DISCOVER HelGOLAND

Helgoland - vacation, day trip, ferry & information

Heligoland high sea island

Welcome to "deät Lun" - the only high sea island in Germany

If you are familiar with the Heligoland ferry When you approach the North Frisian island, the salty sea air and the glittering waves of the red offshore island awaken your senses. The neighboring island of Düne comes to mind during the Crossing by catamaran in sight and increases the anticipation of your Day trip or Helgoland vacation in a hotel, guesthouse or vacation apartment.

When you arrive you are greeted by the playful Seals, which cavort on the shore, and the striking red sandstone cliffs that rise out of the sea. During a tour of the Bunker Museum learn more about Helgoland's role in the Second World War or take a leisurely walk to the "Long Anna", a towering rock formation on the west side. When exploring the North Sea island must not miss a visit to the characteristic Lobster Booths with fresh seafood is not missing. An experience is the visit of the Lummenfelsen and the Lumma Jump, a natural seabird reserve and one of the landmarks of the island.

Heligoland seal on the dune
helgoland map
The Heligoland map
The port on Helgoland
Helgoline Halunderjet to Helgoland
Journey to Helgoland

Helgoland ferry, arrival & prices for the crossing

A trip to Helgoland Island in Schleswig-Holstein is an experience like no other, and with four ferry companies to choose from, there's something for everyone.

The ferries depart from Hamburg, Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven and Büsum, among others. The Halunder Jet catamaran is the perfect choice for those looking for a fast and exciting trip. This sleek vessel reaches speeds of up to 35 knots. It offers a comfortable and stylish trip to Helgoland.

Alternatively, the Cassen Eils shipping company offers a more traditional ferry service with the MS "Helgoland", which has been taking passengers to the island for over 100 years. With its charming wooden interior and spacious deck areas, the MS "Helgoland" promises a relaxing and pleasant journey.

Hummber booths & sights

Day trip to Helgoland

For those who like to travel off the beaten path, Helgoland is a fascinating day trip destination. The small island has a unique history, diverse wildlife and breathtaking sea views. It is an ideal place for a day trip.

But the day trip must be planned. The crossing to the island takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Helgoland is famous for its tax-free shopping. So it's best to pack little and leave some room for souvenirs. The island is also known for its duty-free tobacco and alcohol products. So treat yourself and enjoy the unique offer.

The lobster stalls of Helgoland
Whisky on Helgoland in the DutyFree Shops
Vacation 2023 on Helgoland

Helgoland vacation: book hotel, pension & vacation apartment

Whether the comfort of a hotel, the freedom of a vacation apartment or the charm of a traditional guesthouse - Helgoland offers the right accommodation for every taste and budget. As soon as you arrive, you will be impressed by the enchanting sandstone cliffs, the friendly locals and the relaxed atmosphere.

Attractions on Helgoland

Sights on Helgoland

Helgoland is a picturesque German island located in the North Sea. It is known for its stunning cliffs, unique red sandstone formations and vibrant underwater world. The island has a rich history and offers various attractions, including the famous Lange Anna rock formation, the Helgoland Lighthouse and the Aquarium.

Vacation types & themes

Heligoland vacation with camping or bungalows

This charming island has all the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation - from picturesque landscapes to crystal clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Helgoland - The high seas island of Helgoland in the North Sea

The island of Helgoland is a unique spot. It is located about 70 kilometers off the German coast and is the only high-sea island in Germany. Here you will find clear water, a pure climate low in pollen and a particularly healthy atmosphere, as the air is rich in iodine and oxygen. A special experience is the arrival by seaside ship or catamaran.

Your visit begins with the sight of the characteristic lobster shacks, where fishermen once stored their equipment. Today there is a maritime mile with small exhibitions, artworks and bistros.

Another landmark of the island is the red mottled sandstone rock of the North Sea. On Helgoland you can watch many rare sea birds and become a lobster sponsor. In addition, it is duty-free here, so you can make many inexpensive purchases. But you can also listen to the old island languages Halunder, the Frisian dialect.

Of course, the island offers much more to experience. A must is a visit to the Helgoland museum of local history with the James Krüss lobster stalls. In addition, a Lummensprung and a ride on the elevator between the Unterland and Oberland are also a change.

If you want to have an unforgettable vacation, you should go to Helgoland once. It will be an experience that you will not soon forget!

Journey to Helgoland

Travel to Helgoland is only possible by water or air. Visitors can choose between various means of arrival, including aircraft, seagoing vessels and fast ferries ( catamaran). The modern catamaran "Halunder Jet" offers a fast and comfortable trip from Hamburg, Wedel (3.5 hours) and Cuxhaven to Helgoland (only 70 minutes). If you want to reach the island by a seafaring ship, you can take the MS "Fair Lady" from Bremerhaven, the MS "Funny Girl" from Büsum or the MS "Helgoland" from Cuxhaven. There is also the possibility to reach Helgoland by plane. From the airport Cuxhaven/Nordholz you can fly to Helgoland in only 25 minutes. The island's airport is not located on the main island, but on the separated neighboring island Düne.

What sights are there on Helgoland?

There are many places and activities worth seeing on Helgoland. Visitors can visit Helgoland's local history museum with its James Krüss lobster stalls or take part in a natural history beach tour to explore the seal and grey seal colonies. Another popular landmark on the island is the "lange Anna," a red rock needle about 47 meters high that rises vertically from the sea. Helgoland is known for its diverse bird life, as there are thousands of guillemots, fulmars, gannets, razorbills and much more.

Visitors can marvel at the variety of seabirds on the cliff walk and observe the natural beauty of the breeding season. In the Museum Helgoland they learn more about the unique history of the high sea island, which has many peculiarities to offer, such as VAT-free shopping, lobster sponsorship and the Frisian dialect Halunder. Those who want to be active can visit the seawater outdoor swimming pool, sail on ocean-going yachts, play mini golf or book a fishing trip. For gourmets, the island's culinary offerings, such as the world-famous Helgoland lobster, offer a special experience.

The 3 kilometer tour of the island

On the island of Helgoland you can go on a variety of walks to experience nature and culture. The island walk is a very popular type of hiking. It is a 3 kilometer long path through the "Oberland", which can be reached either on foot via 182 steps or by elevator. On this hiking trail you can enjoy fantastic views of the sea and birdlife. The beautiful beaches on the island are also within walking distance and are perfect for hiking.

Lobster Booths - Art & Culture

Helgoland offers a variety of art and cultural activities. At the inland harbor are the lavishly restored lobster stalls, resplendent in bright colors. Originally they served as workshops and storage areas for fishermen, but today they are home to duty-free stores, as well as art and culture in a maritime ambience. Visitors can marvel at handicrafts, admire wood carvings, purchase maritime souvenirs and visit exhibitions. In one of the stalls there is an assortment of books and poems by the famous son of the island, the children's author James Krüss. In addition, the cozy bistros and restaurants provide for the physical well-being of visitors.

What can you learn in Helgoland's history?

Helgoland is rich in interesting history and offers many opportunities to learn more about its past. A signposted history trail, guided tours through the underground bunker system, exhibitions and information events at the Museum Helgoland, a visit to the lobster stalls and much more make a journey back in time possible.

A free brochure about the history trail is available at the tourist information office and leads to 16 stations with information boards and QR codes. The Föderverein Museum Helgoland offers guided tours of the bunker system, but you have to register in advance.

The Museum Helgoland deals with many valuable events and topics from the history of Helgoland and provides insights into life on the island. The famous children's book author James Krüss is also honored with a museum in the lobster shacks.

In the island museum you can learn a lot about the hard times of the Second World War, when the island was bombed, and the blasting of most of the island in 1947 by the British.

The red rock is a landmark of Helgoland, which you can marvel at, for example, during a guided beach tour to the seal and grey seal colonies on the dune. Especially for birdwatchers, the island is a paradise, because besides guillemots, other rare species breed here.

Of course, you can also visit the remains of the bunker during a guided tour or learn more about the author of wonderful works such as "Timm Thaler" or "Der Sängerkrieg der Heidehasen" in the James Krüss Museum.

No matter what your interest in Helgoland's history, there are many ways to learn more about the island and its history.

Vacation on Helgoland

This small island in the North Sea offers its visitors a unique experience, as it has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle or it's just going to be a short vacation, Helgoland is the right North Sea island for your North Sea vacation.

What hotels and accommodations are available on Helgoland?

There are a variety of hotels and accommodations on Helgoland. These include the 4-star Hotel Helgolandia, the new ecological Wikkelhouses, the Hotel Helgoländer Klassik as well as the Klassik Apartments and the Hotel Rickmers Insulaner. All accommodations are centrally located in the Unterland and feature a private bathroom with shower and toilet, a minibar and a flat-screen TV. The Hotel Rickmers Insulaner is located in the first row to the sea and offers a leisure and wellness area in addition to the usual amenities.

Camping on the dune

Camping on the dune is a unique experience, as it offers the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the island. The dunes on the island are a protected area, so camping is only allowed in designated areas. The campsites are well equipped and offer a range of facilities including showers, toilets and cooking facilities. The campsites are surrounded by sand dunes, which provide a natural seclusion and tranquil ambiance. The dunes also provide an excellent opportunity to explore the island's fascinating flora and fauna. Campers can also experience the island's rugged landscape by hiking the dune trails.

Bungalow village

On the island of Helgoland there is also a bungalow village, ideal for those who prefer a comfortable stay. The bungalow village is located in a lush, green area with easy access to the beach. The bungalows are unique and designed to blend in with the surroundings. They offer various amenities such as a kitchen, a living room and a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the soothing sound of the sea. The village is the ideal place for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy a comfortable stay on the island.

Sunbathing on the dune

The dune is a huge sandbank stretching about a kilometer from north to south and half a kilometer from east to west, making it one of the largest sand dunes in Europe. Due to wind and tide it constantly changes its shape.

Due to its location in the North Sea, Heligoland was exposed to the onslaught of waves for centuries and the dune was built up over time by the alluvial sand. The dune is home to rare grey seals, which can often be seen sunbathing on the sandbanks.

The dune is a popular destination for tourists who want to admire its natural beauty and explore the unique ecosystem of the island. The island is accessible only by boat. Visitors can either take a ferry from the mainland or fly in on a small plane from Hamburg.

Rent dune baskets

The dune baskets on Helgoland are beach chairs placed on the dune, a small island next to the main island of Helgoland. They offer a magnificent view of the sea and are a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The dune baskets are placed on the north beach of the island, which is primarily popular with families. The north beach has stronger surf than the south beach and is also partly the stomping ground for seals.

The dune baskets can be rented to spend a relaxing day on the beach. They are made of wood and have a roof that provides shade and protects from wind and weather. Some also have seat cushions so you can sit comfortably. They are perfect for a picnic, sunbathing or just relaxing.

To use them, visitors can rent them through the Helgoland spa administration. It is not possible to make a reservation, as the baskets are set up on the beach every day. However, it is recommended to come early to get hold of a basket.

Helgoland animal & bird life

In Helgoland bird life there is a variety of different climatic conditions and weather conditions. The coastal strip surrounding the island has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The island itself is located in the area of the North Sea climate, which means that the temperatures are rather cool and the waters around the island regularly become stormy. The weather situation on Helgoland is characterized by the accumulation of rainy and windy days, as well as stormy weather. Especially in spring and autumn, when migratory birds use the island as a resting place, conditions are often stormy and rainy. This means that birdwatching on Helgoland is a challenge for researchers, but also an opportunity to observe rare species that otherwise avoid the German Bight. In summer, on the other hand, sunny, warm days prevail, allowing the birds to settle in the rocky ledges of the Lummenfelsen and raise their young.

What kinds of animals are there on Helgoland?

Helgoland has a diverse wildlife that includes seabirds, fish, seals and lobsters. Seabirds that breed on the island include gannets, guillemots, cod, sturgeon, flounder and fulmars. Gannets are found in Germany only on Helgoland. The Helgoland lobster is an endangered species whose population has steadily dwindled in recent years. Grey seals, which number between 30 and 70 animals, have been found on the island since 1989. In addition, fish such as cod, sturgeon and flounder also live in the waters of the North Sea.

Heligoland guillemots

The Helgoland guillemot (Uria aalge) is a species of seabird that lives mainly in the rocks of Helgoland's guillemot cliffs. It is a large bird with a black and white coloration that can reach a weight of almost one kilogram. Guillemots are known for their spectacular guillemot leap, where they rise into the air, flap their wings and hover on a cloud. They can leap up to twenty meters into the air.

Where is the deep-sea island of Helgoland?

Helgoland is located in the North Sea, about 67 kilometers southwest of the southern tip of the island of Sylt, 47 kilometers west of the west coast of the Eiderstedt peninsula, 62 kilometers northwest of the mouth of the Elbe River, 57 kilometers northwest of the coast of Lower Saxony near Cuxhaven, 43 kilometers north of Wangerooge, 70 kilometers northeast of Norderney and 95 kilometers northeast of Borkum. The position of Helgoland in the geographic coordinate system (WGS 84) is 54° 11' north latitude and 7° 53' east longitude.

What distinguishes Helgoland from other islands?

Heligoland is a unique island that differs from other islands in many ways. It is located about 70 kilometers off the German North Sea coast and consists of a mighty red mottled sandstone rock rising from the water in a green land. It has a mild offshore climate favored by the Gulf Stream and a unique flora and fauna.

Another reason why Helgoland is so special is that it is a duty-free place to shop. Visitors can buy brand-name clothing, perfume, cosmetics, spirits and tobacco products at low prices in the numerous duty-free stores.

Moreover, Helgoland has an interesting history. It is the only high sea island in Germany and has seen many peculiarities over the years. There are also many rare seabirds that breed on the island, providing a spectacular natural spectacle. Helgoland is thus a unique spot that has many things to offer that distinguish it from other islands.