Nostalgia in St. Peter-Ording: drinks market closes, Lidl is coming!
St. Peter-Ording, a popular North Sea holiday resort, is losing a piece of nostalgia with the closure of “Geränkeland”.

Nostalgia in St. Peter-Ording: drinks market closes, Lidl is coming!
St. Peter-Ording, a popular holiday resort on the North Sea coast, attracts numerous tourists every year. With its 12 kilometer long fine sandy beach and diverse leisure options, it is no wonder that many holidaymakers make unforgettable memories here. But the place not only has an enchanting coastal panorama to offer, but is also currently undergoing changes.
The fate of beverage land
An important chapter in the history of St. Peter-Ording is currently closing: the well-known drinks market “Betränkeland”, which was a popular destination for holidaymakers for many years, has now degenerated into a half-collapsed ruin. "Moin" reports that the closure of the market is causing nostalgia and sadness among many of the town's older regulars. Holidaymakers express their regrets and associate personal memories with the beverage country. The question of what will become of the property is up in the air - there is initial speculation that the adjacent Lidl could be enlarged and possibly replace the old Drinks Land. The opening of the new Lidl is scheduled for February 2026.
The charm of the districts
St. Peter-Ording consists of four picturesque districts: Böhl, Dorf, Bad and Ording, each of which has its own character. While Böhl offers peace and family-friendly beaches, the village impresses with old thatched-roof houses and cultural sights such as the church and the amber museum. The lively district of Bad is the heart of the spa business with an impressive pier and many restaurants. Here you can also go beach sailing or ride a kite buggy. The largest bathing beach in Ording is particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts and offers numerous activities.
The variety of leisure options
St. Peter-Ording is a true El Dorado for active holidaymakers. Whether hiking on the mudflats, horse riding, cycling or surfing – there is something for everyone here. With a well-developed network of cycle paths, which also includes the North Sea Coast Cycle Path, the place is perfect for cycling lovers. For water sports enthusiasts, the zone between Bad and Ording is the ideal hotspot for kite and stand-up paddling. For families, the Adventure House has a platform with a playground and outdoor fitness course. There are also numerous excursion destinations around the town, such as the Westerhever lighthouse or the Eider barrage, which make for exciting day trips.
The tourist attraction
According to a publication by the State Statistical Office for Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, the number of arrivals and overnight stays in St. Peter-Ording has increased noticeably in recent years. The data shows that St. Peter-Ording regularly attracts many visitors who are enthusiastic about the enchanting nature and the relaxed atmosphere. In 2024, numerous guests were counted who stayed in the idyllic North Sea town for an average of several days.
Conclusion
Despite the changes in its offering, St. Peter-Ording remains a place full of charm and energy. The renovations that are coming up, especially the possible expansion of Lidl, and the nostalgic memories of the beverage country show that the place is not standing still. Many people are following the current developments with excitement. Anyone who visits St. Peter-Ording will not only find a beautiful beach here, but also numerous opportunities for unforgettable experiences - the ideal ingredients for a successful break on the North Sea coast.
For more information about the changes in St. Peter-Ording, read Good morning. Tips and details about activities and districts can be found at NDR and for statistical data visit Statista.