Overview
Fehmarn is a flat, wind-swept island in the southwestern Baltic Sea, connected to the Schleswig-Holstein mainland by the Fehmarnsund Bridge. Covering roughly 185 square kilometres, it is one of Germany's largest islands by area and has a resident population of around 13,000, swelling considerably in the summer tourist season.
The island is best known for its long sandy beaches — particularly the broad strand at Burg auf Fehmarn — and for consistent sea breezes that have made it a favourite destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers from across northern Europe. The landscape is predominantly agricultural, with wheat and rapeseed fields stretching to the horizon, punctuated by old brick farmhouses and the occasional windmill.
Fehmarn sits at the crossroads of an ambitious infrastructure project: the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, a planned immersed tunnel connecting the island to the Danish island of Lolland. Construction is underway on both sides of the strait and will eventually reduce travel time between Germany and Scandinavia considerably. Travellers visiting now will witness this historic engineering project in progress.
Despite its popularity in July and August, Fehmarn retains a low-key, unhurried character. It is not an island for nightlife or luxury tourism; it rewards those who come for open skies, cycling, birdwatching, and uncrowded beaches in the shoulder season.
Before You Go
Fehmarn is part of Germany and lies within the Schengen Area. For visa information relevant to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the German Federal Foreign Office at auswaertiges-amt.de.
What to pack
- Wind-resistant layers are essential year-round; even in July, sea breezes can make temperatures feel cooler than forecast
- Sun protection — the flat, open landscape offers little shade on beaches or cycling routes
- Waterproof outer layer for unpredictable Baltic weather
- Cycling shoes or comfortable trainers if you plan to use rental bikes
- Cash: while card payments are accepted in most restaurants and larger shops, some smaller kiosks, beach stalls, and parking machines may be cash-only
Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to Germany beyond standard up-to-date immunisations. Tap water is safe to drink. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor GHIC is valid for EU and UK citizens respectively. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended for all visitors.
Peak season note
Accommodation fills rapidly in July and August, particularly around school holiday periods in Germany and Denmark. Book well in advance if visiting at this time.
Getting There
By road and rail
Fehmarn is connected to the Schleswig-Holstein mainland via the Fehmarnsund Bridge, which carries both road (B207) and rail traffic. From Hamburg, the drive takes roughly 90–120 minutes depending on traffic. Direct trains run from Hamburg to Puttgarden on Fehmarn; verify current timetables and journey times with Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de), as schedules vary by season.
By ferry from Denmark
The Vogelfluglinie (Bird Flight Line) ferry route between Puttgarden on Fehmarn and Rødby in Denmark is operated by Scandlines and has run for decades. It carries both passengers and vehicles and runs frequently, typically around the clock in summer. Check current schedules and fares directly with Scandlines (scandlines.com), as they change seasonally.
By air
Fehmarn has no commercial airport. The nearest major airport is Hamburg Airport (HAM), roughly 130 km away. Travellers from within Europe may also consider Lübeck or Rostock, though services at those airports are more limited. From any airport, onward travel is by train or hired car.
Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link
The planned immersed tunnel between Puttgarden and Rødbyhavn is under construction but not yet open. Check current project status before your trip if this affects your routing.
Getting Around
Cycling
Fehmarn is exceptionally flat and relatively compact, making it one of the most cycle-friendly islands in northern Germany. A network of signed cycling routes covers most of the island, including a full coastal circuit. Bike rental is available at several locations in Burg auf Fehmarn and near the main camping areas; verify availability locally or at your accommodation.
By car
A car is convenient for reaching more remote beaches and the northern tip of the island around Marienleuchte. Parking at popular beaches is available but can fill quickly on summer weekends. The island's roads are generally quiet outside peak season.
Public transport
Bus services connect the main settlements including Burg auf Fehmarn, Puttgarden, Burgstaaken, and Fehmarn-Orth. Services are less frequent outside the main tourist season. Verify current routes and times with Verkehrsgemeinschaft Schleswig-Holstein (NAH.SH) at nah.sh.
On foot
Burg auf Fehmarn's town centre and beach area are walkable. For exploring further afield, cycling or a vehicle is more practical given the distances involved.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
Fehmarn's coastline offers a variety of beach characters. The main strand at Burg (Südstrand) is broad, family-friendly, and backed by facilities. Grömitz-facing bays on the eastern coast tend to be calmer, while the western shore around Strukkamphuk and Orth is exposed and draws the windsurfing and kitesurfing community. Many beaches have a seasonal Strandkorb (wicker beach chair) rental culture characteristic of northern Germany.
Watersports
The consistent Baltic winds make Fehmarn one of Germany's premier spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Several surf schools operate on the island, particularly on the western shore; verify their current offerings locally or online. Stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and sea kayaking are also popular. Water temperatures in summer typically reach the mid-teens Celsius — cool, so a wetsuit is advisable.
Birdwatching
Fehmarn lies on a major migratory flyway. The island's wetlands, hedgerows, and coastal margins attract significant numbers of waders, raptors, and passerines during spring and autumn migration. The nature reserve areas around the Burger Binnensee lake and the Grüner Brink headland are noted observation points. Bring binoculars.
Lighthouses and landmarks
The Marienleuchte lighthouse at the island's northern tip and the Staberhuk lighthouse to the south are both accessible and make pleasant cycling destinations. The Fehmarnsund Bridge itself, an elegant arch structure completed in 1963, is a regional landmark visible from several vantage points.
Fehmarn Belt construction site
The ongoing tunnel project has an information centre in Puttgarden where visitors can learn about the engineering involved. Check whether this is currently open to visitors before making a special trip.
Food & Drink
Fehmarn's food culture is rooted in the northern German coastal tradition. Fish features prominently: smoked eel, herring preparations, and fresh Baltic plaice are common offerings in the island's restaurants and fish stalls. The island also has working farms producing lamb, which appears on some local menus.
Burg auf Fehmarn has the widest selection of restaurants, cafés, and ice-cream parlours, ranging from simple Imbiss (snack) stands to sit-down restaurants. Beach kiosks serving Fischbrötchen (open fish sandwiches on a bread roll) are a regional staple worth trying. Quality and variety drop off sharply outside Burg.
Local bakeries (Bäckereien) typically open early and are a reliable source of breakfast. German beer and regional spirits are widely available; look for seasonal offerings from Schleswig-Holstein producers. Supermarkets in Burg auf Fehmarn and Burgstaaken are well-stocked for self-catering.
Most restaurants close or operate reduced hours outside the June–September season. It is worth calling ahead or checking current hours if visiting in the shoulder months.
Practical Information
Emergency numbers
In Germany, the general emergency number for police is 110 and for fire and ambulance is 112. These are free calls from any phone.
Medical care
Fehmarn has a local medical centre (Ärztehaus) in Burg auf Fehmarn. For serious emergencies, the nearest hospital with full facilities is in Oldenburg in Holstein on the mainland. Verify current local medical contacts at your accommodation on arrival.
Money
ATMs (Geldautomaten) are available in Burg auf Fehmarn. Smaller businesses and beach vendors may not accept card payments; carrying some euros in cash is advisable.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (4G/LTE) from major German providers is generally reliable across the main settled areas. Coverage can be patchy in remote coastal spots. Public Wi-Fi is available in some accommodation and a small number of cafés.
Useful websites
- Tourism information: fehmarn.de (verify current hours and event listings here)
- Deutsche Bahn rail travel: bahn.de
- Regional public transport: nah.sh
- Ferry to Denmark: scandlines.com
Safety
Fehmarn is a safe destination with low crime rates typical of rural northern Germany. Normal common-sense precautions apply: do not leave valuables visible in parked cars at beach car parks.
The Baltic Sea can be deceptively cold even in summer, and sea conditions change quickly with wind shifts. Heed any warning flags at supervised beaches. If undertaking watersports without an instructor, ensure you have appropriate experience and equipment. Jellyfish (particularly the moon jellyfish and, occasionally, the larger lion's mane jellyfish) are present in Baltic waters in summer; their sting is mild but can irritate sensitive skin.
Cycling on rural roads is generally safe, but some stretches of the B207 main road carry faster traffic; use designated cycle paths where they exist and ensure your bike has functioning lights if riding after dark.
