An insider's tip for a holiday in Germany

Why St Peter-Ording still feels like an insider’s tip

A real hidden gem for a holiday in Germany isn’t necessarily a place that nobody knows about. It’s a place that has retained its character, even though it has been discovered. A place that conveys a sense of space and tranquillity, as well as the feeling that there’s still something special to be found: a quiet spot on an almost deserted beach, a charming café during a cycle ride along the coast, or a personally run hotel that becomes your holiday home by the sea.

You’ll find all of this in St. Peter-Ording! Although this North Sea coastal town has long been one of the better-known destinations in northern Germany, it has remained surprisingly unhurried. We’ll tell you why SPO is still an insider’s tip for us – and who will particularly enjoy this destination.

I feel free here

What makes St Peter-Ording so special?

How is it that SPO is one of the most popular destinations* on the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast – second only to Sylt – and yet still feels so special? We’ll let you in on the secret: a 12-kilometre-long beach and around 10 million square metres of fine sand, dunes and salt marshes, the Wadden Sea and four districts stretching a full ten kilometres along the coast – all this creates a pure sense of freedom and ensures that, despite its popularity, SPO never feels overcrowded in many places! There’s something for everyone here – whether you’re on your own, as a couple, with the family or with your dog, whether you’re looking to relax or get active.
*As of 2025


For an even more ‘hidden gem’ feel:

  • For your holiday in St. Peter-Ording, choose the less central districts, such as Ording, or book your North Sea holiday during the quieter off-peak season.
  • In these days of hot summers, travellers are increasingly drawn northwards and to the coast. St. Peter-Ording is a real hidden gem for a ‘coolcation’ in Germany: Fresh sea air, pleasant temperatures of 20 to 22 degrees in summer and the constant breeze from the Wadden Sea provide a refreshing respite whilst the heat is stifling elsewhere. This makes SPO the ideal retreat for anyone looking to escape the heat during their summer holiday.
  • Discover the lesser-known sides of the Eiderstedt peninsula with its small villages. We’ll reveal our favourite spots in our Local Guide: Discover sights & activities in SPO
Holiday tip for October

The German North Sea in autumn

Anyone visiting St. Peter-Ording outside the summer months will discover a completely different side to the town. This is the time for peace and quiet, cosiness, nature and wellness.

Wrapped up warm for walks along the almost deserted beach, dramatic cloud formations over the North Sea, a soothing break at the spa or the cosiness of a warm hotel room with a sea view – autumn on the North Sea coast has its own unique charm. Those arriving in October also benefit from more flexible booking options.

→ You can find suitable autumn packages here.

Who’s coming along?

The perfect tip for ...

An insider tip is there to be shared with your loved ones, don’t you think? So, who would you like to experience St Peter-Ording with?

  • As a couple: A cosy hotel with sea views, a special dinner for two, or moments spent simply listening to the sound of the waves – SPO offers couples a taste of North Sea romance that’s rarely found on the German coast!
  • With your dog: St Peter-Ording beach is one of the few places where dogs are allowed to run off the lead. There are two spacious dog-walking areas here. That makes SPO a real paradise for four-legged friends, and a beachfront hotel where dogs are welcome makes for a perfectly round-all-round holiday.
  • With friends: A vast North Sea horizon and plenty of space for friendship – St. Peter-Ording is the perfect destination for a relaxing girls’ weekend by the sea and is also just under a two-hour drive from Hamburg.
Conclusion

Conclusion

The North German holiday resort of St. Peter-Ording has retained its unhurried charm: 12 kilometres of fine sandy beach, dunes and salt marshes, four districts along the North Sea coast and the tranquil Eiderstedt peninsula define SPO’s unique character and provide the perfect setting for a personalised break. It is precisely this mix that means the destination still feels like an insider’s tip to many guests – whether for a ‘coolcation’ in summer, a break in autumn, a holiday with your dog or some time away as a couple.

Hotel ZWEITE HEIMAT SPO

The hidden gem among North Sea hotels

Situated right by the dunes of St. Peter-Ording is our beach hotel, ZWEITE HEIMAT – a place that thrives on its individuality and warmth. Well-known to those who’ve been here before – and a real gem for first-time visitors.

With cosy rooms, two spa areas, our own restaurants and just a few steps from the beach, we are your home by the sea. Please feel free to have a look around.