Offshore Island Helgoland

There are many islands along the German North Sea coast, but none of them can compare to Heligoland. Around 70 km from the mainland, the mighty red sandstone cliffs and green landscape rise out of the water, offering visitors unique flora and fauna and a mild maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Gulf Stream.

Heligoland is an oasis of calm for those suffering from stress and a unique natural monument. But the island is also a versatile holiday and adventure destination, a health resort and spa in all four seasons. And yet, everything is a little different from what you might expect of Heligoland. On a short stroll around Heligoland, you can discover all sorts of interesting, useful, surprising and thought-provoking facts about Germany’s only offshore island. Because Heligoland really is unique.

Heligoland's colorful huts "Hummerbuden"

Longest stay on the Island

You would like to spend more time on Helgoland? No problem! HSC "Halunder Jet" offers day guests from Hamburg and Cuxhaven a longer island stay twice a week. Here you will find all further information about the long island stay every Tuesday and Tuesday with "Halunder Jet".

Long term stay

Best time to visit Heligoland

Heligoland shows its best side in every season. Germany's only high sea island offers very different charms in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Discover the tips for weather, program and excursions for your vacation on Heligoland in every season!

Best time to visit heligoland: tips on weather, program and excursions

Heligoland - A journey full of adventures

Overnight stays on Heligoland – from hotel to campsite

Can't get enough of Heligoland? Just stay! The island offers accommodation options for every budget and taste. Enjoy a late walk on the beach, the unique sunset on an offshore island and end the evening with good food and wine.

With these tips for hotels, holiday apartments and campsites, your holiday will be very special.

Overnight stays on Helgoland

Restaurants and cafés on Heligoland – from sweet to salty

Sea air makes you hungry. Heligoland offers countless opportunities to feast and enjoy. From restaurants for gourmets to fresh fish to cafés, pizzerias and bistros for a quick hunger in between.

Our top 6 restaurants and cafés on Heligoland

"Lange Anna" - Landmark of the island

47 meters high. Weighing over 26,000 tons. These are the dimensions of "Lange Anna", the famous red rock directly off Helgoland. Surrounded by rough waves, the popular tourist destination made of red sandstone braces itself against the force of the North Sea. But wind and weather also gnaw at the natural monument.

Lange Anna off Heligoland - red rock in the North Sea

Seals / bathing paradise "Düne"

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 "Badedüne" (bathing dune) is not large. But with grey seals, seal banks, Caribbean bathing beaches and rare minerals, it offers paradisiacal diversity for families and nature lovers.

Sunbathe, swim and see seals

Sundowner with view on the Lange Anna on Heligoland

Top 10 Photospots

Heligoland is famous for its many grey seals. Only here photographers can get so close to the animals in the wild. The cute animals are a grateful subject and charm with funny poses. Even shots of freshly born seal pups succeed. But the island in the north sea offers many more photo spots - from nature shots to historical pictures.

Top 10 photo spots on Heligoland - seals, Lange Anna, lobster stalls

Father and son on the "Halunder Jet"'s deck, with Heligoland in the background

Breathe deeply on Heligoland

Clean air and a mild climate: This combination can only be found in Germany on the deep-sea island of Heligoland. On Heligoland, not only allergy sufferers find relief. Also city dwellers draw it to deep breathing on the car-free North Sea island. You can find out more about it here.

North Sea island Heligoland - healthy air, bland climate

colourful shops on Heligoland called "Hummerbuden"

Duty free shopping

Brand-name clothing, cigarettes, spirits, jewelry and much more at bargain prices: On Heligoland, spectacular offers attract visitors for little money. The unique location of the high seas island makes this possible. The goods are offered duty-free and VAT-free.

Duty-free shopping on Heligoland - perfume, spirits, branded clothing

Weather on Heligoland

Heligoland is full of surprises. If you only think of harsh conditions when you think of the weather on Germany's only high seas island, you will be surprised to learn that Helgoland is one of the places in Germany with the most hours of sunshine.

Here you can find out information about the weather throughout the year on the island, the daily weather and dream live of Heligoland via webcam.

Weather on Heligoland

History of Heligoland

Pirates, Danes, British, Germans: they all wanted to claim Heligoland for themselves. Sometimes it was about the location as a smuggler's paradise, sometimes about the military base, sometimes about the unique beauty of the island.

Heligoland's history: from smuggler's haven to place of longing

Everything you need to know about your trip

Trip to Heligoland

Here we have summarised for you what makes a maritime excursion to the high seas island of Helgoland so special. There is a lot to discover!

Trip to Heligoland

One seal laying on the beach of Heligoland

Seal Banks

The seal banks in the Elbe estuary are a real highlight for nature lovers and the perfect foretaste of the wildlife of Helgoland and the North Sea. Here you will get more information about the seal banks.

Seal Banks of Cuxhaven

Getting married

The rock in the open sea, the safe harbour, the romance of the island idyll. It really comes as no surprise that Heligoland is made for getting married.

Getting married on Heligoland