Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The beach at Rerik stretches along the Baltic in a generous arc, wide enough that even on August weekends you can claim a section of sand without hearing your neighbor's conversations. The promenade behind you maintains a low profile—no high-rises, just modest guesthouses painted in Baltic pastels and a handful of cafés where retirees nurse afternoon coffee. Beach chairs in their signature blue-and-white stripes march down to the waterline in orderly rows, available to rent but never oppressively crowded. What distinguishes Rerik is the Salzhaff, the brackish lagoon that forms the town's southern boundary. Cross the narrow peninsula and the energy shifts entirely: the lagoon water lies mirror-flat on calm days, warm and shallow, ideal for children to wade knee-deep while their parents watch from the grass banks. Sailboats drift past on barely perceptible breezes. The smell changes too—less open-ocean salt, more mudflat and reed grass, with a hint of fish from the small harbor where locals still work the waters. Evening brings both sides of Rerik into focus. From the beach, you watch the sun drop into the Baltic, turning the water from slate to copper. Walk ten minutes inland to the Salzhaff shore, and you'll see the same sunset reflected in the lagoon's glassy surface, doubled and made softer by the stillness. The town moves at a pace set by tides and tourist seasons, never rushing, never apologizing for its modesty.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Rerik Beach.
Photos
Rerik Beach is generally safe for swimming and well-suited for families with children. The beach features gently sloping sandy shores and typically calm Baltic waters, especially in the protected areas near the Salzhaff lagoon. Lifeguards patrol the main beach sections during summer months. The relaxed atmosphere and shallow waters make it ideal for young swimmers. As with all Baltic beaches, monitor weather conditions and heed warning flags. Jellyfish can occasionally appear in summer. The combination of open sea and sheltered lagoon areas provides swimming options for various preferences.
For fewer crowds, visit Rerik Beach in May, June, or September when the weather remains pleasant but German school holidays haven't begun or have ended. Weekdays are quieter than weekends throughout the season. Early mornings and late afternoons offer peaceful beach time even in July and August. The shoulder seasons provide excellent opportunities for scenic walks and sunset viewing without the peak summer congestion. Off-season visits from October through April offer solitude and dramatic coastal scenery, though swimming conditions are cold and many facilities close.
Rerik is accessible by car via the B105 coastal road, situated between Kühlungsborn and Wismar on the Mecklenburg coast. Parking is available near the beach and throughout the small resort town. Regional buses connect Rerik with larger towns including Wismar and Rostock. The nearest train station is in Bad Doberan, approximately 30 kilometers away, requiring a bus connection. Rostock-Laage Airport is the closest airport. Once in Rerik, the compact town center and beach are easily walkable, making it convenient to explore on foot.
Rerik offers a variety of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, holiday apartments, and camping facilities suitable for different budgets. The small resort town has several restaurants serving fresh Baltic fish, regional German cuisine, and international dishes. Beachfront cafes and kiosks provide casual dining and refreshments during the season. The town center features bakeries, ice cream parlors, and small supermarkets. Compared to larger resorts, Rerik maintains a quieter, more local character with family-run establishments. Booking ahead is advisable during summer months and German school holidays.
Rerik's unique geography places it on a narrow peninsula between the open Baltic Sea and the Salzhaff, a shallow brackish lagoon. This positioning creates two distinct waterfront experiences: the wave-washed sandy beach facing the Baltic and the calmer, warmer lagoon waters ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Salzhaff side offers stunning sunsets and is popular with water sports enthusiasts. This dual-water setting provides diverse recreational opportunities and scenic variety rare among Baltic beaches, allowing visitors to choose between energetic sea or tranquil lagoon depending on conditions and preferences.
