Dierhagen Camping, the perfect family spot

Nestled upon the Baltic Sea is one of the most idyllic spots to holiday. Every time we return to Germany (in the summer) this is always head to the small town of Dierhagen and the Dierhagen camping ground (Ostseecamp dierhagen). 

We even drove nearly 750km from the beautiful city of Koblenz in one day just to get there.

It’s one place we love to spend family time and it’s around 3 hours north from the city of Berlin.

Being a small, sleepy beach town there are only a few hotels, airbnb’s, pensions and a couple of campgrounds.

While nearby Graal Muritz, about 3km’s away, is a bigger town with more accommodation options. However we love staying at the Dierhagen camping ground.

There are also many family activities to do in and around Dierhagen. With bicycle trails, beach areas, swimming and coast scenery.

Below are our reasons, not only why we stay at Dierhagen camping ground but why we always choose to visit this idyllic part of Germany.

Great Accommodation: Dierhagen Camping and more

Overall Germany has a range of accommodation to suit most families budget and the Baltic sea is the same. We mostly opted for camping if we didn’t stay with friends or family.

The Dierhagen Camping ground is 1st class when it come to amenities. 

Camping in Germany has some interesting charges when it comes to camping as you’ll see below.

This place is pretty central, only a 10 minute walk to the beach. It’s fully equipped, just like most camping grounds.

Shared kitchen, a camp bakery that serves fresh bread and rolls, coffee etc, kids playground and bathrooms/showers though the shower is user pays. They also offer a bike hire shop where you can rent bikes and if need be bike trailers for very little money. 

There is also a supermarket around a 10-minute walk away. We found it great and very family friendly. It didn’t take Jazz long to find friends in the playground.

Costs: Here you pay per person + for your tent + car (if you have one) + tourist tax (approx 2 euros per person per day)

For a family of 4: Adults 7.50€ + 1 child 3.00€ + infant under 5 free + tent 8.80€ + car 5.50€ + tourist tax 2.00€ per person = 40.30€ per night

If campings not your thing there are plenty of Pensions and Air BnB’s up and down the coast. Sometimes we have splashed out on a little comfort, however, the splashing out can come at a cost anywhere from 70€ up.

All this depends on how early you book too.

Here we found Graal Muritz the best for Airbnb accommodation options.

Plus it is home to my new favourite restaurant, Fischhus. The food here (especially the fish) was something amazing. And the price, mains around 10€.

Things to see and do

Spend time on a beach

One of the great things about German beaches is that there is something for everyone, even your dog. German beaches are separated into 3 areas.

Textile (clothing), Pets and the Naturist (no clothing). These are just separated with a sign or beach access so you could be in a clothing area and just a few feet away is a whole group of naked people.

But this is Europe and anything goes. As a Kiwi, this is a little unusual for me. 17 years ago had my first beach trip to Dierhagen, sadly my wife didn’t inform me of the different areas and so while she sunbathed I decided to go for a walk.

As I strolled along the beach, in my own world, an interesting sight caught my eye. I stopped, looked up and around and then it dawned on me. I was the only one with clothes on (board shorts). 

I slowly turned, head down and moved swiftly back to my wife who just laughed and then proceeded to explain the German beach seen.

One of the things I love is the small shops that sell cheap beach activities from buckets and spades to footballs and bat and balls.

We also love renting the Strandkorb (beach chair) but you have to be early. You can either rent them for a day or longer.

We rented ours for three days, at the end of each day instead of hauling all our equipment back to the campground, we just locked it up in the Strandkorb ready the next day.

Cycling

Rent a bike, these are cheap and we picked ours up from the Dierhagen campground for only a few euros.

There are amazing bicycle tracks up and down the coastline. These trails are well signed and are for everyone of any fitness level.

Make sure if you are passing another rider you ring you bell (every bike has one). This is to warn the rider or riders ahead you are going to pass them.

Bikes also have no locks, we would just park our bikes whatever we were doing and when we returned our bikes were where we left them.

In all our time on the Baltic sea I’ve never heard of someones bike been taken.

The trails take you through villages and towns with plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore an empty beach, wander through a little village or simply stop for lunch or a coffee at one of the many restaurants along the way.

Walk along the different Piers

It seems each beachside town has one and they are a great way to spend time, along with everyone else.

Just casually strolling to the end and then turn to capture either that picturesque photo of the coast or the family photo under the sign.

You might also see the odd fisherman turning to catch their lunch or dinner.

Swimming

Remember this is the Baltic sea and even in the height of summer, it’s cold.

Well for me it was.  Sea temperatures in August are around 16 degree. But at the end of the day, you just have to charge straight in followed up by a few quick but deep breaths.

It’s very kid friendly as the Baltic Sea really doesn’t have any tides. So no undertow. However, this doesn’t mean you can be any less water safe.

Drive up the Coast

If biking is not your cup of tea or the places/areas you want to visit are too far, spend a day cruising around.

There is plenty of coast to explore.

You can visit some great coastal towns such as; Prerow, Wustrow and Zingst just to name three.

Hiring a car in Germany is pretty easy, if you are looking for tips on hiring and driving a rental car then look no further.

Great Places to Eat

There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes in every village and town. Most at reasonable prices too. But one of the things I enjoyed the most was the ‘Fischbrötchen’ (fresh fish in a bread roll).

There’s a range of different fish to choose from, my favourite was ‘matjes herring’. Plus at 2.50€ you can’t go wrong.

There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, bakeries with sandwiches, pastries and a variety of bread rolls. And of course everyones favourite ice cream parlours. 

The cafes here also offer a nice cold beer, which at the end of a busy day can be great.

Our Top 5 Restaurants around the area

The Sailor – Graal Muritz

Fischhus – Graal Muritz

Restaurant Fisch an Land – Dierhagen

Hotel Moby Dick – Wustrow

Restaurant Dünenhaus – Prerow

Final Thoughts

For us the beach side town of Dierhagen and the Dierhagen camping ground are a must when we return to Germany. We have created so many amazing memories, before we had children and now as a family. 

The beaches around the Baltic sea are beautiful and you can always find your piece of isolation or that cute little seaside town.

Yep we have had a stay in an Airbnb when we were unable to locate the family tent. While we did enjoy it, I think we’ll always camp if we have the chance.

If you are thinking about coming to Germany in the summer, add Dierhagen to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.

 

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