Marielyst Beach

Marielyst on the island of Falster is one of Denmark's most beloved seaside resorts, famous above all for its wide, white sand beach stretching some 20 kilometres along the Baltic coast. In a 2011 survey of ten Danish beaches, Marielyst came first, and the shallow, gently warming water makes it an ideal spot for families with children. Behind the beach lies an extensive holiday-home landscape with around six thousand summer houses, set among dunes that offer shelter from the wind. The resort has grown from a small settlement into a lively summer destination: the season brings markets, concerts and sporting events, while the surrounding area is well suited to windsurfing, kitesurfing and a round of golf. The gently sloping shoreline and clean sand have made this one of the country's classic family beaches, and the long strand means there is always room to spread out. Admission is free, and the beach is open around the clock. It is at its best in summer for swimming and sunbathing, while spring and autumn are lovely for quieter walks along the shore. For the calmest stretches, walk toward the southernmost point, away from the busiest access paths. Marielyst lies about 12 kilometres south of Nykøbing Falster; by car it is a 20-minute drive, and bus 740 runs from Nykøbing Falster. With its combination of safe bathing, dunes and a broad choice of holiday accommodation, Marielyst remains a firm favourite for a Danish beach holiday in the south of the country.