A coastal Baltic Sea resort town with Germany's longest seafront promenade. White sand beaches stretch for 6km alongside Art Nouveau villas from the 1900s.
Kühlungsborn sits along Germany's Baltic Sea coast, where you can walk past white-painted villas from the 1900s or ride the historic Molli steam train through coastal villages. The town's 3.2-kilometer beach promenade leads past traditional Strandkörbe beach chairs to a 240-meter pier. No building rises above the treetops here, following local regulations that maintain the town's distinctive low-rise character.
Baltic Coast Promenade
The 3.2-kilometer promenade connects Kühlungsborn-West to the marina. You'll walk along one of Germany's widest beaches, reaching over 100 meters from promenade to water. Rent a Strandkorb beach chair - these wooden seats with woven wicker tops shield you from wind and sun. The water temperature reaches 19°C in summer, making it comfortable for swimming from June through September.
The Molli Steam Railway
The narrow-gauge Molli steam train runs daily between Kühlungsborn and Bad Doberan since 1886. The 40-minute journey takes you through village streets and past coastal fields. You can stop at small stations along the way, including the village of Heiligendamm with its white classical buildings.
Marina District
The marina holds 400 boats in its modern harbor, built in 2004. Walk the 240-meter pier for views of sailing boats and the coastline. Several restaurants near the marina serve Baltic fish specialties, and a waterfront path connects to the main beach promenade.
Baltic Sea Watchtower
This former East German border tower stands near the pier, now containing exhibits about border surveillance during the Cold War period. Climb to the observation level for views extending along the coast and across the Baltic Sea. Information panels explain the tower's role in monitoring sea borders before 1989.
Transportation in Kühlungsborn
Rent bikes from shops in the town center to use the flat, paved paths connecting the beach, marina, and residential areas. The Molli train runs regular services to Bad Doberan, where you can catch connections to Rostock, 25 kilometers away. Buses also run directly to Rostock several times daily.
Seasonal Information
July and August see temperatures around 22°C with regular swimming at the beach. Water sports rentals operate during these months. May, June, and September have temperatures around 15-18°C, with fewer people but weather still suitable for walking and cycling. Many restaurants and shops reduce their hours from October to April.
