Eckernförde suits couples and small families after a Baltic seaside town with a working harbour, on a bay that opens to the north-east. The homes here are small, so groups of more than four will struggle to find a fit.
Eckernförde is a Baltic town of over 20,000 people at the inner end of Eckernförde Bay, about 30 km north-west of Kiel. It has long been known for its harbour and fishing, and every German Navy submarine is stationed here. Borby, once a seaside resort of its own, was folded into the town in 1934. The homes sit in and around the town, and are small: mostly sleeping two to four, nearly all with wifi, and most with a sauna. Bike hire is available near the beach and in the pedestrian area. Outside summer, expect a working town more than a resort.
About 30 km from Eckernförde, and the change point for trains from Hamburg.
Linked to Eckernförde by the line 720 bus, a ride of about 36 minutes.
Village on Eckernförde Bay where a 30 m high cliff, 3.6 km long, has formed in front of the village.
Hamburg Airport is the nearest international airport, and Hamburg to Eckernförde is about an hour and a quarter by road. The train from Hamburg takes just under two hours via Kiel. A car helps for reaching the wider bay and Schleswig.
Eckernförde is a popular tourist destination, with eleven campsites spread around the bay, so summer is the busy season. The town is more than a resort, with a harbour, a navy submarine base and over 20,000 residents. Check opening times of seasonal cafes and shops before an off-season trip.
Yes, for small families. The homes here are mostly small and sleep up to four, the town sits on a bay, and bike hire is available near the beach. Larger groups will find little to choose from.
About 30 km. Eckernförde lies north-west of Kiel on Eckernförde Bay, so you can base yourself on the bay and still reach Kiel for a day out.
Hamburg Airport is the nearest international airport. Hamburg to Eckernförde takes about an hour and a quarter by road, or close to two hours by train via Kiel, so a hire car is simplest.
It sits on Eckernförde Bay, a branch of the Bay of Kiel that is about 10 km wide at its entrance and reaches about 17 km inland, with the town at the inner end.
Yes, and without a car if you prefer. The line 720 bus runs between Schleswig and Eckernförde in about 36 minutes, so it makes an easy day trip.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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