More About Cuxhavn
Cuxhavn was part of Hamburg; in a reorganization two towns near Hamburg that were part of Prussia were given to Hamburg in exchange for Cuxhavn. Cuxhavn isn't a very large city. It still can boast roughly 3 million booked nights a year, making it one of the largest seaside resorts in Germany. Most people come to Cuxhavn either via train or car. Some ferry services exist, but they are overall negligible.
Tourism is one of the traditional businesses of Cuxhavn. The other two are the fish industry, and the harbour. The city is trying to expand the latter and has invested a lot of money in the modernization and expansion of the port facility. Still, the economic situation isn't all too good and tourism remains the major industry of the city. Many people have left Cuxhavn in the past decades to settle elsewhere. Many of those who remain are retired, contributing to the small, quiet town ambiance.
Cuxhavn is a quiet place. If you're looking for action and parties, it's probably not the right destination. If you're looking for a quiet city by the sea, Cuxhavn becomes a much more interesting choice.
To See and Do in Cuxhavn
Alte Liebe (Old Love) is a former quai turned viewing platform at the entrance to the Cuxhavn harbour. Good view of passing ships. Loudspeakers announce their names and origin.
Schloß Ritzebüttel Small castle-like building near the Nordersteinstraße shopping area.
The Kugelbake marks the geographic point where the Elbe river ends. Originally intended as a navigation aid, it is one of the more notable constructions in the region. It was incorporated in the Cuxhavn coat of arms when the city was incorporated and remains one of its primary landmarks.
Semaphor Located next to the Alte Liebe, the Sempahor is a construction from the year 1884 that is used to communicate wind strength and direction to passing ships. It is still set every day.
Wrackmuseum (Ship Wreck Museum). Dorfstraße 80, Stickenbüttel. +49 4721 23341 (fax: +49 4721 690876). Open March 28th to November 4th (in 2004, may vary each year), Mon closed, Tue-Fri 10AM - 6PM, Weekend + Holiday 10AM - 5PM. Only museum in Europe that has ship wrecks as its topic. € 3.00 for adults, € 2.00 for teenagers.
Beaches This is the area of the sea where the water recedes during low tide. It's one of the main reasons why people visit Cuxhavn. You can take walks, look at crabs, build castles from the sand and the mud, and so on. Be warned that the rising water can be tricky! You have to pay for entering the beach! If you like pay-free beaches you have to travel a few miles to the north and try the coastline of Schleswig-Holstein.
