IoT at the Beach: How “Strandbutler” Digitizes Beach Chair Rentals in Germany

Renting a beach chair on German coasts usually means queuing at local rental huts, paying in cash, and picking up a key. This traditional process felt outdated to three founders from Hamburg, who launched Strandbutler (Beachbutler) in 2021 – a platform that enables tourists to reserve and unlock beach chairs via mobile app. The system relies on IoT-based smart locks and nuSIM technology from Deutsche Telekom.

The founders: Strand & Mehr GmbH

Strand & Mehr GmbH was founded in 2021 in Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany. The company’s founders – Christian Henk (CEO), Bernhard Sourdeau (COO), and Jens Hinrichs (CTO) – come from digital and e-commerce backgrounds. Their idea: to simplify beach chair rentals for tourists and reduce operational overhead for local businesses.

The platform, marketed under the name Strandbutler, has expanded rapidly – notably through the acquisition of its competitor BeachBuddy in 2022.

Available at 70+ beaches across northern Germany

By the 2022 season, Strandbutler was operational at over 50 coastal destinations – including Kampen (Sylt), Nieblum (Föhr), Cuxhaven, and Juist. These locations are spread across Germany’s North Sea and Baltic Sea coastlines, which are popular summer destinations for both domestic and international travelers.

With the BeachBuddy acquisition, the system now spans over 70 beach resorts. One recent implementation was on the Düne of Helgoland – a small island in the North Sea – where the platform was piloted in 2024 and officially introduced in 2025. For visitors without smartphones, a chip-based alternative is available on-site.

The technology: Smartlocks, nuSIM and IoT

The platform’s backbone consists of smart locks that use Deutsche Telekom’s nuSIM technology for cellular connectivity. Unlike traditional SIM cards, nuSIM is embedded directly into the device, enabling remote diagnostics, GPS tracking, and long battery life – ideal for outdoor conditions.

Beachgoers book their chair via app, receive digital credentials, and unlock the chair on-site. The system checks time slots and location automatically. For beach operators and municipalities, the platform offers automated billing, real-time usage data, and lower staffing requirements. Maintenance and theft prevention are also handled digitally.

Funding and expansion

To support further development, Strand & Mehr GmbH secured a €1.2 million seed investment in spring 2023. The funds are aimed at expanding the system to new coastal regions and enhancing the underlying technology.

Other digital beach chair platforms in Europe

While Strandbutler is one of the most integrated systems in Germany, other digital beach rental solutions also exist:

• BeachNow: Offers app-based booking with Bluetooth or chip unlock. Active in Büsum, Hohwacht, Föhr, Juist and other towns.
• Strandboss: PIN-code-based locks for operators, without mobile connectivity. Includes booking and management tools.
• Strandskipper.com: Offers an online booking platform with location filters. No detailed technical specifications available.
• Strandscanner.de: A meta-platform showing availability across various rental operators – but no integrated lock system.

Compared to these services, Strandbutler sets itself apart through deep integration of mobile technology and IoT infrastructure. It functions more like a digital infrastructure platform than a pure reservation system.

Conclusion

Strandbutler is a practical example of how IoT can simplify everyday activities in the tourism sector. By combining smart locks, app-based access, and embedded mobile connectivity, traditional rental processes become more efficient and user-friendly. As more coastal municipalities explore digital transformation, the Strandbutler model offers a scalable, real-world solution – and a glimpse into the future of connected tourism infrastructure.