Museum Helgoland

Heligoland is far more than just a destination for nature lovers and shoppers – it is a place with one of the most turbulent histories in Europe. From the age of pirates and British colonial rule to near-total destruction and a courageous reconstruction: the history of this island is a true drama of survival.

A visit to the Heligoland Museum is therefore a must for every island guest. In the authentic lobster shacks ("Hummerbuden") and the modern museum building, you will dive deep into the world of lobster fishing, the archaeological treasures of the dunes, and the uniqueness of Heligoland's culture. Here, you will truly understand why Heligoland is so proud and invincible.

Expert Talk: The 2026 Museum Symposium

This year, the museum becomes a hotspot for history enthusiasts and visionaries. At the grand 2026 Museum Symposium, we take a look behind the scenes of the red cliffs. Experts and curators will discuss the preservation of maritime heritage and present exclusive insights into the latest research on the island's history. This is a rare chance to not just observe history, but to actively participate in its interpretation and future. A true highlight for those who want to discover the "real" Heligoland beneath the surface.

Cultural Highlights & Event Dates 2026

Spring: Knowledge & Bunker Worlds

January to March 2026: Cultural Arrangement with Rickmers Reisen (Bunker tour, bunker tunnel, museum tour)

09.01.2026: Lecture by Dr. Jochen Dierschke “Birdlife and Bird Research on Heligoland”

21.01.2026: Lecture by Dr. Jann M. Witt “Heligoland and the Navy”

28.01.2026: Lecture by Dr. Leonie John “Heligoland Ecosystems”

01.03.2026: Event on the theme “Halunder” (Reading from the new Krüss book with poems in Halunder and German)

04.03.2026: Lecture by Dr. Markus Meyer “Forced Labour on Heligoland”

06.03.2026: Lecture by Dr. Rebecca Ballstaedt “Felssockel Nature Reserve incl. Rock Watt”

25.03.2026: Elmar Ballsteadt “Impact of Avian Flu on Northern Gannets and other Cliff Breeders”

Art & Painting on the Red Rocks

12.04.2026: Finissage Ben Kamili, special painting exhibition

24.04.2026: Vernissage Carmen Botermann, special painting exhibition

22.05.2026: Finissage Carmen Botermann, special painting exhibition

26.05.-04.06.2026: Painters' Symposium I, featuring various artists

05.06.2026: Vernissage Painters' Symposium I, special painting exhibition

23.09.-02.10.2026: Painters' Symposium II, featuring 10 artists

03.10.2026: Vernissage Painters' Symposium II, special painting exhibition

Island Identity: James Krüss & Fashion

31.05.2026: Krüss Mile from the Spa Promenade to the Museum, Reading Atrium in the Museum courtyard, 7:00 PM: Reading by Tilman Spreckelsen from the unpublished Krüss biography with actors

May: Casting for models for a fashion show in September

June 2026: Photoshoot for the fashion series by Linus Koss

19.09.2026: Grand Fashion Show featuring approx. 50-60 outfits by design students from Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, inspired by traditional Heligoland costumes

20.09.2026: State Costume Day (in cooperation with the State Traditional Costume Association of Schleswig-Holstein)

Want to dive deeper into the stories behind these events?

To the detailed blog post

Civil defense bunker tour

Visits: Guided tours only, duration approx. 90 minutes
Summer (April to October): daily at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
some additional times
Winter (November to March): Monday to Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m.

 

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Museum and museum courtyard

Opening hours: daily, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone 04725 / 1292, [email protected]
www.museum-helgoland.de
Kurpromenade 1430
27498 Heligoland
Mostly barrier-free.

 

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