Fehmarn is an island for rest and relaxation. Some visitors spend their days moving between the beach, the hotel and short walks by the sea, while others prefer to explore farther, walk through Grüner Brink, visit a lighthouse or spend the morning discovering one of the island’s natural areas.
The island has flat terrain and routes near the Baltic Sea, with landscapes that change from one area to another: open coastline, wetlands, waterfront paths and marked natural areas. Routes vary in length, so you can choose between a short walk, a half-morning outing or a somewhat longer hike.
This guide covers several walking routes in Fehmarn, with straightforward options for planning your day according to the time available and the type of landscape you want to explore. If you are also looking for accommodations in Germany while discovering the Baltic coast, Fehmarn is a good place to combine nature, the sea and outdoor walks.
To plan your full stay, you can also consult our Fehmarn travel guide for a broader introduction to the island before organizing your routes.
Grüner Brink: a hiking route in Fehmarn among dunes and birds
Grüner Brink is a nature reserve on Fehmarn’s northern coast, between Puttgarden and Gammendorf. This protected stretch beside the Baltic Sea has marked paths, small lagoons, wetlands, sections of beach and areas where waterfowl can often be seen.
The walk combines coastal scenery with a natural setting. Small dune areas appear along some sections, while other parts of the path run close to the water or beside wetlands. It is one of the most interesting routes for an introduction to hiking in Fehmarn, especially if you are looking for an easy walk with several changes of scenery.
If you are interested in birdwatching, bring binoculars. It is important to stay on the marked paths and use the designated access points because Grüner Brink is a protected area. The wind can be strong in this part of the island, so a light jacket may be useful even on sunny days.
Flügge Lighthouse: a relaxed outing
Flügge Lighthouse stands in southwestern Fehmarn, in a remote part of the island near the Krummsteert natural area. It is the tallest lighthouse in Fehmarn and the only one visitors can climb from the inside during the open season, with 162 steps leading to the top.
The outing can be a short walk if you start near Hof Flügge or a somewhat longer route from Orth. The route from Orth to the lighthouse is approximately 4 miles long, with very little elevation gain, and follows firm paths, farm tracks, trails and a short section of road.
The appeal of this route lies in the open landscape of western Fehmarn. The lighthouse remains visible as a landmark along part of the way, while the surroundings have the flat, unobstructed character typical of the island. The wind in this area can make the walk feel cooler even on sunny days, so a light layer is useful.
Staberhuk and Fehmarn’s more exposed coastline
Staberhuk is in southeastern Fehmarn and offers a short walk through the area around its lighthouse, along an open stretch of coast that is highly exposed to the wind. The route begins at the beach parking area near the former naval station and can continue along the top of the coastline or along the beach, depending on the path you choose.
The walk is short and easy, measuring approximately 3 miles in one of its most common variations, with very little elevation gain. Even so, the landscape has a different character from other parts of the island, with open paths, a more defined coastline and wide views across the Baltic Sea.
Staberhuk Lighthouse is not open to the public, but its surroundings form part of the walk. The area is also associated with the painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, who spent time in Fehmarn and painted several landscapes in this part of the island.
Südstrand and Burger Binnensee: a walk around Burgtiefe
Südstrand and Burger Binnensee form part of the Burgtiefe area in southern Fehmarn. This is an easy place for a walk, with the beach on one side, the inland lagoon nearby and the marina serving as a landmark along part of the route.
The walk can begin at Südstrand, continue beside the water and then head toward Burger Binnensee. It has a more urban character than other routes on the island, making it a good choice for a beach day or an afternoon when you want to walk without straying too far from your accommodations.
The landscape here differs from Grüner Brink or Staberhuk. There are more services and more activity, but the Baltic Sea remains a constant presence, with easy paths and open water views. It is one of the most practical options for going for a walk without planning a long excursion, especially if you want to combine walking routes with some of Fehmarn’s best beaches.
Fehmarnsund: a walk beside the Fehmarn bridge
Fehmarnsund is in the southern part of the island, beside the strait separating Fehmarn from the mainland. The Fehmarn Sound Bridge dominates the landscape and gives the walk a distinctive appearance, unlike the natural areas in the north or southeast.
The route follows paths close to the water, with easy sections and very little elevation gain. On clear days, the view opens across the strait, with the outline of the bridge clearly visible above the water. As in other parts of the island, the wind can be strong along the more exposed sections.
Wallnau: the waterfowl reserve in western Fehmarn
Wallnau is on Fehmarn’s western coast and is one of the island’s most interesting areas for walking. It is a waterfowl reserve with lagoons, wet meadows, reed beds and observation points along the route. If you want to spend part of your trip birdwatching in Fehmarn, this is one of the places to consider.
The walk follows marked paths and areas designed for watching birds without entering the protected habitat. During migration periods, many species may gather in the reserve, so bringing binoculars is recommended to make the most of the visit.
The terrain is flat and the route presents no particular difficulty. Because this is a nature reserve, visitors should respect marked areas, stay on the designated paths and allow time for stops at the observation points.
What to bring on your walking routes in Fehmarn
What you need for walking in Fehmarn depends more on the wind and terrain than on the difficulty of the routes. The island is flat, but many walks pass through open areas, coastal sections and natural spaces where the weather can change considerably from one hour to the next.
For short walks around Südstrand, Burger Binnensee or Fehmarnsund, comfortable shoes, a light jacket and some water should be enough. For routes through Grüner Brink, Wallnau or Staberhuk, shoes with good traction are a better choice, especially after rain or when the route follows natural paths.
You should also bring sun protection, sunglasses and a windbreaker. In wetland areas and bird reserves, binoculars can make the route more enjoyable, especially in Wallnau and Grüner Brink. If the route crosses protected areas, the most important rule is to follow the marked paths and respect sections that are closed to visitors.
IFA Fehmarn Hotel & Ferien-Centrum, a comfortable base for exploring the island
If you are looking for accommodations in Fehmarn, IFA Fehmarn Hotel & Ferien-Centrum is an excellent option for combining relaxation, beach time and walks around Fehmarn during your stay. The hotel is located in Schleswig-Holstein, in a coastal area with easy access to seaside walks and routes in different parts of the island.
This three-star hotel is designed for families, couples, groups of friends and solo travelers. It offers gardens, landscape views, relaxation areas and activities connected with nature, as well as children’s entertainment and evening shows during the stay.
After a route through Grüner Brink, Wallnau, Staberhuk or Burgtiefe, the hotel offers spaces where you can slow down. The Vitamar area, sauna, solarium and wellness options round out a day of walking, coastline and time outdoors.
