Discover Norderney

Norderney offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: protected island landscapes, designated trails, historic seaside resort culture and specific places to visit. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you get a feel for your stay and choose the type of trip that suits you. The destinations below range from finding your way around the ferry terminal to notable routes and cultural attractions.

Dunes, Wadden Sea and trails

85 percent of the island of Norderney is part of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park. You can explore the dune landscapes on foot or by bicycle; viewing platforms in the dunes offer 360-degree views across the island and the open sea. Four thalassotherapy platforms offer far-reaching views across the sea to the lighthouse and the far end of the island.

Norderney has a network of around 80 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails. One clearly described route is the 13.2-kilometre Beach Trail: it runs from Georgshöhe via the North Beach, Weiße Düne and Oase to Ostende. The 80 kilometres refers to the entire trail network; the Beach Trail is a single route with named waypoints. Another destination at the far end of the island is the wreck of the “Capella” mussel dredger, which dates from 1968. It can be reached on a seven-kilometre hike from the last car park accessible by vehicle, “Ostheller”.

Seaside resort history and cultural attractions

Norderney has been an official North Sea seaside resort since 1797, making it Germany’s oldest official North Sea seaside resort. The Museum Nordseeheilbad Norderney explores the development of the seaside resort in a permanent exhibition covering 650 m². It also covers the island’s history and the culture of travel and bathing. Throughout the year, the museum presents special exhibitions on art and cultural history and significant historical events on the island.

The orangery at the Conversationshaus on Kurplatz also regularly hosts various exhibitions. The Conversationshaus is also home to the tourist information office, advance ticket sales for events and cinema, and the NorderneyCard service centre. Norderney Lighthouse is 54 metres high and has 254 steps. From the top, you can enjoy views over Norderney and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site.

Getting there and special activities

The ferry from Norddeich Mole to Norderney takes about 55 minutes. The Watt Welten UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Visitor Centre Norderney is located right by the ferry terminal. If you are planning your journey, check the ferry timetable for your travel date.

Surfschule Norderney offers guided kayak tours on the Wadden Sea side, from the yacht harbour to the lighthouse. Badehaus Norderney offers thalassotherapy treatments including wraps, scrubs and massages with marine mud and seaweed, as well as seawater baths and exercise therapy in and around seawater. Norderney’s Easter bonfire is traditionally held each year at West Beach. If you want an event to determine when you travel, check the dates before booking.

Discover more travel destinations: Baltrum, Spiekeroog, Langeoog, Wangerooge, Borkum, Juist.

Back to the main travel overview: East Frisian Islands.