About one kilometer next to the main island lies the dune of Heligoland. At only 1000 meters long and 700 meters wide, the so-called "Bade-Düne" (bathing dune) is not large. But with grey seals, seal banks, Caribbean-like beaches and rare minerals, it offers paradisiacal diversity for families and nature lovers.
A storm tide separated the main island of Heligoland from the dune on New Year's Eve. A stroke of luck: because today it is an oasis for all those who want to spend relaxing hours on the beach and in nature. Turquoise blue water and the finest sandy beaches create an almost Caribbean flair. The stars of the dune, however, are the grey seal and harbor seal colonies.
Family beach on Heligoland
A real bathing paradise awaits families on the southern beach of Heligoland's "Düne". The finest sand, shallowly sloping water and good wind protection make for ideal digging and splashing conditions. That's why the south beach of Heligoland is also called the "bathtub". The south beach is tide-independent. Low tide and high tide play no role here, so you can enjoy the water all day long. During the summer months, the DLRG ensures safety. A playground, restaurants, a kiosk and sanitary facilities make the beach happiness perfect.
A special highlight: seals and grey seals rest on the southern beach. The animals are used to humans and will let you come as close as 30 meters and even closer to them, where the habitat of the seals is separated from people by a fence. Care should be taken with the baby seals and it should be kept sufficient distance from them. Nevertheless, the seals on Heligoland are a unique experience!
Waves and "FKK" on the north beach of Heligoland
On the northern beach of Heligoland, the surf is much stronger. There is also low tide and high tide, but tide-independent bathing and swimming is possible at any water level. So you can enjoy the surf all day long. On the north beach, clothing is optional. Everyone is welcome here - whether nudist, mixed or textile.
Seals and grey seals also cavort on Heligoland's north beach. You won't get as close to the wild animals as on the dune in any other place in Germany.
Grey seal watching on Helgoland
The dune of Heligoland is the territory of numerous grey seals. In summer, the cute pachyderms sun themselves on the island's beaches. They are used to visitors. That is why you are allowed to approach the grey seals up to 30 meters and you can get even closer to them, where the habitat of the seals is separated from people by a fence. Care should be taken with the baby seals and there should be kept sufficient distance from them. Nevertheless, you are more than close enough to enjoy the funny poses and facial expressions of the animals. Close enough to enjoy the funny poses and facial expressions of the animals. With a good lens you will succeed in taking unique photographs.
Seal babies in winter
In winter the grey seal babies are born. Between November and January you can watch the females give birth on the dune of Heligoland. Guided tours bring you up close to the fascinating spectacle with a proper distance.
Seal banks off Heligoland
Seals, the little siblings of grey seals, also live on the dune of Heligoland. They give birth to their young between May and July. For this purpose, the females usually retreat to the seal banks off the island. A short time later, the baby seals migrate with their mothers to the beach - and show themselves to the visitors of the Heligoland dune. A fascinating and moving sight!
Collect fossils and flint on Heligoland
Only on Heligoland's eastern beach you can find the Heligoland flint. The rare Heligoland flint is also called "red diamond" and is part of valuable jewelry. With a little luck you will find a Heligoland flint while walking on the east beach. But there are also other interesting minerals and fossils hiding among the sand and pebbles: Fill your pockets with fossilized sea urchins, ammonites and belemnites. An exciting treasure hunt, even for colder days.
Heligoland dune in autumn and winter
Even away from warm summer days, the Heligoland dune is worth a visit. A natural history circuit leads to the most beautiful places on the island. Enjoy the rough wind, the hissing surf and, as a reward, a hot drink with a spectacular view. From November to January, baby seal watching attracts nature and wildlife lovers to the island. Witness how grey seals see the light of day. The fluffy animals with the big googly eyes are an unforgettable sight.
Eat and spend the night on the dune of Heligoland
Restaurants, kiosks and a small supermarket provide for the physical well-being on the dune. Stay a little longer and spend the night in one of the cozy apartments on the Heligoland dune! A special experience is a night in a sleeping beach chair directly on the north beach - impressive sunset included!
Ferry to the dune of Heligoland
The dune ferry takes you comfortably from the main island to the dune. Depending on the weather, the ferry departs from the jetty or from the small northeast harbor. If necessary, boats are also used to get to the dune.
