East Frisian Islands - Isole Frisone Orientali

East Frisian Islands (Ostfriesische Inseln) are a group of islands in the North Sea off the coast of the East Frisia, region of the federal state German of the Lower Saxony.

To know

Most islands also have to pay a tourist tax for day visitors.

Geographical notes

The islands stretch for 90 kilometers in a south-west-north-east direction. All the islands have sandy beaches on the sea side, inside they are made up of dune formations, while on the south side a marshy landscape merges with the mudflats.

When to go

The seven inhabited islands always magically attract summer visitors and sun worshipers. If you are looking for peace and solitude, you should come in the cold season.

Due to their location, the East Frisian Islands are characterized by a maritime climate. The pure air and salty sea water create a stimulating climate, which is why spa stays are often recommended. The sea ensures that summers and winters are a bit milder than on land.

Spoken languages

In East Friesland, East Frisian Low German is still actively spoken by more than half of the population, which clearly stands out from other Lower Saxony dialects.

Territories and tourist destinations

Main islands

Other destinations

How to get

All the islands can be reached via a port on the coast and then by ferry or passenger ship. It is possible to bring a private car to the islands of Borkum and Norderney.

When arriving by bus or train, the travel time of the ships is coordinated with the timetable. Time deviations on some islands due to too low water levels are calculated in advance and can therefore be planned.

Carrying a bicycle is sometimes associated with significant additional costs. In addition, the risk of corrosion due to brackish sea air increases, so it is generally recommended to rent a bicycle for excursions. It is also possible to arrive with your own motor or sailboat, but it is advisable to inquire in advance about low tide times and mooring options. Not all islands are accessible from the water, especially when the water is shallow. For hiking enthusiasts, a guided mudflat hike to some islands (Norderney, Baltrum, Spiekeroog, Langeoog), which takes a few hours, may be recommended.

How to get around

Mobility on the islands is at least partially ensured by regular buses (Borkum and Norderney), diesel-fueled island railways (Borkum, Langeoog and Wangerooge), horse-drawn carriages (Juist) and a horse-drawn tram (Spiekeroog). The most important means of transport, however, are the bike and one's feet. Bicycles are not welcome on some islands, especially in densely populated areas, and some areas are even closed for this reason.

By plane

FLN and LFH airlines connect Wangerooge, Langeoog, Baltrum, Norderney and Juist as part of regular scheduled flights.

On boat

Excursion boats also operate (irregularly) between the islands.

Ferry connections to the islands:

• Emden - Borkum, with the "EMS" group
• Norddeich - Juist, with the Frisia shipping company
• Norddeich - Norderney, with the shipping company Frisia
• Neßmersiel - Baltrum, with the Baltrum line
• Bensersiel - Langeoog, with the Schiffahrt-Langeoog
• Neuharlingersiel - Spiekeroog, with the Spiekeroog ferry
• Harlesiel - Wangerooge, with the Wangerooge island ship and railway

What see

• Old lighthouse, Wangerooge. 
• Museum horse train, Spiekeroog. 
• Water Tower, Langeoog. 
• Altes Zollhaus Museum, Baltrum. 
• Windmill of the island Selden Rüst, Norderney. 
• Kurhaus, Juist. 
• aquarium, Borkum. 

What to do

The islands of Norderney, Baltrum, Langeoog, Spiekeroog and Wangerooge can be reached from the mainland by walking through the mudflats at low tide. Landscapes of dunes and long sandy beaches invite you to take long walks. The well-developed network of trails also makes Wangerooge, Langeoog, Norderney, Juist and Borkum attractive for cyclists. Bicycles are not allowed on Spiekeroog, but are not needed on Baltrum due to the small size.

At the table

In East Frisia, people like to drink kruiden (herbal brandy). On the islands people like to drink a lot of tea with kluntjes (candied sugar) and cream. In terms of gastronomy, everything is available, from solid home cooking (Spiekeroog and Wangerooge) to affordability (Baltrum and Langeoog) and international cuisine (Borkum and Norderney) to gourmet restaurants (Juist), which the average tourist expects in their destination. of vacation. Frisian cuisine is likely to be difficult to find.

Drinks

• In East Friesland, traditional people like to drink spirits - the typical East Frisian brandy
• Beer

Where stay

The East Frisian Islands have accommodation options in all price ranges. There are numerous hotels, guesthouses, apartments and holiday homes available. There are youth hostels in Borkum, Langeoog, Norderney, Wangerooge and Juist. There is at least one campsite on each island.

Safety

There is no danger to human life on the islands. Thunderstorms are announced and people are evacuated in an emergency. Everything else, like the rules of swimming, should be known.

Around

On the mainland:

• Aurich
• Leer
• Wittmund
• Emden

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning East Frisian Islands
• Commons contains images or other files on East Frisian Islands

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