Ellerau(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Eilau, the top choice for families is Hotel am Meer, a seaside hotel offering child-friendly amenities and direct access to Eilau Beach. Rooms feature sea-view balconies, and select units include play areas. The hotel is just a 15-minute drive from the Schleswig-Holstein Nature Park, perfect for outdoor adventures. Guests can enjoy authentic regional breakfasts featuring freshly baked bread and North Sea fish chowder, making it an ideal base for experiencing genuine North German culture with children.

The historic town center of Eilau is the optimal area for lodging, located near the St. Mary's Church and Old Town Hall. It’s walkable to major attractions, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and local craft shops. This central location also provides easy access to Eilau Harbor—just a 10-minute walk away—ideal for travelers who love coastal relaxation. Most accommodations here are traditional North German-style buildings with modern comfort, offering a true immersion into local life and heritage.

Must-try cultural experiences in Eilau include visiting the North German Fishermen’s Museum (Norddeutsches Fischermuseum), which showcases centuries of fishing traditions. The annual Eilau Seafood Festival in summer features fresh catches like North Sea cod and mussels, served with local rye bread and sauerkraut. Additionally, join a guided Frisian language tour led by locals to explore the region’s unique dialect and folklore, offering a deep dive into authentic North German customs and daily life.

The Eilau Coastal Cycling Route is highly recommended—a 18-kilometer path along the North Sea coast, passing through wetlands, reed beds, and birdwatching spots. Starting at Eilau Harbor, it leads to the island of Brunsbüttel, with rest stops and scenic viewpoints along the way. Bikes are available for rent locally, including models with audio guides that explain the ecological and historical significance of each section. Best visited early in the morning to enjoy cool sea breezes and peaceful countryside views.

Must-try dishes in Eilau include North Sea Cod Stew (Fischsuppe mit Kabeljau), a rich soup made with fresh cod, potatoes, and herbs. Another highlight is the Frisian Roast Pork Knuckle (Friesen-Schweinshaxe), crispy on the outside and tender inside, best enjoyed with sauerkraut and rye bread. Don’t miss Eiderwasser, a local honey wine crafted from North Sea floral nectar, available at markets and traditional taverns—perfect for sipping while soaking in the region’s unique flavors and atmosphere.

Winter in Eilau offers unique highlights such as rare aurora sightings in the Eilau Wetland Reserve, especially during cold months. The annual Eilau Snow Festival in December features snow sculpture contests, ice boating, and cozy hut tea gatherings. Many hotels offer “Winter Wellness Packages” with hot tub access, Nordic sauna sessions, and aromatic oil treatments using local ingredients—ideal for escaping city life and embracing the serene beauty of a North German winter.

For couples, Hotel Deichblick stands out as the most romantic option in Eilau. Perched on the dike overlook, it offers sea-view suites with private hot tubs. Wake up to sunrise over the North Sea, and enjoy candlelit dinners on the rooftop terrace. The hotel arranges personalized experiences like private beach walks, double kayaking trips, and custom gifts made in traditional Frisian style. Its elegant design and attentive service make it a dream retreat for lovers seeking intimacy amid natural beauty.

Yes, public transport in Eilau is well-connected. Regular Regionalbahn trains run from Kiel to Eilau Railway Station, taking about 45 minutes. Free shuttle buses link key attractions and accommodations within the town. Ferry services also operate from Eilau Harbor to Brunsbüttel Island, ideal for day trips. For drivers, several paid parking lots are available in the center, with some hotels offering complimentary parking. Whether walking, biking, or riding transit, getting around Eilau is effortless and enjoyable.

Top photography spots in Eilau include the Eilau Lighthouse (Leuchtturm Eilau) reflected in morning mist, the boardwalk through wetlands teeming with white egrets and sandpipers, and the golden-hour silhouettes of old wooden harbor houses. For panoramic shots, head to the dike viewpoint to capture shifting tides and dynamic landscapes. During spring, photograph wild seals surfacing off the coast—rare and unforgettable moments perfect for nature photographers seeking authentic, unspoiled scenes.

Key festivals in Eilau include the Frisian Culture Festival (Friesenfest), a week-long celebration featuring traditional costumes, folk dances, and craft markets. The Herring Harvest Festival (Heringsschlacht) in autumn reenacts historic fishing practices, allowing guests to participate in curing herring. Additionally, the Christmas Light Display begins in late November, transforming the entire town center into a magical wonderland of handcrafted lanterns. These events offer deep cultural engagement and are perfect for travelers seeking authentic local traditions and community spirit.