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Borkum
ℹ️Practical info — Borkum
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Use the historic Borkum Light Railway for the transfer from the harbor to the town for a nostalgic arrival.
- Always check the tide times before planning long walks on the beach to avoid being cut off by the water.
- Rent a bicycle to explore the island's extensive path network all the way to the eastern 'Ostland' area.
- Visit the 'Dykhus' local history museum to learn about the island's whaling heritage.
- The open sea climate is particularly healthy, take deep breaths while walking along the West Beach.
🍽 Food
Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony with 'Kluntje' (rock sugar) and cream in an island cafe.
A traditional regional pork roast, often served with red cabbage and pumpkin.
A fruity cake made from berries that grow wild on the island's dunes.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy special tea blends and accessories for the traditional East Frisian tea ceremony.
From liqueur to jam, find everything made from this healthy island berry in local shops.
A wooded nature reserve in the south of the island, well-suited for walks protected from the wind.
The eastern part of the island is very spacious and features peace and quiet away from the main hub.
Water temperature…
As the largest of the seven East Frisian Islands, Borkum lies in the middle of the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea and captivates visitors with its unique offshore climate. Due to its significant distance from the mainland, the air here is exceptionally rich in iodine and low in pollen, making it a true health retreat for the respiratory system. The endlessly wide sandy beach is great during the summer for swimming, kite surfing, or simply building sandcastles. A stroll along the lively promenade, past the iconic classic beach tents, provides a quintessential North Sea holiday feeling. The island's primary landmark is the New Lighthouse; after climbing its 315 steps, the observation deck rewards you with a dramatic panoramic view of the island chain and the rugged sea. Equally fascinating is the historic Old Lighthouse, which is deeply connected to the island's bygone whaling industry. Those seeking tranquility can explore the untouched eastern half of the island on a long bicycle ride through expansive dune landscapes and salt marshes. The nostalgic narrow-gauge railway comfortably transports visitors from the ferry port directly into the bustling town center.
- Location: Lower Saxony, Germany
- Top sights: New Lighthouse · Old Lighthouse · Borkum Light Railway
- Nearby: Juist (24 km)
- Population: ~5.012
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 87 | 69 | 58 | 41 | 58 | 67 | 83 | 91 | 72 | 80 | 80 | 88 |
Live webcam – Borkum
See what it looks like near Borkum right now.
Borkum: Livespotting - Live von der höchsten Webcam mit Blick über · 0.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Total island area: approximately 31 square kilometers.
- Certified as a high-sea health resort.
- The New Lighthouse stands 60 meters tall.
- Part of the district of Leer, Lower Saxony.
- Accessible via ferry from Emden (Germany) or Eemshaven (Netherlands).
- Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
The morning starts historically at the Old Lighthouse and the fascinating Dykhus Museum. Midday offers sweeping views from the New Lighthouse and relaxing tunes at the pavilion. In the afternoon, the fine sand of the guarded beach invites total relaxation. We peacefully conclude the day by the seawater pool, watching a memorable sunset unfold.
Old Lighthouse
Dykhus History Museum
New Lighthouse
Music Pavilion
Guarded Beach
Seawater Pool for Little Sailors
A rainy morning leads you to the historic lighthouse standing tall under grey skies. At midday, the Dykhus Museum provides dry shelter and deep insights into the whaling era. In the afternoon, the fresh, damp sea air on the beach is invigorating for both mind and body. In the evening, the puddles reflect the promenade lights while you end the day in a cozy, sheltered tea room.
Old Lighthouse
Dykhus History Museum
New Lighthouse
Music Pavilion
Guarded Beach
Seawater Pool for Little Sailors
The frosty morning wind blows strongly around the Old Lighthouse, making warm layers essential. At midday, the Dykhus Museum offers a warm sanctuary filled with island history. In the afternoon, the low winter sun bathes the beach in magical light before the early sunset. The evening ends by candlelight with hot sea buckthorn juice in a cozy room.
Old Lighthouse
Dykhus History Museum
New Lighthouse
Music Pavilion
Guarded Beach
Seawater Pool for Little Sailors
Our bike tour begins at the tracks of the historic railway and quickly takes us to the relaxed South Beach. At midday, we dive into island history at the Old and New Lighthouses. The afternoon turns active as we pedal from the playground to the colorful kite sports area. We wrap up at the High Reef, where the endless expanse of the sea is absolutely breathtaking.
Borkum Light Railway
South Beach
Old Lighthouse
New Lighthouse
North Beach Playground
Kite Sports Beach
High Reef
A rainy start at the light railway requires good waterproof gear for your cycling tour. At midday, despite the wetness, the South Beach offers a powerful display of crashing waves. In the afternoon, the lighthouses provide guidance in the limited visibility caused by rain. The evening ends cozily by drying your gear and enjoying a warm drink at your stay.
Borkum Light Railway
South Beach
Old Lighthouse
New Lighthouse
North Beach Playground
Kite Sports Beach
High Reef
A cool morning at the light railway requires warm layers for your winter cycling trip. At midday, you reach the deserted South Beach, where the crisp air sharpens your senses. In the afternoon, the lighthouses already glow in the early twilight, guiding your way back. The evening ends with a warm dinner in cozy heat after returning your bikes.
Borkum Light Railway
South Beach
Old Lighthouse
New Lighthouse
North Beach Playground
Kite Sports Beach
High Reef
The day begins comfortably by car in the north at the Youth Bathing Area. Around midday, we delve into history at the Dykhus Museum and admire the New Lighthouse. The afternoon takes us to the coast: we first relax at the wind-sheltered Igloo Beach, then drive onwards to the tranquil South Beach to end our day in absolute serenity.
Youth Bathing Area
Dykhus History Museum
New Lighthouse
Igloo Beach
South Beach
The rainy day starts relaxed with a drive to the Youth Bathing Area while the wipers work steadily. At midday, the Dykhus Museum provides a dry and informative break. In the afternoon, you can admire the lighthouse and Igloo Beach from the comfort of your car. The evening ends with a cozy drive through illuminated Borkum while the rain patters outside.
Youth Bathing Area
Dykhus History Museum
New Lighthouse
Igloo Beach
South Beach
On a frosty morning, the car takes you warmly and safely to the Youth Bathing Area. At midday, warm up in the Dykhus Museum before continuing your drive to the lighthouse. In the afternoon, the drive to Igloo Beach is especially beautiful as the low winter sun turns everything golden. The evening ends with a cozy drive in the heated car.
Youth Bathing Area
Dykhus History Museum
New Lighthouse
Igloo Beach
South Beach
Sights in the town Borkum (12)
Gezeitenland👨👩👧 family
The Gezeitenland on Borkum combines water fun with wellness and relaxation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Borkum Island?
Are cars allowed on Borkum?
What is special about the climate on Borkum?
Which sights should not be missed?
Is there a railway on Borkum?
Borkum: where is it located?
Borkum: what is there to see?
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Borkum: why is it worth visiting?
















