The islands of Germany are not the most popular tourist destination, but they have their own charm and potential. Every German-owned territory has one thing in common - good organization. The weather is changeable here: from warm and sunny to cloudy and rainy. At the same time, any beach is always prepared for the arrival of guests, and hotels open doors for travelers all year round.
Some islands are better equipped and have extensive infrastructure. Others are almost uninhabited but boast unspoiled nature. If there is a resort on the island, then it is invariably of a high class. The less visited corners also don't look abandoned, and it's easy to get here. Tourists make their choice in favor of such a vacation because of the special atmosphere, as well as the symbiosis of natural beauty and comfort.
The most interesting islands in Germany
Sylt
This island is called the anchor of Germany. The point is in its geographical position and its connection with the mainland by a dam. There are several settlements, each with beaches. The water is cool, but tourists are not deterred. Sylt is especially attractive for surfers: waves arise at sea without direct wind. Luxurious villas are often rented by celebrities, and ordinary travelers live in hotels. Local oysters are the main culinary feature of the island.
Mainau
Located in the waters of Lake Constance. You can get to it by crossing the bridge, where both car traffic and walking are allowed. Mainau has its own harbor. There are many flowers on the island, there is a palace and a church built nearby. The rich decoration is under the protection of the authorities, as it is recognized as a local monument. All local beauties are managed by the Bernadotte family.
Rügen
The coastline is heavily indented, which has led to the appearance of bays, bays and peninsulas. There are several resorts with developed infrastructure. The rich history brings researchers here, and among the sights there are both the ruins of ancient temples and buildings of the foreseeable past, for example, the lighthouse, created according to the project of Schinkel. Among the natural beauty of Rügen are the chalk cliffs.
Lindau
The island is the location of the historical part of the city of the same name. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and a dam. Lindau is very picturesque: authentic restaurants, paving stones, small houses, souvenir shops. Hotels and hotels are mostly family-run and compact. The cuisine is traditionally German: sausages, pretzels, pies. The harbor is a great place to stroll, and the old and well-preserved structures are ideal for architecture lovers.
Usedom
The whole island is a large natural spa. The point is in the clean sea air, saturated with iodine and other useful elements. Although there are also specialized resorts where guests are offered a range of health and beauty treatments. Usedom hosts music festivals and food festivals. The cuisine is varied, there are both simple familiar dishes and delights, like crab in honey.
Borkum
The island received the status of a health resort at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Its climate is good for restoring health, especially recommended by doctors for allergy sufferers. The beaches of Borkum are suitable for both sedate relaxation and small hiking trips. The sandy coastline is several kilometers long. Horseback riding is a special kind of leisure for visitors.
Fehmarn
Located less than twenty kilometers from the Danish island of Lolland. Fehmarn is a stopping place for migratory birds, so researchers and amateur bird watchers come here. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, through which it is possible to move by train or by car. The coastal waters are good for surfing and windsurfing. Jimi Hendrix played his last concert here, in honor of which a memorial stone was erected.
Hiddensee
It is part of the Pomeranian Reserve Park. Part of the island is located on the hills, part on the plain. Hiddensee is full of snails and turtles, which attracts migratory birds. Storks are especially common in the area. Its own small port facilitates communication with the mainland. Ancient buildings, like a lighthouse and a no longer functioning church, are of interest to tourists. The climate is typical for the region.
Reichenau
The main attraction of the island is the Benedictine monastery. Thanks to him, the entire territory was declared a World Heritage Site. The monastery church of St. George and the preserved ancient frescoes are a magnet for pilgrims. The infrastructure at Reichenau is well developed. At the same time, the island is quite green. The coastal line is no exception: it is mostly planted with trees and shrubs.
Langeog
A fairly extensive tourist program is located on an area of about twenty square kilometers. Travelers can enjoy sea and horse rides, explore the ship museum and the oceanarium. Souvenir shops coexist with cozy restaurants. They serve both classic German cuisine and fresh fish dishes. It combines nature and the benefits of civilization.
Fraueninsel
Located on Lake Chiemsee. Sometimes referred to simply as the "female island". The reason is the monastery, which was founded in the Middle Ages. It was rebuilt and changed many times. Its buildings and frescoes are available for inspection. There are small cozy bays and small picturesque houses of local residents. Very beautiful picturesque sunsets attract couples in love. The tourist steamer sails to Fraueninsel regularly.
Norderney
Unlike most of the German islands, there are highways here. You can get here by ferry. Low tide and high tide affect travel time. Part of the territory is closed for development in order to preserve the unique nature of the region. The sights include four churches of different periods of construction. The resort attracts tourists because of the good organization of leisure activities and natural beauty.
Yuist
The island is suitable for family tourism as it is very calm here. The weather is favorable for beach walks almost all year round. There is a spa center with all kinds of treatments using the latest technology. Local shallows-watts are protected by UNESCO. Sometimes you can watch the rest of the seals on them. Juist is home to several small music festivals, held mainly in the spring.
Amrum
Located within the boundaries of the national park. The local waters attract surfers: the temperature does not drop low, but the wind is enough to create high waves. Several species of seabirds nest on the island. Spa facilities are open for tourists, and you can also rent a room in a small hotel or from local residents. Amrum's cuisine is predominantly fish-based due to its geographic location.
Baltrum
The island's beach stretches for four kilometers. The hotels are mostly three-star and cozy. The coast has become a place for immersion in the world of windsurfing and kitesurfing: small waves help to master these sports and not take too much risk. Spa treatments complement the tranquil resort experience with a variety of thalassotherapy treatments. A rented beach chair makes your stay intimate.
Wangerooge
The absence of highways is not felt at all. For the convenience of tourists, a train runs between the station and the port. At guests' disposal there are bike paths for comfortable walks with the breeze, as well as a golf club, health and relaxation treatments in the spa. The beach has volleyball nets and special lounges.Everything is within walking distance, due to the small size of Wangerooge.
Helgoland
Seventy kilometers away from the mainland. In the stalls located in the port, you can buy fresh catch and taste the local delicacy - Helgoland-style lobster. Clean air, diverse flora and fauna have made the island a place for eco-tourism. There is a conference center on Helgoland. The coastline from one side looks impregnable because of the rocks. Cruise ships often stop here.
Peel
Saline meadows along with beaches cover most of the island. They are a nature conservation area. Fishing and all kinds of sports are considered traditional entertainment in Pöhle. Tourists rent boats (sometimes with guides) and go fishing. Horseback riding, cycling, wave conquest are common activities on the island. Here is a paradise for bird watchers, as the local fauna is striking in its diversity.
Heeren
The island is located near Fraueninsel. You can get here by ferry. Here is the Herrenchiemsee Castle, built in the 70s of the XIX century. This place was the residence of kings, so the decoration inside is appropriate. It can be reached from the pier on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Alleys, fountains, many statues and greenery - all this surrounds the castle.
Fehr
Another island in the national park called Schleswig-Holstein Shoals. The local flora and fauna are unique and protected, especially for the Watt ecosystem. History buffs will learn about the region by visiting the Frisian Museum. In summer, the long beach is packed to overflowing with water sports fans. The vibrant local holiday of Bikebrennen is reminiscent of Shrovetide.
Spikerog
The nature of the island is varied. Oaks and black pines coexist with sea buckthorn, lilac and rose hips. The vegetation, the dune landscape in some places, the sea air and the absence of pollution have made Spikerog a center for ecological tourism. The spa offers guests traditional and modern methods of relaxation and restoration of the immune system. Among the interesting ways to spend time stand out: watching seals, sailing, fishing.
Wilhelmstein
An artificial island was created on Lake Steinhude. Initially, they stand on the stones that fishermen brought here. Several small areas of land were later combined into one, almost even quadrangle. The island became a fortress, but it justified its function only once. Wilhelmsteint is now a museum popular with tourists. The decoration of the past is well preserved. You can get to the island by cruise ship.
Neuwerk
Part of the Hamburg Watts nature reserve. The flora and fauna are diverse here. The most interesting activities related to the nature of the island: observing several subspecies of swallows and searching for amber. The local lighthouse is about seven hundred years old. There is no car here, but boat trips and carriage rides are popular. Also, tourists have chosen beaches for the construction of sand castles and sedate relaxation by the water.
Wilm
Became a nature reserve in the middle of the last century. The local forests are accessible for visiting only as part of a group and specialized escort. Even bird watchers have to obtain a birdwatching license. There are few buildings on Wilma. They are all small and located close to the coast. The only pier is the link with the outside world. A few tourists start from here.
Pelworm
At low tide, by watts, you can walk to the neighboring islands. The ebb and flow of the tide completely controls the daily routine of the islanders and their guests. Cycling and Nordic walking are popular in Pelworm. Lovers come here to marry. The local ceremony is called the "captain's", is held in the old lighthouse and has official status.
