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City in Germany — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇩🇪
Country
Germany
Type
City
Best time to travel
May to September for swimming, mudflat hiking at low tide year-round, Helgoland ferry from April
Budget/day
75-130 € (hotel in Duhnen, restaurant)
Getting there from Germany
Car from Hamburg about 1.5 hours, train directly to Cuxhaven Bf, ferry to Helgoland from the port
About Cuxhaven
Cuxhaven is located at the northernmost tip of Lower Saxony, where the Elbe River flows into the North Sea, offering a maritime experience unmatched in Germany. The Kugelbake, a wooden navigation mark at the mouth of the Elbe, is the city's landmark and marks the exact point where the river meets the sea. Nowhere else in Germany can you simultaneously see the largest container ships in the world pass by, walk in the Wadden Sea, and relax on one of the widest North Sea beaches. The Kugelbake is more than just a navigation mark - it is the emotional center of Cuxhaven and one of the most iconic coastal spots in Northern Germany. From the observation platform, you can watch the unceasing ballet of ships at the Elbe estuary: gigantic container freighters, elegant cruise ships, and small fishing boats pass by in an endless stream just a few hundred meters away. At sunset, when the silhouettes of the ships glide against the glowing red sky, the sight is unforgettable. The beach of Duhnen, Cuxhaven's most upscale district, stretches wide and sandy along the North Sea and offers beach chairs, water sports, and a modern promenade. The beach of Döse, further east, is more family-friendly and transitions directly into the Wadden Sea. The Wadden Sea off Cuxhaven, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most significant tidal biotopes in the world and can be explored on guided walks to the island of Neuwerk - a seven-kilometer hike through the mudflats, which is among the most unforgettable natural experiences in Northern Germany. The wreck and fishing museum Windstärke 10 in the old fish packing house is one of the best maritime museums in Northern Germany. The Alte Liebe, a historic ship landing stage, is now a popular observation platform for ship watchers. Ferries to Helgoland, Germany's only offshore island, depart from Cuxhaven. Cuxhaven is accessible from Hamburg by car in about one and a half hours or conveniently by train. The city offers a mix of holiday home settlements, hotels, and guesthouses for every taste and budget.
Top 4 highlights in Cuxhaven
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Kugelbake
Iconic wooden navigation mark at the Elbe estuary - landmark and most photographed motif of Cuxhaven
Mudflat hiking to Neuwerk
7 km hike through the UNESCO Wadden Sea to the island of Neuwerk - a unique natural experience
Windstärke 10 Museum
Interactive wreck and fishing museum in the historic fish packing house
Ship parade at the Elbe estuary
Observe container freighters and cruise ships up close from the beach
Hotels in Cuxhaven
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Cuxhaven
Recommended travel time
May to September for swimming, mudflat hiking at low tide year-round, Helgoland ferry from April
Summer
Fresh, 18-22°C, water temperature 16-19°C, often windy, salty sea air
Winter
Cold, 0-4°C, stormy, rough North Sea atmosphere
How much does a holiday in Cuxhaven cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
45-70 € (holiday apartment, fish sandwich)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
75-130 € (hotel in Duhnen, restaurant)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
140-250 € (beach hotel, wellness, Helgoland trip)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Cuxhaven
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Cuxhaven
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visit the Kugelbake at sunset - the silhouettes of the ships against the evening sky are magical
Mudflat hiking to Neuwerk only with a certified guide and at low tide - pay attention to the tides!
Plan a day trip to Helgoland - the offshore island is unique in Germany
Use Alte Liebe as a viewpoint for ship observation - bring binoculars
Visit the Windstärke 10 Museum even in good weather - interactive and exciting for all age groups
Food & drink in Cuxhaven
These specialties you must try!
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