While most of the Steinwarder is secured by modern flood protection measures, you must avoid the parking lot at the "Drachenwiese". This area floods during severe storm surges. Find out where your car stays dry in our guide.
Storm Surge in Heiligenhafen: Fascination & Safety at the Baltic Sea
When the wind shifts and the waves crash against the coast, the Baltic Sea reveals its raw, fascinating side. Especially during the autumn and winter months, the Steinwarder peninsula in Heiligenhafen transforms into a spectacular front-row seat for nature's dramatic displays.
On this page, you will find not only live images from our 180-degree webcam, but also all the essential information regarding water levels and where to safely park your car in the event of an impending flood.
🌊 Live Weather at Steinwarder
🅿️ Parking Tips during Floods
⚓ Safety Advice
Important Information for Extreme Weather
Watch the storm safely and comfortably from your couch! Our 4K stream shows you around the clock just how high the waves are crashing in Heiligenhafen right now.
When will the storm surge reach its peak? Check the official and hourly updated water level forecasts for Heiligenhafen directly from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).
Graswarder during a Storm
Probably the most famous photo motif during high water: the historic thatched-roof houses on the Graswarder nature reserve. When the Baltic Sea overflows, the properties often turn into tiny islands in the surf.
- Spectacular Motif: A fascinating natural spectacle demonstrating the immense power of the tides.
- Danger to Life: Access to the nature reserve is usually officially closed during severe storm surges. Entering the paths is then strictly forbidden!
Our Tip: Do not put yourself in danger. It is better to observe the "island houses" safely from a distance.
The Pier during a Storm
The 435-meter-long experience pier is an architectural masterpiece with its massive zig-zag construction, effortlessly withstanding even the heaviest Baltic Sea hurricanes. However, a walk over the water is out of the question during extreme weather.
- Storm Closure: In the event of acute severe weather and flood warnings, the city's maintenance department completely closes access to the pier for safety reasons.
- Danger to Life: Breaking waves, extreme wind gusts, and flooded wooden planks make entering during a storm surge life-threatening.
Please note: Under no circumstances should you climb over the barriers at the pier entrance. The force of nature on the water is often greatly underestimated.
Where Walkers Risk Wet Feet
Those who bundle up and brave the storm should wear rubber boots in some corners of Heiligenhafen. Even outside the completely closed areas, the Baltic Sea temporarily reclaims its territory here:
- Marina Promenade: The area *in front* of the erected flood protection walls right at the harbor edge is regularly washed over by waves and sea foam.
- Surf Zone (Steinwarder): On this stretch of beach, the water pushes massively towards the shore during eastern storms.
- Seepark Promenade: The water can also spill over the waterfront walking paths of the inland lake here.
Our Golden Rule: Always stay *behind* the flood protection walls and keep a close eye on the sea while walking!
⚓ Did you know?
The power of the Baltic Sea is enormous. During a past severe storm surge, the water level was so high and the wind so strong that a boat was washed right onto the promenade. At the same time, the ships in the municipal harbor rise so significantly during high water that in some places, you can comfortably reach over the protective wall directly into the harbor basin.
📰 See the photo evidence in the Tagesspiegel ➔More helpful guides for your Baltic Sea holiday:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Storms & Flooding
Is my holiday apartment on the Steinwarder safe during a flood?
Yes. The largest part of the Steinwarder is secured by comprehensive and modern flood protection measures. You can enjoy the stormy hustle and bustle completely relaxed and dry from your holiday apartment.
How are the rest of the town and the inland lake protected?
The rest of Heiligenhafen's urban area is excellently protected during floods. The inland lake (Binnensee) is secured on both sides with massive floodgates, which are closed during extreme water levels to protect the areas behind them from the masses of water.
What happens at the marina during a storm surge?
When there is a risk of flooding, special mobile protection walls are set up at the harbor so that no water can spill over the banks into the streets. A fascinating side effect: because the water level rises significantly, the moored boats and ships are pushed quite high up. If you take a walk at the harbor then, you can sometimes reach directly over the wall into the harbor basin.
Where must I move my car to safety from the flood?
During a severe storm surge, the primary areas at risk are the low-lying parking areas in the far west at the Drachenwiese. These areas are flooded during extreme conditions. In our guide to parking in Heiligenhafen, we show you safe alternative options that are guaranteed to stay dry. Our holiday apartments' private parking spaces are all located at a safe height behind the flood protection walls.
When is a high water level considered a storm surge on the Baltic Sea?
On the German Baltic coast, a high water event is referred to as a storm surge (Sturmflut) when the water level is at least 1.00 meter above the mean water level. A severe storm surge is defined as starting at 1.50 meters above normal.