Best things to do in Sankt Peter-Ording

A beach unlike most others, Sankt Peter Ording Beach spans 12 km (7.5 mi) along the North Sea Coast and is up to 2 km (1.25 mi) wide in spots. Stretching across a natural landscape that partly occupies the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, the flat, smooth shore makes it a popular location for sail-racing (windsurfing on wheels). Take elevated walkways to the dunes that line the far side, and explore the five different beach areas, each with its own swimming, sports and recreation facilities, and services.

Spend hours soaking, splashing and sweating at Duenen-Therme St. Peter-Ording. Choose from several pools, including indoor and outdoor heated pools. Slides and a wave pool entice the more adventurous visitors, while a lap pool attracts serious swimmers. Saunas cater to differing tastes with varying temperatures.

Experience the conditions submarine crews had to endure in during World War II as you tour German Submarine U-995, the only surviving type-VII U-boat in the world. Walk inside this authentic WWII submarine, which was used in battle until being transferred to the Norwegian Navy and eventually decommissioned and converted into a museum. English translations are not available inside the submarine, but the story of the ship is posted outside in both English and German.

Heligoland lighthouse is located on Germany's only offshore island, Heligoland. Constructed during World War II as an anti-aircraft tower, it was turned into a lighthouse in 1952. It features the strongest light on the German North Sea coast with a range of 28nmi so that it can be seen as far as on the East Frisian or the North Frisian islands and Halligen. The lighthouse is operated by the Tönning water and shipping authority.HistoryThe first lighthouse on Heligoland was built by Trinity House in 1811, when Heligoland was under British rule. The so-called "English lighthouse" (englischer Leuchtturm) was 67m above mean sea level. It constituted an important aid to navigation in the German Bight because its light was visible roughly twice as far as that of Cuxhaven Lighthouse, which had been established a few years before. The English lighthouse was torn down soon after the inauguration of a new building in 1902. The lantern and optics of the English lighthouse were moved to Fehmarn island in the Baltic Sea where they were mounted at Staberhuk lighthouse and are still in use today.The construction of the new lighthouse was ordered by the Prussian administration in 1902. This lighthouse was in service from 1902 until its war-time destruction in 1945. It was built as a round brick tower from the same plans as the Cape Arkona light on Rügen in the Baltic Sea. During a bombing raid on Heligoland on 18 April 1945 by the Royal Air Force this lighthouse was destroyed and the keeper was killed.

Laboe Naval Memorial originally was a memorial to the fallen members of the Kaiserliche Marine during World War I. After World War II, it was converted into an internationally accepted peace monument. Today, it commemorates all sailors of every nationality who died during the World Wars. Spend some time to reflect on history in this sobering memorial, and climb to the top of the tower for views of the bay. The tower also includes an exhibition about the German Naval Forces since the 19th century. You can buy a joint ticket for the Naval Memorial and the submarine U-995 just across the road, which is also worth a visit.