Public Should Have Free Access To Beaches - German Court Rules

The public should not be forced to pay to walk on Germany’s beaches or swim in the sea, a federal court ruled, calling into question private beaches along the North and Baltic Sea coasts.

The coastal town of Wangerland, 170 km (100 miles) west of Hamburg, was sued by two residents of neighboring towns who demanded it provide free access to its two North Sea beaches.

Wangerland’s tourist office has largely fenced in the beaches, added facilities, playgrounds and lifeguards, and has been charging visitors a 3-euro ($3.57) entry fee during the summer season, with the exception of residents and tourists of the town itself. Now people will have to go in for free.