The boats are high up on land, the winter on the coast is cold, wet and long. But that's no reason to be gloomy! Storms and frosty temperatures, clear air and, in many places, a tranquillity unheard of during the summer can be used to recharge your batteries. So why not let the icy cold winds act as a kind of refreshing cure for body and soul and then warm up again behind sheltered panoramic windows while the waves roar and the gusts of wind organise outside? In winter in particular, nature often offers spectacular weather spectacles, accompanied by a magnificent backdrop of sound and colour. If the holiday retreat is located in a maritime heritage site, blends in aesthetically with the landscape or is equipped with amenities such as a sauna and fireplace, then spring may well be a long time coming. We have put together a selection of special accommodation where you can not only bridge the dark season, but also enjoy it.
In this article:
Kråkenes Fyr, Western Norway
Vestkapp is one of the most notorious sea areas in the world. Ships of all sizes fear the notoriously turbulent cape, which is not only known for its huge breakers, but also for wind records with peaks of up to 64 metres/second - twice the force of a hurricane! The view from the Kråkenes lighthouse, which was built 42.5 metres above sea level, is correspondingly spectacular. The whitewashed buildings, including the storm house where the lighthouse keeper's family used to live, radiate confidence in the rugged rocky landscape. In 1994, a German emigrant took over the lease of the already automated lighthouse and began to lovingly renovate the houses and prepare them for guests. Due to the secluded location, there are a few house rules to follow in addition to self-catering, and there is only a limited amount of electricity. However, you can look forward to a breathtaking natural spectacle in the front row, undisturbed.
Price per room and night for a maximum of 4 people: 95 to 190 euros.
Pfahlhaus suites, Rügen
The pile houses, inspired by Maldivian holiday homes, are located in the waters of the Greifswald Bodden right next to the jetties of the Lauterbach marina. The modern one-room houses offer panoramic views and a covered terrace as well as a small jetty that could be used for an ice-cold dip in the Bodden. If you don't want to do that, you can take a wintery dip in the Goor forest right next door instead or head to the nearby Jasmund National Park by car to search for fossils in peace and quiet.
Price from 117 euros for 1 to 2 people.
Belle Tout Lighthouse, South England
The lighthouse on the chalk cliffs at Beachy Head on the Channel coast has an eventful history. Built in 1832, it was taken out of service in 1902 due to the risk of erosion and poor visibility in foggy conditions. The tower was later used as a tea room before being almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. After being rebuilt, it came into the possession of the BBC and was the location for a British film adaptation. In 1999, the lighthouse was even moved inland to prevent it from falling. Today, Belle Tout is a quaint bed and breakfast, the highlight of which is the 360-degree panoramic view from the converted lighthouse. Walkers can enjoy the undulating cliff landscape of the Seven Sisters or marvel at the Beachy Head lighthouse, which was built into the water directly in front of the chalk coast.
Prices range from 250 to 320 euros/night for a double room with breakfast.
"Cap San Diego", Hamburg
Having long since become a landmark of the city, the former general cargo freighter is now a maritime monument, museum ship and floating hotel all in one. Built in 1961/62 for the Hamburg-Süd shipping company, the ship sailed regularly to South America until the end of 1981. It is moored at the Überseebrücke between the Elbphilharmonie and Landungsbrücken, where passenger ships used to depart for America. The "Cap San Diego" is still fully operational and sets sail several times a year. The charm and aesthetics of the sixties continue into the restored cabins of the elegant freighter. Other tourist highlights such as the Portuguese quarter, Hamburg's Michel church and the harbour city are within walking distance. If you can't find a berth, you can switch to the lightship within sight, which also has cabins that have been left in their original condition.
Price from 110 euros/person with breakfast.
Hotel Vår Gård, East Sweden
Located on the outskirts of Stockholm and on the edge of the archipelago of the same name, the conference hotel, which opened in 1924, offers everything your heart desires. In addition to a restaurant, bar and in-house bakery, there is also a sauna and the option of winter swimming. The luxury suites are individually designed and enchant with a marvellous view of the water. Round off your break with a visit to the Swedish capital, which is less than 20 kilometres away and is always worthwhile.
Price 165 to 460 euros/person with breakfast.
Lindesnes Fyr, Southern Norway
Norway's southernmost beacon on the mainland was first lit in 1655 at the behest of the Danish King Frederik III. It was intended to make the passage of the Skagerrak safer for ships. Today's lighthouse has become a crowd-puller, which is why a visit in winter is doubly worthwhile. At night, the surrounding light, coupled with the sounds of wind and surf, create an eerily beautiful atmosphere.
Price from 180 euros incl. museum admission.
Houseboats, Barth
Overlooking the Barther Bodden, several extremely comfortably equipped houseboats are moored in the far west of Barth harbour. Thanks to underfloor heating, the panoramic view of the Bodden winter landscape can be enjoyed in complete cosiness. If you're still shivering after going ashore, you can warm up again in the on-board sauna at the stern. Probably the most beautiful walk by the water is the pristine western beach on the Darß peninsula, which is part of the Western Pomerania Bodden Landscape National Park and has been recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Restaurants and the attractive town centre of Barth are within easy walking distance of the mooring.
Prices from 144 euros for up to 4 people per night.
Helnæs Mølle, Denmark
The Helnæs peninsula in the south of Funen is familiar to many sailors who have travelled in the direction of the Little Belt. To the east, on the site of the mill built in 1843, eight luxury holiday homes have been built alongside an outdoor centre. Built in timber construction and with a glass front facing Helnæs Bay, the modern, natural look of the residences blends beautifully into the landscape. On the opposite side of the picturesque bay is the Falsled Kro, a restaurant that stands for gastronomic excellence like no other in rural Denmark.
Prices from 210 euros for 2 people per night.
Faralda Crane Hotel, Holland
If you've always wanted to test your head for heights or experience the perspective of a harbour crane operator, this is the place for you. At a lofty height of 50 metres, three spectacular suites that are hard to beat in terms of originality were created over a nine-year construction period. A lift takes you directly to the two-storey living areas, which offer breathtaking views of the harbour of the metropolis of Amsterdam. Equipped with fairytale designs, rainforest showers and a jacuzzi on the roof, they literally capture the imagination. But beware: when the wind turns, so does the crane - but hopefully not your stomach!
Prices from 990 euros per night for 2 people including champagne breakfast.
Väderöarna, West Sweden
The small rocky archipelago in the Skagerrak has always been used by sailors for weathering due to its exposed location. As it is also very beautiful on the "weather islands", they have become a real insider tip for sailors and tourists from the mainland in summer. On the main island of Storö, which was inhabited until 1966, an inn with cosy rooms, a granite sauna and hot saltwater baths has been set up in the former pilot station. This makes the remote Väderöarna a wonderful place to pamper yourself even in winter. With a bit of luck, you might even be able to see the Northern Lights as well as beautiful sunsets over the Skagerrak.
Prices from 45 euros per person and night or from 295 euros including exclusive package offer.
Heligoland
Germany's only high seas island is a place of longing for countless visitors in summer. Most of them come as day tourists, so it gets correspondingly empty towards the evening. In winter, a very special charm unfolds. Despite strong storms, the former smugglers' island is quiet and even the gannets and guillemots have left their nests. Instead, grey seal pups, which are now being born, can be observed on the dune. Situated directly on the south harbour and in the immediate vicinity of the lobster shacks, the modern Marinas semi-detached house with several flats, whose glass façade offers a view of the sea. few sailors who still dare to make the crossing now.
Price from 120 euros for 1-2 persons per night
