Heligoland

Heligoland (Helgoland) is Germany's only offshore island in the open North Sea, a tiny outcrop of red sandstone about 48 km (30 miles) from the mainland. Visitors come for the dramatic cliffs and the 47-meter Lange Anna sea stack, nesting gannets, and gray seals lounging on the beaches of the neighboring island Düne. It also has Germany's mildest winters and duty-free shopping, making it a memorable day trip from Hamburg or Cuxhaven.

A Turbulent History

The island was once much larger, but the New Year's Flood of 1721 split off the Düne, today a separate island of about 0.7 square kilometers. The main island measures only about one square kilometer.

Britain ruled Heligoland from 1807 until 1890, when it passed to Germany. During World War II it was heavily bombed in April 1945 and evacuated, and in April 1947 the British blew up its military installations in a massive explosion. Residents were only allowed to return in 1952. Today about 1,300 people live here. A fun fact: the poet August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote the lyrics of what became Germany's national anthem on Heligoland in 1841.

Things to Do on Heligoland

• See the Lange Anna: The free-standing red rock stack is the island's icon; walk the cliff-top path on the Upper Town plateau for the best views.
• Watch seabirds: At the Lummenfelsen cliffs, guillemots and northern gannets nest within a few meters of the path. More than 440 bird species have been recorded on the island.
• Visit the seals: Take the small ferry to the Düne, where gray seals and harbor seals rest on the beaches. Keep at least 30 meters away.
• Stroll past the lobster shacks: The colorful Hummerbuden by the harbor house cafés and shops.
• Shop duty-free: Heligoland is outside the EU customs area, so spirits, tobacco and perfume are cheaper; mind the allowances when you return.

How to Get to Heligoland

There are no cars for visitors, and you arrive by boat. In the 2026 season, the Halunder Jet catamaran runs from Hamburg via Brunsbüttel and Cuxhaven from March to early November, taking just under four hours from Hamburg. The MS Helgoland sails year-round from Cuxhaven and is the only link in winter. Seasonal boats also run from Büsum and from Hörnum on Sylt. There are currently no scheduled flights. Cuxhaven and Hamburg are reachable by regional train, and the Deutschlandticket covers the train but not the ferry. Ferry fares are paid in euros and vary by operator.

A day trip usually gives you about three to seven hours on the island, depending on the boat. Check timetables before you go, as sailings can change with the weather.

Practical Information

The island is free to visit. Overnight guests pay a spa tax of €3.75 per day from April to October (€2 in winter); under-18s are exempt. As of October 2026, the tourist office in the Atoll building (Lung Wai 27) is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Is Heligoland Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially for wildlife lovers. Spring and fall bring bird migration, and seals return to the Düne beaches in large numbers from late summer. Bring binoculars and a windproof jacket, and consider staying overnight to enjoy the island after the day-trippers leave. Accommodation ranges from hotels on the main island to bungalows, camping and even sleeping beach chairs on the Düne.