They also exist in Germany, the places with a very special flair and charisma. In the middle of the rough sea, but still in safe proximity to the mainland. The Hallig Oland on the Schleswig-Holstein coast offers nature, tranquility and an unforgettable Vacation at the North Sea.
Origin and history of Hallig Oland
The ten German companies still in existence today Halligen lie in the North Frisian Wadden Sea around the Pellworm Island around. At a distance of about five kilometers from the mainland and with a maximum size of about 900 hectares, they protrude only a few meters from the North Sea out. Oland, like all Halligen, consists of marshland formed over old marshland.
Due to the constantly nagging tidal currents, these "mini-Islands" separated from the mainland over the centuries.
Probably since the Viking Age the Frisians inhabited these Islands. Due to regular flooding, no permanent settlements could form at the beginning. The shape and size of the Hallig changed again and again. Buildings were regularly destroyed.
Only with the fortification of the Hallig edges in the 19th century, and the artificial filling of the "Warften" could a permanent settlement of houses develop.
What does safety and supply look like today?
Today, about thirty people live on Hallig Oland in seventeen houses. The buildings stand on the artificially created mound and are therefore protected from the tides and also storm surges. A small church with a cemetery and even Germany's smallest school have been built. Since the great storm surge of 1962, every house has a storm surge safe room on the upper floor. Food and drinking water are supplied from the mainland.
Journey to Oland - An adventure in itself!
The usual arrival is from the port of Schlüttsiel on the Schleswig Holstein North Sea coast. The excursion boat takes the vacationers to the landing stage on Hallig Langeneß.
This is where the adventure begins. At low tide, iron, motor-driven trolleys travel over a stone dam on rusty rails across the mudflats toward Oland. At the latest now you get a first impression of the loneliness and seclusion of the Hallig.
Also from Dagebüll there is the possibility to arrive by lorry. By arrangement, the landlord fetches his guests with his private lorry from the mainland.
A more impressive mood for the vacation in the middle of the North Sea probably does not exist!
The further away from the mainland, the deeper you dive into the wildness and vastness of this unique habitat.
Once the lorry reaches its destination and the engine is switched off, it surrounds every visitor:
The wonderful silence!
Oland - Not for active vacationers or party people
The "pearl of the Halligen" has a size of 115 hectares. The entire Hallig life takes place on the mound. Here, homes, community center, church and school have defied the forces of nature for decades. Small, white fences and the typical North German clinker brick houses ensure that the vacationer immediately feels at home. With a height of only 7.45 meters and a thatched roof, Germany's smallest lighthouse can be found here.
All Sights on Hallig Oland are to be worked off in one day.
But if you want to experience the real fascination, the true highlights of this little corner of the world, you should definitely bring more time with you. Long walks along the water's edge, watching the eternal change of tide and the inhabitants of the wide, flat mudflats will quickly take you out of your otherwise hectic everyday life.
When then after a long day in nature in the evening the thick candy cracks in the hot East Frisian tea and the clouds of cream rise in the cup, the vacation feeling is perfect.
The inhabitants of the Hallig live almost exclusively from tourism. From individual rooms in the inn to complete vacation homes, accommodation is offered for all group sizes and tastes.
You can find a complete host directory at:
nordseetourismus.de/prospektbestellung
