Car free holiday islands in middle of World Heritage site that no Brits know about
As Europe's islands become increasingly crowded, holidaymakers are seeking out lesser-known spots for their getaways.
Boasting untouched landscapes, white sandy beaches and unique flora and fauna, one archipelago off the northwest coast of Germany could be just the ticket. While the East Frisian Islands may not ring a bell for many Brits, they've become a top travel destination for German tourists. Located in the North Sea, off the coast of East Frisia in Lower Saxony, these islands stretch an impressive 56 miles from west to east and sit between 2.2 and 6.2 miles off the mainland.
The largest island in terms of surface area is Borkum, situated at the western end of the chain. The other six inhabited islands include Juist, Norderney, which boasts the largest town in the islands, Baltrum, Langeoog, Spiekeroog and Wangerooge. There are also several small uninhabited islands, such as Lütje Hörn to the east of Bokrum.
The East Frisian islands are renowned for their stunning long beaches and their location within the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea, reports the Express.
Bokrum island can be reached by ferry, catamaran or plane, although most visitors opt for the water route. For the best view of the island, make your way to the new lighthouse in the town centre, which stands tall at 60.3 metres. After ascending the 308 steps, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Juist is one of the four islands where cars are a no-go, leaving visitors to explore the quaint isle with nothing but their feet, bikes, or even the charming horse-drawn carriages. Over on Norderney, the island is lauded for its luxurious Thalasso-treatments—the perfect escape for those in pursuit of utter serenity, especially when you factor in a trip to the "bade:haus", replete with swimming pools for that ultimate unwind session.
And then there's Wangerooge, accessible by a ferry ride from Harlesiel. Once you disembark at the harbour, you're free to jump on the much-talked-about "island train" which will drop you into the heart of town. Wangerooge boasts two churches that merit a visit. The St. Willehad Catholic Church presents a tranquil haven for those seeking solace, while the Nikolai Church serves as a hub for music lovers, regularly hosting concerts and lively music events.
Another island in the area that is little known among Brits but loved by Germans is Heligoland. Each year 350,000 tourists, mostly German but also often Dutch and Danish, catch the ferry to Heligoland, a tiny pair of rocks 44 miles from the coastline. They are tempted there by the apparent healing qualities of the air, the calm offered by a car-free environment, and the beaches.
The existence of the island itself was, at one point, not guaranteed. The British Navy moved onto Heligoland following the fall of Berlin and spent the next two years carrying out military tests there until finally, in 1947, they opted to get rid of thousands of tonnes of munitions they'd plundered from the tunnel network. Set off simultaneously, 4,000 torpedo heads, nearly 9,000 depth charges and over 91,000 shells of various calibres created a mushroom cloud six miles high. The only structure to survive was Heligoland's lighthouse, which stands to this day.
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