Fehmarn
One of Germany's sunniest places, an island of flat farmland reached by a bridge with an arch over it.
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Fehmarn is Germany's third largest island at about one hundred and eighty square kilometres, low and largely agricultural, linked to the mainland since 1963 by the Fehmarnsundbrücke, a bridge whose steel arch above the deck has become the island's symbol. It records some of the highest sunshine totals in Germany, which along with steady winds made it a windsurfing and kitesurfing centre from the 1980s. The Wallnau lagoon on the west coast is a bird reserve on a major migration route, with hides and a visitor centre. Jimi Hendrix played his last full concert at a festival on the island in September 1970.
What you actually see
- The arched bridge - a 1963 crossing whose steel arch is the island emblem.
- The surf beaches - steady wind that made the island a board sports centre.
- Wallnau reserve - a lagoon on a migration route with hides.
- The sunshine record - among the sunniest places measured in Germany.
When to go
May to September for beaches and surfing; spring and autumn for bird migration at Wallnau. Wind is constant, which suits sport more than sunbathing.
Honest expectations
The island is flat farmland with limited scenery inland. Wind is near-constant. Summer holiday traffic on the single bridge queues.
Nearby
The Danish island of Lolland lies north by ferry; Lübeck is south.
What to pack for Fehmarn
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.