A Strandkorb or “beach basket” is a beach chair invented in 1882 by German basket maker, Wilhelm Bartelmann. A customer approached him and asked if he could make her a seat for the beach that provided shelter from the sun and wind so that she might reap the health benefits of fresh air while staying comfortable. 

 

After seeing this noblewoman sitting on her wicker throne, additional requests came pouring in. People wanted one of their own! Sales took off! But it was Bartelmann’s wife, Elisabeth, who had the brilliant idea to rent the chairs out for the day at the beaches. Today, the number of beach chairs on the coasts is estimated at 100,000. For approximately $10 a day, you can secure your spot on the beaches of the Baltic and North Seas and enjoy a long day at the shore in the comfort of your own “basket.”

Traditional beach chairs are bulky, heavy and not easy to transport. The advantage of this construction method is that they cannot be easily stolen, towed, knocked over by the storm or washed away. The Strandkorb is said to be "storm-proof and grown out of the ground.”

 

Today, you can roll your very own “beach basket” wherever you want!

Even if you don’t live near water, your patio, lawn, deck or porch are all great places to kick back and relax.