There’s just one official place in Germany where you can legally park your car directly on the beach – Beach Parking Sankt Peter-Ording. Located in the middle of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park and being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is definitely worth visiting. This blog post is a showcase of all the information you need to know for your next trip.
What is so special about Beach Parking Sankt Peter-Ording?
The beach of Sankt Peter-Ording is the trademark of the North Sea resort. It is twelve kilometers long and (at low tide) up to two kilometers wide. The stilt houses on the beach are typical. As early as 1911, the first characteristic stilt houses were built. Today there are 15 stilt houses that are up to eight meters above the sand or the water. There are restaurants, sanitary facilities, and a beach lifeguard. Beyond that, there is the lighthouse in Sankt Peter-Böhl, which is the most photographed lighthouse in Germany.

Directions to Sankt Peter-Ordning
Getting to the Beach Parking Sankt Peter-Ording is quite easy as it’s located just 2 h north of Hamburg and around 1,5 h west of Kiel. You’ll be driving most of the time on an Autobahn. As it’s a very busy area in the summer months, we would recommend arriving as early as possible. Consequently, traffic jams are common on this route and can make you lose tons of time in this beautiful place.
What is the best time of the year for Sankt Peter-Ording?
Every season has its own special charm in St. Peter-Ording. However the summer months are the main travel season. From July to September it can get up to 22 degrees Celsius. In general, May is the sunniest month with up to eight hours of sunshine a day.
How much does beach camping cost?

It costs 8 € per day plus tourist tax altogether. The tax can be paid at the entrance to the Beach Parking. Likewise, a guest card will be issued by the landlord immediately upon arrival if you spend a night in Sankt Peter-Ording. The amount of the tourist tax depends on the season and varies between 1 € in winter and 3 € in summer per day. Accompanied children under the age of 18 do not pay the tourist tax. It is consistently controlled if you paid for the Beach Parking Sankt Peter-Ording. The fine is 100 € plus 28,50 € in fees and expenses.
What are the rules for beach parking?
In view of the high protection value of this area, the following rules result from the State Nature Conservation Act, which also applies to beach parking:
- Parking is only permitted in the designated parking areas and only in the period from 15.03. – 31.10. and times from 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.
- The maximum speed is 30 km/h.
- The provisions of the road traffic regulations apply.
- Buses and trucks are not allowed.
- Vehicles must be parked in the same formations as in all other car parks (no clusters of wagons).
- Overnight stays in and around your vehicle are not permitted.
- Overnight stays in mobile homes and similar vehicles are not permitted.
- The erection of tents or similar constructions is prohibited.