Overlooking a bay of the same name, Hohwacht is a seaside town on Germany’s north coast. Once an important port, it began attracting tourists as a health resort in the 19th century and is renowned for its quaint beach huts. Hohwacht was famously frequented by the German Expressionist painter, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, who owned a holiday home here.
Things to do in Hohwacht
Extending into the Baltic Sea is the Hohwachter Flunder, a 60-metre-long pier named for its resemblance to a flounder. Open-air concerts and yoga lessons are regularly held on the structure and there’s a children’s play area and a bathing deck to enjoy. Extending on both sides of the pier is the Hohwacht Strand where you can swim and sunbathe in the warmer months.
Sprawling west of Hohwacht is the Großer Binnensee, a large lake connected to the Baltic Sea by the Kossau Stream. It’s an idyllic spot for fishing and birdwatching, particularly during the migration season. South of Hohwacht is the Sehlendorfer Binnensee, a scenic nature reserve with regular sightings of oystercatchers and ringed plovers.
Travelling with kids? They’ll love spending a day at the Donkey & Landspielhof Nessendorf, a wildlife park in the nearby town of Blekendorf. It’s home to more than 100 donkeys that you can pet and comb, as well as an adventure playground complete with ambulances and fire engines. Delicious cakes and hot drinks are served at the on-site cafe.
Getting around Hohwacht
Hohwacht is around a one-hour drive from Kiel and Lübeck Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Hohwacht and the town centre is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the municipality.