Germany's Islands: Well-kept but not really a Secret

Germany's islands are all just a short boat trip or even shorter flight off the country's coast. While these are rugged beauties are markedly different from the tropical island paradise usually associated with an island vacation, Germany's islands have a lot to offer to the visitor, first and foremost unspoiled countryside and serene landscapes. The islands are also famous for their astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. The coastal areas lie in the migratory path of many bird species and are a haven for birdwatchers. Germany's islands boast of numerous nature reserves and national parks. In some cases entire islands have been declared sanctuaries, some even have gone car-free.

While among international visitors the 40 German islands of the North and Baltic Seas may still be more of an insider's tip, tourists from Germany and neighboring countries have been flocking to the islands for centuries. Life on the islands moves at a different pace and being close to nature and exposed to the elements provides much sought-after peace of mind and relaxation.

Islands of the North Sea

The North Sea coastal area is home to a dynamic marine landscape which changes dramatically with the tides. This unique stretch of coastal wetlands, known as Wattenmeer (Wadden Sea), has been protected and forms central Europe's largest national park. Dunes, beaches, salt marshes and mudflats form a serene natural landscape which can be explored on foot, by boat or in a horse-drawn carriage. The Wattenmeer region is famous for its rich flora and fauna which provides habitats for an astounding variety of species, from mud worms all the way to seals. The rhythm and force of the North Sea as it ebbs and flows is best experienced by spending time on one of the many islands along the North Sea coast. Just short of 30 islands dot the coastline and provide ideal get-away destinations for nature lovers, marine life enthusiasts and water sports fans alike.

The seven East Frisian Islands belong to the state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) and are part of the Wattenmeer National Park. They line the coast like a string of pearls, merely a few kilometers off the North Sea coast. The islands are very popular with tourists seeking rest and relaxation since they offer wonderful sandy beaches, small resort towns and picturesque villages as well as a myriad of beautiful trails perfect for hiking, biking or exploring the islands on horseback. Needless to say, the islands are also the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts. The climate is mild due to the islands' proximity to the Gulf Stream and the air is especially low in pollen and high in minerals from the sea. Borkum is the western-most and also the largest of the East Frisian islands, with just under 12 square miles and a population just shy of 6,000. The smallest among these islands are Wangerooge and Baltrum. Spiekeroog is a completely car-free island and unlike the other six islands in the group does not have an airport but can only be reached by boat.

The small North Sea islands of Neuwerk and Scharhörn belong to the Hanseatic city state of Hamburg.

Approximately two boat-hours northwest of the coastal city of Cuxhaven lies the island of Helgoland. Formerly under Danish and British rule, Helgoland today forms part of the state of Schleswig-Holstein and is the German island farthest from the shore.

The North Frisian islands, also called Hallig islands, are part of the German state of Schleswig Holstein. Of the hundreds of small marshy Hallig islands which once existed, formed by the tidal forces and storm floods, only ten remain. A stay on the North Frisian islands brings visitors up close and personal with nature's powerful forces. As serene as the marine landscape sometimes may look on a beautiful summer day, a trip into the mudflats can be quite dangerous and should always be accompanied by an expert tour guide who is familiar with the rhythmic movement of the tides. Twice a day, the tide washes nutrient-rich sediment into the coastal mudflats. When the water recedes, it exposes the sea bed which is teeming with life … and food. All along Germany's coastline and on the many islands, visitors can enjoy some of the country's freshest seafood.

The island of Sylt is the largest of the North Frisian group and also the most popular among tourists. Just a stone's throw from Denmark and on the same latitude as Alaska's southern tip, Sylt is the northernmost part of Germany. The island is home to over 20,000 inhabitants who live in one of eleven small and friendly towns. Sylt is also well-known for being the playground of Germany's rich and famous. The island's posh urban center is the resort city of Westerland, which also is Germany's northernmost city. Apart from this ritzy side of Sylt, vast stretches of this large island feel almost uninhabited to this day. The island's beaches, immense dunes and famous red cliffs are breathtakingly beautiful.

Anther popular North Frisian destination is the island of Föhr, which is the second largest among them. The island has only one town called Wyk but offers many activities for all ages throughout the summer. Föhr is often referred to as the “Green Island” because of its strict environmental protection policies like the ban on canned beverages.

On the Baltic Sea Coast, a dozen islands, ranging from small gems all the way to Germany's largest island offer a wide variety of vacation options. Fehmarn, off the coast of Schleswig Holstein, gets so much sun (2,200 hours a year) that the island is sometimes referred to as the German Hawaii. Fehmarn offers a great blend of Danish and German culture and architecture. The island also is home to one of Germany's best golf courses (Golfpark Feymarn).

Rügen is Germany's largest island which can be reached from the city of Stralsund via a bridge or by boat. Settled over 2,000 years ago, the island has a rich history. The main attractions are the white sandy beaches, two national parks and the resort area Kap Arkona. The island owes its unofficial title as Germany's “Gesundheitsinsel” (island of health) to its many spas and wellness resorts. Rügen is also a major destination for water sports enthusiasts and the venue for several international windsurfing competitions which attract surfers from near and far.

The small island of Poel covers only less than 20 square miles but has a lot to offer: pastoral countryside, inviting vacation homes and modern spas. Settled over 2,000 years ago and once part of Sweden, today the island belongs to the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Poel commemorates its long turbulent history, complete with pirates and battles at sea, with celebrations throughout the year. These days, however, life on the island of Poel is quite relaxed.

The entire island of Usedom is a nature sanctuary, its seaside resorts architectural treasures. Impressive art nouveau mansions date back to the times of Germany's last emperor Wilhelm II. The hotels on Usedom are all certified by the German Wellness Foundation. The island is also proud of its much-praised cuisine.

For more about Germany as a tourist destination and about traveling to Germany visit the German National Tourist Office online (www.cometogermany.com).