed into a 400 sqm beach club each summer, complete with white sands, palm-trees and cold drinks.
For more information and opening hours, see here.
StrandPauli (St. Pauli, Hafenstraße 89)
Right next to Dock 10 at the Landungsbrücken piers, StrandPauli has been around for a whopping 20 years. Beside relaxed music and refreshing drinks, they offer tasty organic meats from the grill and locally sourced ingredients, all with sustainability in mind. Every weekend, you can have breakfast at the beach club starting at 10:00 a.m. with a stunning view of the port. StrandPauli officially decrees the summer season in April and from then on it is open every day.
For more information, menu and opening hours, see here.
Strandperle (Othmarschen, Övelgönner Elbstrand)
The kiosk on Övelgönner Elbstrand beach has been a popular meeting point for parties or long summer nights for years. There is enough space for grilling on the beach and drinks are available at Strandperle.
For more information and opening hours, see here.