Heligoland's dune. Photo: © Ralf Steinbock
Simply drift away Germany’s deep-sea island of Heligoland in the North Sea turns out to be a dream destination for nearly everyone. It convinces visitors with its many different and partly unexpected facets. Peace and quiet, white sandy beaches, unparalleled cliffs and the seemingly endless blue of the waves: Heligoland is most definitely a little gem of the North Sea. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: HELGOLAND TOURISMUS-SERVICE
Heligoland has many faces, that much is certain. Many people don’t know about the vast amount of activities and the many secluded spots to relax in, which the deepsea island offers. Around 60 kilometres away from the German coast, Heligoland is made-up of a main island as well as a smaller one. The main island’s impressive cliffs protrude 61 metres up from the sea. At the same time, the island itself is beautifully petite, measuring just one square kilometre. This certainly contributes to Heligoland not only being known as a haven of relaxation, but also as a unique nature paradise. Here, you can let the clean, fresh air clear your head. On the dune, visitors can watch common seals and grey seals enjoying a little nap in the sun. From November to the end of 54 | Issue 82 | January 2020
January, the female grey seals give birth here. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate remains mild during the winter. In spring and autumn, numerous migrating birds stop off at the island. It’s a remarkable sight, and not just for nature enthusiasts. Another highlight is the ‘Lange Anna’ (Tall Anna), along with the Lummen cliff. Or, there is the museum and the bunker, where you can discover the island’s lively history. You should also pop by the famous lobster huts at the inland port. Generally, the lobster and the local dish ‘Knieper’, the Heligoland shark steak or the Galloway beef is highly recommended. A personal insider tip comes from marketing assistant Iris Schneider. She dotes on Heligoland: “My tip is to allow yourself to just drift along and to explore the vari-
ous facets of the main island and the dune slowly, without haste.” New additions are the two ‘Wikkelhouses’: From May to October, you can spend your holidays up-close in nature on Heligoland’s dune. The tiny houses are 100 per cent recyclable and made from natural material. There are also the legendary ‘Sleeper’wicker beach chairs for two, which come with pillows, sleeping bags and a piccolo bottle of bubbly. During the colder season there are various winter packages to choose from, and it’s well worth checking Heligoland’s website for these, and much more besides. www.helgoland.de
Heligoland Knieper.