Vacation on the North and Baltic Seas 2025: Beach costs are rising!

Vacation on the North and Baltic Seas 2025: Beach costs are rising!

The summer of 2025 on the beaches of the North and Baltic Seas will cost a lot of money for vacationers. Current surveys show that both the spa fees and the rental prices for beach chairs have increased in many popular holiday resorts. Day guests in some communities will also have to pay in the future, while many residents and regular guests are already faced with rising costs. A look at the spa taxes in selected locations shows significant price increases, which could definitely influence vacation planning. According to NDR, the spa taxes in St. Peter-Ording are between 3.00 and 4.00 euros per person per day, while in Sierksdorf overnight guests increase from 2.60 to 3.10 euros are affected. Day guests even have to pay up to 3.80 euros.

And what does it look like in Eckernförde? There is no beach fee here, but there is an overnight spa tax of 3 euros. Amrum and Föhr have also increased the spa tax – from 2.60 to 3.50 euros. There is, however, a positive example: in Neustadt the beach fee for day tourists has fallen to 2.70 euros. While that sounds reasonable, it still comes at a high price for many families looking to spend a day at the beach.

Rising cost of beach chairs

Not only are the spa taxes rising, the rental prices for the popular beach chairs have also reached some heights. In St. Peter-Ording the daily price is between 10 and 12 euros. In Eckernförde the price has increased gradually from 12 to 13 euros, while Husum remains at 10 euros and only charges 6 euros from 3 p.m. The luxury island of Sylt has also followed suit: here, holidaymakers have to pay up to 19 euros per day - a clear signal that the beach scenes in these popular regions are very popular.

The income from the spa tax and beach use fees does not come by chance - they finance essential services such as rescue services, beach cleaning, sanitary facilities and even events. For example, the tourism department of Schleswig-Holstein NDR recorded record bookings last year. However, many municipalities report that the income is often not enough to cover ongoing costs. In Großenbrode the spa tax increases from 3 to 3.50 euros, but a financial loss remains. This shows how difficult the financial situation has become for many holiday resorts.

The use of the tourist tax: for whom and why?

For many, the tourist tax is more than just an additional fee – it is a necessity to ensure a high standard of services. In most Baltic Sea resorts in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there are these taxes, which are responsible for financing offers and services for holidaymakers. This includes, among other things, lifeguards, security services on the beaches and the organization of events such as spa concerts and children's entertainment, according to Ostsee.de.

In addition, holders of a spa card often benefit from discounts, for example on transport or entry to museums. But how much is the tourist tax actually? In high season it can be between 2 and 4 euros per day and in low season between 1 and 2 euros. Children and dogs up to a certain age are often exempt from payment.

The pricing could mean that a day at the beach for a family (2 adults, 2 children) could easily cost over 20 euros - without any parking fees or meals. The fact that parking fees have also increased in some places makes the total bill for a day at the beach even higher. Sankt Peter-Ording has even introduced a camera-based parking system, which entails additional expenses. A cultural event that causes dissatisfaction among many holidaymakers.

In summary, summer on the beaches in the North and Baltic Seas is no longer a bargain. The price increases highlight the major challenges facing many coastal towns. Despite these hurdles, Black Sea tourism remains popular and the attraction of the beaches will continue in the coming year as holidaymakers seek to enjoy the fresh breeze and the beauty of nature.