In the North of Germany, people say “Moin!” but here in Bavaria in the south, we say “Servus”.Still can´t get over our late summer escape in Ostsee where I have learned to say “Moin” to everyone and eat Lachsbrötchen! Normally, the first thing that I see whenever I´m in the beach are rows of palm trees, or coconut palms, white lounging chairs and lots of people sunbathing.But that´s somewhere in the tropical beaches where seashore views are more just laid back normal.But here in Germany, it is something else.

The beaches in the northern part has more like rugged dunes landscapes, rocky on the wilder side especially in the ridges like the Hermannshöhe in Boltenhagen, and the waves there are much calmer.Lots of old and charming lighthouses adorn the seacoast which makes it even more unique destination.But then, the most surprising thing that I´ve seen is their “Strankorb“, the epitome of German´s comfort couch— or Gemütlichkeit (or coziness, Gezellig in Dutch) all in one chair.

You can see it almost everywhere in the beaches along the coast of Baltic sea. We´ve stayed in Travemünde in Ostsee in the north part of Germany and I was really fascinated by this culture .It´s typically German–or echte Norden! I know from a fact that German loves functionality over aesthetic and this invention is something else.Walking around, restaurants, pretty gardens and lawns are also adorned with different kinds of comfy “Strankörbe” that really invites you to “Stop, and have a seat, please moment”. I am guilty that I always fell to this reclining temptation.

We had a week late summer getaway in Ostsee and i feasted my eyes marveling at these chairs every single day.As i buried my toes in the sand and breathe the morning breeze, I just can´t be thankful enough to see this beauty in this place.Sitting in the Strandkorb, I can´t help but to daydream.I wanted this in my garden at home! They are usually rented out for visitors in Summer and Autumn months for a price and can even be rented for the whole day.My daughter shrieked in surprise looking at how many of them scattered on the beachfront.I lost count of it.Due to unpredictable weather in this area, these cushioned chairs serve its purpose.From the looks of it, it really provides the ultimate “comfort or coziness” from wind, rain and sudden weather changes. Sans the beach umbrellas and shades, these chairs provide more sturdy protection from sunburn and it has so many other functions.It has foot rests, which i really love… sunawning adjustable shades, foldable tables on the sides and storage space which is perfect for beach bumming. I just need a good book, a glass of Aperol or Lillet and I can lounge here the whole day!

There´s a fascinating history behind this chair.The “Strandkorb” chair was invented in 1882 by German basket maker Wilhelm Bartelmann in Rostock, originally for his customer Elfriede Maltzahn, Bartelmann’s family were basket makers from Lübeck, another beautiful town that we´ve visited during our stay in Travemünde. Wicker armchair furniture reminds me so much of Rattan and handmade baskets & furnitures we had in the Philippines.They are all so aethetic and comfortable.I remember that as a child we had one that resembles the ones sold here in Europe!

Watching them early in the mornings is a scenic experience that is both rejuvenating and unforgettable for me.Sunrises are really spectacular in this region as well!The harbor views with array of boats, yachts, tourist viking boats and endless scandinavian ships passing by really comforted me during my random walks and sightseeing.Möwen (or seagulls) are type of birds that is typical to see in this area as well and they love lounging on top of these chairs too.Ostsee indeed has a beautiful charm–pure rugged unconstructed nature, slowing down lifestyle,and breathing clean air are free gifts I have enjoyed in our days spent here.No hype, we would probably be going back there but the driving distance is just so exhilarating!

So when I think of German beaches, I would always think about Strandkörbe and Möwen.What about you?

If you have more time to kill, join me to in my other walks ;

Elbphilharmonie and My Architecture Journey in Hamburg

Autumn, the most colorful season in Germany

Mushroom Hunt in The Netherlands

Gezellig, Cheese and Mushroom!

Chasing the Fog

or have you ever wonder why we have 2 Beds instead of 1 here in Germany?

Until then, Happy weekend my friends.Tschüß!