Heligoland - Helgoland

Heligoland bird's eye view sx.jpg
Heligoland
federal stateSchleswig-Holstein
Residents
1.265 (2019)
height
40 m
Tourist info 49 (0)4725 808808
www.helgoland.de
no tourist info on Wikidata: Add tourist information
location
Location map of Schleswig-Holstein
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Heligoland

Heligoland (in the Heligoland North Frisian / Halunder: Deät Lun (translated: the land)) is the only German offshore island and is located in the North Sea. She belongs to Schleswig-Holstein, but neither to the customs area of ​​the EU nor to the German excise area. About 1,300 people live on Heligoland. The island is known as a bird paradise and a tax-free shoppers paradise.

background

DE Helgoland COA.svg
Map of Heligoland
View from the plateau over to the dune. Below is the north beach, where you shouldn't swim due to the dangerous currents.

Helgoland is famous above all for its sandstone cliffs up to 61 m high. From the cliff edge path you have beautiful views of the multicolored rocks and the North Sea. On the Lummenfelsen the seabirds of the same name can be observed while they breed.

The rock needle still stands in front of the northern tip of the Oberland "Long Anna". It is the symbol of the island and threatens to collapse due to the surf and the weather. A permanent backup is too expensive, however. Until 1851 the "Lange Anna" was the support of a rock gate that collapsed.

August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (1798 - 1874) wrote the song of the Germans on the island in 1841, the third stanza of which is the national anthem of the Federal Republic of Germany.

A major change in the appearance of the island was brought about by the explosion in 1947.

Extensive background information on the history and geology of the island is available in the Wikipedia article Helgoland to find.

Also worth reading for those interested as a background to the island: The ecological footprint of Heligoland (Page that was developed as part of a study project at the Geographical Institute of the University of Hamburg).

The coat of arms as well as the flag of Heligoland bear the characteristic colors of the island:

“The land is green, Kant is red, sand is witt. Dat sin de Farven vun’t hillige land. "
"The country is green, the Kant is red (more rarely: the wall), the sand is white: these are the colors of Heligoland."

Island parts

Helgoland is made up of Helgoland itself and the dune. The island measures 1.0 km², the dune 0.7 km². Incidentally, the dune and island were connected to one another until 1721.

The main island can be found in the up to 61 meters high Oberland and in the flat Unterland subdivide. There is no beach on the west coast of Heligoland. Here are the famous sandstone cliffs. The fast catamarans dock at the south pier and a beach on the north coast invites you to sunbathe.

places

The only place extends from the lowlands on the east coast to parts of the highlands.

getting there

Helgoland can only be reached by sea or from the air.

By boat

Besides the flight, this is the only way to reach the island. There are two types of crossing here. Once the classic with the so-called disengagement, that is, one becomes with one Börteboot landed, or the variant with a high-speed ferry (catamaran from Cuxhaven or Hamburg), which docks directly in the port. The seaside resort ship, which operates out of season from Cuxhaven, also docks directly in the port.

In recent years, more and more ship connections to Heligoland have been discontinued due to the decline in visitor numbers. Since tourism is the island's most important source of income, the islanders and the municipality of Helgoland are making efforts to found their own shipping company in order to attract more visitors to the island with an expanded range of boat connections.

Ship connections

  • Cuxhaven – Helgoland: only year-round ship connection with fast ferry in summer and seaside resort ship in winter.
- in the summer months: the fast, ultra-modern catamaran Halunder Jet the Förde shipping company Seetouristik. In addition, the Förde Reederei Seetouristik charters the seaside resort ship in summer MS Atlantis of the shipping company Cassen Eils. A new, larger catamaran has been in use since the beginning of May 2018. (Video of a crossing)
- all year round: the newly built MS Helgoland runs all year round from Cuxhaven ferry port to Helgoland and docks directly in Helgoland's southern port.
  • Büsum – Helgoland: no fast ferries. There are two boats available for trips to the island in the summer months:
Information on trips of the Shipping companies Adler / Eils
  • Hamburg – Cuxhaven – Helgoland: with the fast, ultra-modern catamaran Halunder Jet. The catamaran docks directly in the port of Heligoland. The time-consuming disembarkation using the port boat is no longer necessary.
Info: www.helgoline.de (FRS shipping group)
  • Bremerhaven – Helgoland:
On some days of the week there is a connection with the MS Fair Lady
  • Hooksiel-Helgoland:
On some days of the week there is a connection with the MS Fair Lady
  • North Frisia and North Frisian Islands (Husum, Sylt, Amrum, Föhr) - Helgoland:
The Adler-Express and Adler Cat run in the summer season Mondays to Fridays from Nordstrand / Strucklahnungshörn via Hallig Hooge - Amrum / Wittdün - Sylt / Hörnum to Helgoland. Due to the limited seaworthiness of the ships, the trips only take place in good weather.
  • Connection Emden – Borkum / Juist / Norderney – Helgoland:
It consists of the area of ​​the East Frisian Islands currently (2020) no Ship connections to Helgoland.

By plane

The dune is located on the neighboring island 1 Helgoland airfieldHelgoland airfield in the Wikipedia encyclopediaAirfield Helgoland in the media directory Wikimedia CommonsHelgoland Airfield (Q20739) in the Wikidata database(IATA: HGL) with line connections to Heide-Büsum and Cuxhaven / Spieka with the OFD Ostfriesischer-Flug-Dienst GmbH. Machines can of course also be chartered. The airfield is approved for aircraft up to 5,700 kg and helicopters up to 10,000 kg.

However, you have to take the ferry ‘‘ Witte Kliff ‘‘ from the dune to the main island. There is a taxi on the dune that can transport air passengers between the airport and the ferry terminal.

mobility

Driving a motor vehicle is prohibited on the island, as is the use of bicycles. Exceptions only apply to the use of bicycles for local schoolchildren to and from school. By the way, scooters are popular as a replacement for bicycles on the island. These are not legally regarded as bicycles and can therefore also be used on Heligoland. Helgoland has therefore even been mentioned in the StVO, which explicitly stipulates these prohibitions for this island.

Local public transport is only available in the form of electric taxis, which are available all year round.

Elevator to the Oberland: The Oberland can be reached by stairs or alternatively by elevator. The elevator is chargeable.

With the "Inselbahn" (a tourist train for the road) you can start island tours. Further information: www.helgolandbahn.de

Tourist Attractions

  • On the cliff edge path you can very nicely circle the entire Oberland and let the sometimes very strong wind blow around your nose. You also get to the northernmost point of the island, the 1 Tall AnnaLong Anna in the Wikipedia encyclopediaLangen Anna in the media directory Wikimedia CommonsLangen Anna (Q896804) in the Wikidata database, a 47 m high pier - the symbol of the island. Although the rock is not freely accessible, it can be viewed from above from the neighboring cliff end of the Oberland. Several species of seabirds breed on the rocks, especially guillemots, kittiwakes and gannets. In 1969 the rock formation received the status of a natural monument. According to an expert opinion, the rock is criss-crossed by deep crevices and cracks. The measures necessary to secure Tall Anna would be enormous and could not stop the creeping weathering. Further deterioration due to frost damage can hardly be stopped by technical means. Therefore, no further efforts are made. There is already an acute risk of the upper two-thirds being broken off.
  • 2  Museum Helgoland, Kurpromenade 1430, 27498 Helgoland (in the "North Sea Hall"). Tel.: 49 (0)4725 12 92, Email: . Museum Helgoland in the encyclopedia WikipediaMuseum Helgoland in the media directory Wikimedia CommonsMuseum Helgoland (Q20850721) in the Wikidata database.with "James Krüss Museum", postal museum, island history and photography exhibitions. They deserve special mention Bunker tours. There are maps for this in the tourist information office. limited barrier-freelimited barrier-free.Open: May - October daily 10: 00-14: 30.Price: adults € 5, children € 3.last change: Aug. 2020
  • 3  Helgoland lighthouse, Leuchtturmstrasse 686, 27498 Helgoland. Helgoland lighthouse in the Wikipedia encyclopediaHelgoland lighthouse in the Wikimedia Commons media directoryHelgoland lighthouse (Q50740) in the Wikidata database.The Helgoland lighthouse was built by the Wehrmacht in 1941 as a flak tower. It survived the bombing of Heligoland in 1945 and could not be blown up in 1947, so it was converted into a lighthouse and has been in service since 1952. The light from this lighthouse is the brightest in Germany and can still be seen on the East Frisian islands in good weather conditions.last change: Aug. 2020
  • 4  Lummenfelsen. Lummenfelsen in the encyclopedia WikipediaLummenfelsen in the media directory Wikimedia CommonsLummenfelsen (Q50738) in the Wikidata database.Germany's only bird rock, to be seen if you walk along the cliff edge path.last change: Aug. 2020
  • Seal and Gray Seal Bank, on the dune.
  • 1  Bird observatory, At the Sapskuhle 511, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: 49 (0)4725 640 20, Fax: 49 (0)4725 640 29, Email: .Vogelwarte (Q58401129) in the Wikidata database.The ornithological station offers regular guided tours through its catch garden. There you can find out how and why birds are caught, ringed and released again here. With a little luck you can watch the process directly.last change: Aug. 2020
  • The highest point of the otherwise flat district of Pinneberg is on Heligoland. Funny people have this point that's why that 5 PinnebergPinneberg in the encyclopedia WikipediaPinneberg in the media directory Wikimedia CommonsPinneberg (Q50734) in the Wikidata database and a summit cross is set up there - including a summit book in which a successful mountaineer can register.

  • The Lobster stalls in the lowlands

  • Spectacular: the sandstone cliffs of Heligoland.

  • Guillemot colony on the cliffs.

  • The summit cross on the Pinneberg

  • Look at the tall Anna

activities

  • Swimming: There is a beautiful beach on the neighboring island of Dune (accessible by passenger ferry from Helgoland). There are other bathing opportunities on the small south beach on the island of Helgoland as well as in the sea water swimming pool (Mare Frisicum) in the Unterland. According to Wikipedia, the scenic north beach is allegedly not to be used due to the strong ocean currents Suitable for bathing. However, detailed information from on-site is not available as of 08-2011. Information on the current water temperatures on Heligoland can be found on the website of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
  • To go for a walk: Since the island is quite small, it is easily possible to explore it in one day. For most day visitors, a "must-do program" includes a walk along the impressive cliff edge path on the Oberland to Long Anna.
  • Watching birds: z. B. at the "Lummenfelsen", which is also Germany's only one Northern gannet colony includes. Detailed information, such as instructions and rules of conduct, as well as an overview of all observation sites on Heligoland can be found on the website of Ornithological Working Group Helgoland e.V. . (to be found under the keyword "Birding" in the menu above).
  • In December and January: birth of the gray seals - In winter, the gray seals give birth to their young on the beach on the dune. The young have a white fur that protects them from the cold. Visitors are allowed to get up to 30 m close to the animals - this is not possible anywhere else in Germany. There are also guided tours of the gray seals on offer.

shop

Due to historical customs regulations, duty-free shopping is possible on Heligoland, which attracts many day tourists to the offshore island.

By the way, when shopping and stopping off you can use the Island ticket save up. The limited book of vouchers can also be ordered online.

  • Jewelry made of red "Heligoland flint". The red "Helgoland flint" is a geological rarity. If the stone is sawn open, its attractive, red interior appears. Stones made into jewelery can be bought in booth 31 (Hafenstrasse 1011) (info). For geological background information, see also Wikipedia article "Helgoland flint"

kitchen

A plate full of knees

It will come as no surprise that seafood is the dominant culinary element on an island. Heligoland is no exception. Freshly caught lobsters and fish are offered.

This is a real Heligoland specialty "Helgoland Knieper". These are the claws of the edible crabs found around the island. They are served hot and usually as a kilogram portion. There is also baguette or toast, butter and several sauces. In some restaurants you have to break open the scissors yourself to get to the meat. There is a special knee cutlery for this.

Restaurants

  • 8  Wooden spoon, Bremer Str. 235, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 275. Fast food restaurant on two floors located directly in the Unterland by the elevator.Open: daily 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.last change: Aug. 2020
  • 9  Bielefelder Hof, Happot Wai 43, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 1230.
  • 10  Pinkus Egg Grocery Store, Schifferstrasse 67, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 811374.

Cafes

  • 11  Café Hinrichs, Siemens-Terrasse 168, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 662. Open: Tue - Sun 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., closed on Mondays.
  • 12  Bistro Bruns, Siemens-Terrasse 173, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 640861. Open: daily 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

nightlife

  • 1  Sailor's (formerly "Knieper"), Lung Wai 208, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 1293. Probably the most rustic bar in the maritime Irish pub look can be found in the Unterland on the main stairs. The smoking bar is, so to speak, the trendy bar where young, old and "island celebrities" can be found. Billiards, darts and machines are on the 1st floor.
  • 2  Barracuda bar lounge, Siemens-Terrasse 148, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 2910640. Open: Tue - Sat 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., closed Sun Mon.
  • 3  Island jug, Friesenstrasse, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 6404538. Open: daily 10 a.m. - midnight.
  • 4  Gerold Lösekann, Rekwai 419, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 811342.
  • 5  Charlie's beer parlor, Steanaker 364, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 640895.

In the summer months there are open-air events at Helgoland almost every weekend. The visitor is well entertained with live music, a barbecue, drinks and exciting activities. Annual events are e.g. the Börtebootregatta (August 10th), the rowing regatta (July), the island festival with fun & action and the famous giant fireworks display (July 12th).

accommodation

Numerous quarters are offered on Heligoland (see Finding accommodation by Helgoland Touristik).

Cheap

  • 1  Campsite dune. Tel.: 49 (0)4725-7695. Located on the dune, registration is essential in the high season. There have been two rental tents since 2015. There are also holiday homes close to the beach for rent on the dune.Price: from € 7 per tent, € 4 per person over 14 years.
  • 2  Youth hostel Helgoland - House of Youth, Nord-Ost-Land 1460, 27498 Heligoland (in the north of the island, approx. 15 min. from the ship landing stage). Tel.: 49 (0)4725 341, Fax: 49 4725 7467, Email: . Youth hostel with 139 beds in modern 1- to 6-bed rooms with a wonderful view of the open sea. A special highlight is the breakfast room, which reveals a grandiose view of the North Sea through its panoramic windows.Open: All year round, except Christmas.Price: BB from € 26.50.
  • 3  Hotel Bolzendahl, Hamburger Str. 309, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 619.

medium

  • 4  Hotel offshore island, Am Südstrand 6, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 8007848. Price: Single from € 53, double from € 90 (prices vary greatly for sea view / land side or high / low season).
  • 5  Hotel restaurant mocca parlors, Hingstgars 447, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 666, Fax: (0)4725 7507, Email: . Open: the associated restaurant: Fri - Wed 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., closed Thursdays.Price: single room from 50 €, double room from 80 € (prices vary greatly for sea view / land side or high / low season).
  • 8  sea ​​View, Am Falm 305, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 81490. Characteristic: ★★.Price: single room from € 50, double room from € 78.
  • 9  Düne Süd Brasserie - Bar - Café - Hotel, Lung Wai 41, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 811031. Open: the brasserie: Mon, Tue, Thu 11.30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Fri - Sun 10.30 a.m. - midnight, Wed is closed.Price: single room from € 42, double room from € 66 (prices vary greatly in high / low season).

Upscale

  • 11  Hotel Rickmers Insulaner, Am Südstrand 2, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: (0)4725 81410, Fax: (0)4725 814181, Email: . Restaurant available.Characteristic: ★★★★.Price: Single from € 99, ​​double from € 119.

security

Special safety instructions do not have to be observed.

health

hospital

  • 1  Paracelsus North Sea Clinic Helgoland, Invader path, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: 49 4725 8030. A small hospital to care for the population and tourists. It also has a specialist department for Parkinson's disease and neurology.last change: Jun. 2020

doctors

  • 2  Medical practice Klaus and Dr. Marieta Wogawa, Spriin Goat 328, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 8008300. Open: Mon, Tue, Thu 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Wed Fri 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Sat 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Pharmacies

  • 3  Island pharmacy, Steanaker 359, 27498 Heligoland. Tel.: (0)4725 7742. Open: Mon, Tue, Thu 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Wed 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Fri Sat 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Climate and travel time

Helgoland is the only German island with an ocean climate. Due to its location, it is almost pollen-free and very compatible with allergy sufferers. The winters are very mild due to the lake location (mildest winters in Germany). It rarely gets colder than −5 ° C. Responsible for this is the Gulf Stream, which heats the North Sea into a gigantic heat store. Spring is rather cool, but autumn is often still quite warm. However, autumn is characterized by precipitation, so that it rains for up to 20 days. The sunny days are decreasing. Overall, however, Heligoland has more hours of sunshine on average than mainland Germany.

The subtropical plants such as figs and others planted here bear witness to the mild climate.

The best travel time is the summer months, although the island also has its charm in winter.

Practical advice

police

  • 4  Police station, Hafenstrasse 1078, 27498 Helgoland. Tel.: 49 (0)4725 8008540. The tasks of the police are carried out by the water protection police.last change: Aug. 2019

post

  • 5  Deutsche Post branch, Am Südstrand 1, 27498 Helgoland (in the customs building at the inland port). last change: Aug. 2019

Tourist Information

  • 6  Helgoland Tourism, Lung Wai 28 (in the "atoll")). Tel.: 49 (0)4725 808808, Fax: 49 (0)4725 80899808, Email: . Open: Mo-Fr: 09: 00-16: 00; Sat, Sun and public holidays: 11: 00-15: 00.
  • Health resort tax: in summer (April 1st to October 31st) for an adult € 2.75 per day; Children and young people up to the age of 18 are free (as of 09-2019). In the winter months the amount is reduced to 1.50 € / day.

literature

  • My great grandfather and me by James Krüss. Here the author tells of his childhood on Heligoland, ISBN 978-3789106934 , 5th edition from May 2009, 268 pages, published for 12 € by Oetinger Verlag

Web links

Webcams

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