Hohwachter Bucht

Hohwachter Bucht is the wide, open stretch of the western Baltic coast between Fehmarn and the Kieler Bucht. Instead of sheltered fjords, sailors here find long sandy beaches, gentle cliffs and plenty of room to tack – but in onshore winds, the mostly shallow and largely unprotected roadsteads should be treated with respect.

In the eastern part of the bay, close to the Fehmarnsund, lie the charming Hafen Orth and Lemkenhafen – good starting points for a side trip to Fehmarn. Further west, Heiligenhafen awaits as one of the region's most popular bases: Marina Heiligenhafen, Segler-Vereinigung Heiligenhafen and Yachthafen Ortmühle Heiligenhafen offer plenty of berths, good supplies and a lively harbour town with beaches and restaurants right on the doorstep.

Between Heiligenhafen and the Kieler Bucht lies the Todendorf/Putlos firing range – a German Armed Forces training area that is closed to shipping whenever live firing is underway. Sailors crossing the bay should check current firing times in advance and also monitor the situation report broadcast by Todendorf Marine Radio on VHF channel 11.

At the western end of the bay, just before the Kieler Bucht, lies Marina Wendtorf with well-equipped berths.

Marina Lippe has been closed since 31 March 2025 and is not expected to reopen – it is therefore currently unavailable as a port of call.