Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top Island Destinations
The island of Borkum.
View of the promenade from the main beach.
New Year’s Eve in front of the promenade.
Where sea, wind and waves create a healthy retreat in a stunning landscape The island of Borkum is the westernmost and largest of the East Frisian Islands on the German North Sea coast – a famous holiday destination in the middle of the unique Wadden Sea nature reserve. Sandy beaches, salt marches and dunes form an unspoiled nature that attracts a great deal of wildlife. A special spot for nature lovers and those searching for relaxation. TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: WIRTSCHAFTSBETRIEBE DER STADT NSHB BORKUM GMBH
When thinking about holidays at the German North Sea coast, many might consider going during the summer holidays when the weather is warm and the sea tame. But holidays at the island of Borkum have a special flair during the winter months: “Away from the crowds, people can find tranquillity and repose, they can enjoy the island’s gorgeous nature and the cold, clear breeze coming from the sea,” says 58 | Issue 45 | December 2016
Borkum’s director of tourism Christian Klamt. Of course, every local has his or her own favourite spot on the island, but there are some highlights none should miss.“I would recommend taking a hike to the ‘Sternklipp’ dune at the far end of the sea wall,” says Klamt. From the top of the dune one can not only see over the entire islands and the surrounding Wadden Sea. “When the weather is clear one can even
spot the neighbouring islands Juist and Memmert.” Whoever feels frozen right through after wandering along the sandy beaches or through the marches can afterwards huddle inside and for example enjoy a traditional Eastern Frisian tea ceremony. This includes black tea, rock sugar – locally called ‘Kluntje’ – and cream added with a tiny silver spoon so it forms creamy clouds inside the tea. The ceremony, for example, is celebrated in the old ‘Toornhuus’ behind the lighthouse. But there are many other small cafés serving ‘Ostfriesentee’, the strong black tea named after the region. Like the British, Eastern Frisians are keen on tea and even have their own local tea