The Baltic Coast: Germany’s Secret Riviera

Germany has hundreds of kilometres of beaches along the Baltic coast. The Kaiserbäder of Usedom preserve 19th-century grandeur; Rügen island offers chalk cliffs and beech forests; the Darß peninsula is wildlife sanctuary and artist colony. The season is short (June-August), the water cool, but the light creates something special. Add spa culture, maritime food, and prices half the Mediterranean’s, and the Baltic becomes compelling.