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The history of the beach chair

From Warnemünde along the German coasts
Freya
July 2024
Woman reading in a red beach chair
2
min read

Bright sunshine, the gentle sound of the waves and seagulls soaring across the sky - these are the images that appear in my mind's eye when I think of a typical day on holiday at the North Sea or Baltic Sea. But there is another image that I firmly associate with a beach holiday - the beach chair. Here I can relax, lean back and let my gaze wander over the sea. But who invented the beach chair in the first place? Let's delve into the fascinating history of the beach chair.

Beach chair hire, yellow beach hut with a sign on the roof saying beach chairs
Beach chair rental

The birth of the beach chair in Warnemünde

The history of the beach chair begins in the 19th century in Germany, more precisely in Warnemünde at the Baltic coast. In 1882, the basket maker Wilhelm Bartelmann from Warnemünde had an ingenious idea. A woman suffering from rheumatism wanted to continue enjoying beach holidays despite her ailments and was looking for a comfortable place to sit on the beach. Bartelmann combined the traditional craft of basket weaving with the need for protection from the wind and sun and created the first beach chair - initially a single-seater. Due to the high demand, he and his wife founded the first beach chair hire company near the lighthouse in Warnemünde.

Beach chair hire: From the Baltic Sea to the North Sea

The success of the beach chair quickly spread along the German coasts. Beach chairs soon became an integral part of beach culture on the North and Baltic Seas. But the triumph of the beach chair did not end at Germany's borders. Today, beach chairs are also an export hit and are exported to numerous neighbouring countries.

beach chairs on the North Sea
Beach chairs on the North Sea

Rent a beach chair online: Simple and convenient

In today's digital world, it's easier than ever to hire a beach chair. Providers such as BeachNow make it possible to reserve beach chairs online, which is particularly practical for holidaymakers who want to plan their day at the beach. There are numerous options on our booking page, so you can secure the perfect spot on the beach conveniently and stress-free.

A symbol of relaxation and luxury

Nowadays, the beach chair not only stands for practical sun and wind protection, but also for luxury and relaxation. Many beach resorts and exclusive hotels offer their guests beach chairs as part of their service to maximise comfort. Beach chairs are also very popular in private gardens and on terraces, offering an oasis of peace and relaxation.

The future of the beach chair

Although the beach chair has a long history, its success is far from over. With increasing environmental awareness and the trend towards sustainable design, future beach chairs could be made from more environmentally friendly materials. Innovative technologies such as solar panels for integrated USB chargers or LED lighting could also further modernise the beach chair and improve its comfort.

In an ever-changing world, the beach chair remains a timeless symbol of relaxation, luxury and the joys of beach life. If you are planning your next beach holiday, book your beach chair now to secure the best spot on the beach and enjoy a perfect view.