German Islands: Profiles

Sylt

It is the largest North Frisian island; places like Kampen and Westerland stand for luxury and celebrity.

💡 Did you know? The Hindenburg Causeway carries only the railway: cars reach the island solely by car-carrying train.

Föhr

Its main town Wyk is a well-known seaside spa; much of the island is diked marshland.

💡 Did you know? Many islanders emigrated to America in the 19th century: ties to New York remain strong today.

Amrum

The Kniepsand is over a kilometre wide in places; the island's landmark is the lighthouse built in 1875.

💡 Did you know? The vast sand flat slowly ‚migrates‘ northward along the west coast.

Pellworm

Instead of sandy beaches, green dikes, farming and an old lighthouse define it; Pellworm is known for its calm.

💡 Did you know? Without its dike, up to 8 metres high, much of the island would be permanently under water.

Heligoland

It lies about 50 km offshore and is duty-free; the ‚Lange Anna’ is a free-standing rock pinnacle.

💡 Did you know? In 1890 Britain traded Heligoland to Germany for colonial claims in East Africa (the Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty).

Borkum

Thanks to its far-out position the bracing climate is seen as especially pure; the island once lived from whaling.

💡 Did you know? Garden fences made of whale bones recall the old whaling era.

Norderney

The elegant resort drew spa guests as early as the 19th century; unlike its neighbours, cars are allowed here.

💡 Did you know? The poet Heinrich Heine wrote his ‚North Sea‘ poems on Norderney.

Juist

It is about 17 km long but only a few hundred metres wide in places; transport is by horse carriage and bicycle.

💡 Did you know? Juist has no cars: even the refuse is collected by horse and cart.

Baltrum

On the tiny island there are no street names; addresses consist only of house numbers.

💡 Did you know? Baltrum is so small you can walk around it in a few hours.