Cuxhaven

Cuxhaven is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the north bank of the Elbe estuary where the river meets the North Sea. It is the urban center of the Cuxhaven district and has about 50,000 residents. The economy combines maritime services, fishing, and a prominent tourism sector anchored by its coastal resorts and access to the Wadden Sea.

Geographically, Cuxhaven sits at the mouth of the Elbe near the Schleswig-Holstein and Bremen regions, adjacent to the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kugelbake, a historic wooden beacon at the edge of the river and sea, is a well-known city landmark. The coastal districts of Döse, Duhnen, and Sahlenburg offer beaches, promenades, and leisure facilities, while the surrounding area supports mudflat hiking and nature tours in the tidal flat landscape.

Historically a fishing village, Cuxhaven developed in the 19th century as a seaside resort and spa town, attracting visitors seeking sea air and coastal scenery. The harbor expanded to support fishing fleets, passenger traffic, and maritime commerce, shaping the city’s urban and cultural development. Today, it remains a gateway for tourism and serves as a working harbor for regional maritime activities.

Transport and economy: The harbor handles freight and passenger traffic and acts as an access point to the North Sea islands and the Wadden Sea. Cuxhaven is connected by road and rail to regional and national networks, and the area includes a small regional airport at Cuxhaven/Nordholz for general aviation. Ferry services operate from the harbor to the offshore islands and to nearby tidal territories, supporting tourism and local mobility.