On the islands

Island paradise off the North Sea coast

The seven East Frisian Islands – holiday dreams all year round

Glorious sandy beaches, the sound of crashing waves and a fresh sea breeze – a true island paradise stretches for 90 kilometres off Niedersachsen’s North Sea coast. The islands lie just four to ten kilometres from the mainland. The ferry to the East Frisian Islands takes you right through the Niedersachsen Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site, past sandbanks where, with a bit of luck, you might spot harbour seals and grey seals basking in the sun.

Unique variety and natural beauty

Seven islands, each with its own character

With seven islands in total, there’s a fantastic choice for a North Sea holiday. Each East Frisian Island has its own charm, but all share one thing: wonderful sandy beaches. Whether you’re building sandcastles, sailing, walking across the tidal flats, cycling or kite surfing, life on the islands is all about enjoying the great outdoors. Nowhere else in Germany offers so many ways to holiday without the sound of traffic. The East Frisian Islands of Baltrum, Juist, Spiekeroog, Langeoog and Wangerooge are all entirely car-free.

The smallest island:

Baltrum

Baltrum, the smallest of the East Frisian Islands, is just a tidal flat walk away. Where else can you stroll along the seabed to reach an island? With no cars, it offers pure relaxation.

More about Baltrum

The high sea island:

Borkum

Borkum, the westernmost island, is a true high sea island. It lies so far offshore that allergy sufferers can breathe freely. All your worries will melt away on the ferry voyage. Borkum’s beaches feel almost endless: Dunes and fine, sugar-like sand stretch as far as the eye can see.

More about Borkum

The car-free island:

Juist

Also boasting stunning beaches but with a more laid-back feel, Juist is known as the horse-drawn carriage island. Simply settle into a beach chair and enjoy the sunset or sip tea with rock sugar in one of the charming cafés in small Frisian cottages. This is just a glimpse of what makes a holiday on Juist so wonderfully relaxing.

More about Juist

The family island:

Langeoog

True to its name, Langeoog (‘long island’) is long and narrow, with 14 kilometres of glorious sandy beach always just a short stroll away. It’s perfect for cycling and especially popular with families.

More about Langeoog

The island of many faces:

Norderney

Norderney still reflects the elegance of its spa resort past. People relax in cafés, meet on the promenade and unwind at the BadeHaus, Europe’s largest thalassotherapy centre. Add a splash of lively town atmosphere – right in the middle of an island. 

More about Norderney

The peaceful island:

Spiekeroog

Neighbouring Spiekeroog is undoubtedly one for romantics. Couples and families alike will find not only sandy beaches but also what is perhaps the most picturesque village of all the islands, complete with cosy cafés and inviting spots to sit and read.

More about Spiekeroog

The easternmost island:

Wangerooge

Wangerooge is known for its car-free charm, unique dune landscape and island village by the water. Here, the promenade sits right next to the bathing beach, meaning short distances – making it ideal for families with young children. 

More about Wangerooge

How to reach the East Frisian Islands

On the islands

Seven islands, each with its own character

The smallest island:

The high sea island:

The family island:

Ferry connections