Sightseeing Tour in Cuxhaven

A Sightseeing Tour in Cuxhaven (Cuxhaven): A Tale of Sea, Harbours and Endless Charm

Introduction: At the far North – a city in conversation with the sea

Cuxhaven is not just a town on the North Sea; it is an open gateway to nature, tranquillity and a long maritime tradition.
Located at the mouth of the River Elbe in the federal state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), it is one of Germany’s most popular coastal destinations for lovers of salty sea air and maritime adventures.

If you are looking for a trip that combines beaches, islands and the ever-changing tides of the Wadden Sea, Cuxhaven will surprise you at every stop.

1. Strand Duhnen – the iconic Duhnen beach

Duhnen Beach is Cuxhaven’s most famous and most visited stretch of sand.
It runs for a long distance along the North Sea, with clean sand and the classic German beach chairs (Strandkörbe) lined up along the shore.

Highlights and activities:

Walking on the sand flats at low tide
Swimming in the fresh, cool water in summer
Sunbathing and relaxing in a beach chair
Joining a Wattwandern tour – walking on the seabed during low tide

2. Wadden Sea National Park (Nationalpark Wattenmeer) – the majesty of a moving landscape

Cuxhaven is part of the Wadden Sea National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is one of Europe’s most important marine habitats in terms of biodiversity and dynamic natural processes.

Don’t miss:

Guided walks out onto the exposed sea floor
Watching migrating shorebirds along the coastline
Visiting the Wattenmeer Visitor Centre Cuxhaven to understand this unique ecosystem

3. Alte Liebe – a platform for lovers and ship-spotters

The historical wooden platform known as Alte Liebe stands at the harbour and was once used as a landing stage. Today it serves mainly as a viewing deck for ship-spotting.

Panoramic views over the Elbe estuary and the North Sea
Watching cruise liners, container ships and ferries passing by
A perfect spot for memorable sunset photos

4. Neuwerk Island (Insel Neuwerk) – walking across the sea to an island

A truly unique experience: you can reach the island of Neuwerk on foot across the seabed at low tide (around 3 hours’ walk), or take a traditional horse-drawn carriage over the flats.

What awaits you there:

A tiny island with a population of fewer than 50 people
A lighthouse that has stood for around 700 years
A feeling of remoteness and seclusion – ideal for those who love peace, silence and wide horizons

5. Fort Kugelbake – a maritime gate with a military past

The historic Fort Kugelbake is a 19th-century coastal fortification built to protect the Elbe estuary and the North Sea coast.
It stands near the point where the river meets the open sea.

Guided tours for visitors inside parts of the fort
A viewing platform about 20 metres high
Exhibitions about the military and coastal defence history of the region

6. Kugelbake – the city’s unique wooden landmark

The Kugelbake is a 30-metre-high wooden seamark and the unofficial symbol of Cuxhaven.
It marks the northernmost point of the city, where the Elbe flows into the open North Sea.

An ideal place to start or end a beach walk
Beautifully illuminated at night, creating a poetic seaside atmosphere

7. Old Town and inner harbour – maritime flair rather than medieval romance

Cuxhaven does not have a grand, medieval old town, but its inner harbour and surrounding streets offer vivid maritime charm:

Daily fish markets with freshly caught seafood
Restaurants serving freshly prepared Nordseekrabben (North Sea shrimps)
Tourist boats offering short trips out into the North Sea or to sandbanks where seals can often be seen

8. Wreck and Fisheries Museum (Wrack- und Fischereimuseum)

The Wreck and Fisheries Museum in Cuxhaven provides insight into the history of fishing, shipping and the shipwrecks off the local coast.

Particularly suitable for families and children
Interactive models, miniature ships and original fishing equipment
Stories from the deep sea about storms, wrecks and rescue missions

Conclusion: Cuxhaven – city of air, light and water

In Cuxhaven, you don’t just visit the sea – you live with it.
Everything here is connected to the water: the sea, the ships, the wind and the people themselves.
It is an ideal place to escape the crowds of big cities and immerse yourself in a pure maritime lifestyle that combines relaxation, adventure and a sense of wonder.

If you want to understand what northern Germany looks and feels like in its most authentic form, start your journey in Cuxhaven.

The team of authors and editors behind this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nonetheless, errors may occur or some details may remain unconfirmed. Please regard the information presented in these articles as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities for definitive, official information.