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Chain of German islands in the North Sea
Photo: User:Huebi, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
The East Frisian Islands (German: Ostfriesische Inseln) are part of Lower Saxony, and part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. The seven inhabited islands attract summer visitors and sun worshippers. Those seeking peace and solitude, however, are best off during the colder months.
By train
Deutsche Bahn offers some through tickets including ferry service or at least the bus up to the ferry.
On foot
There are guided tours to some of the islands that take you there through the mudflats that are exposed as the sea recedes during low tide.
By plane
While most of the islands do have a spot where small planes can land and most even have scheduled flights to Emden and other nearby spots on the mainland, flying is a rather uncommon and expensive…
By bus
Various companies operating Intercity buses in Germany have at least seasonal service to the ferry ports serving the islands.
On foot
Most islands are small enough (and apart from dunes very flat) to make walking a viable alternative for the untrained as well as marathon runners, especially since in some of the island-villages this…
By bike
Outside of the villages proper this is a terrific way of seeing the islands and the flat terrain aids a lot in this, however keep in mind that it can get very windy and the predominately westerly…
By train
Some of the islands have small (often narrow-gauge) railways mostly connecting the main settlement with the harbour.
By car
Apart from Norderney and Borkum, cars are not allowed on any of the islands. There are parking lots at the ferry ports, but it is wiser to arrive without a car in the first place.
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Groningen · International · GRQ
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