Germany’s lesser-known islands offer exactly what many people are looking for today: less hustle and bustle, more nature and authentic experiences. Whether it’s the Wadden Sea on the North Sea coast, a Baltic Sea beach or quiet countryside, for a short break it is often the smaller islands that provide the greatest relaxation.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Hiddensee: Baltic Sea island made for slowing down
Hiddensee in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania may no longer be a real insider tip among island lovers, but it is still far less well known to many travellers than Rügen or Usedom. The island in the Baltic Sea is only about 17 kilometres long, car-free and best explored by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or on foot.
The long sandy beaches, dune landscapes and the Dornbusch in the north with its lighthouse are particularly appealing.
Ummanz: Island feeling without the island stress
Ummanz lies to the west of Rügen, also in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and is one of the quietest islands in the German Baltic Sea. It is linked to Rügen by a bridge, which makes it especially easy to visit for a short stay.
The flat landscape of meadows, salt marshes and small villages is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. In autumn, thousands of cranes stop here to rest – a spectacular natural spectacle.
Poel: Baltic Sea holiday without mass tourism
Poel lies between Wismar and the island of Rügen and is often underestimated. This Baltic Sea island offers wide beaches, small villages and a laid-back atmosphere.
Cycle tours along the coast, walks along the cliffs and visits to the historic lighthouse in Timmendorf are particularly popular. Poel is a good alternative for anyone wanting the Baltic Sea experience while avoiding the hustle and bustle of larger resorts.
Vilm: Germany’s little nature island
Vilm, off the coast of Rügen, is one of Germany’s most strictly protected islands. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed ashore each day. The island is known for its ancient beech forest, untouched nature and its status as a nature reserve. Visits are only possible on guided tours.
Neuwerk: Island holiday in the middle of the Wadden Sea
The small island of Neuwerk belongs politically to Hamburg, but lies around 100 kilometres away in the Wadden Sea off the coast of Lower Saxony. It forms part of the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park.
At low tide, the island can be reached on foot or by horse-drawn wagon across the mudflats. The historic lighthouse dating back to the 14th century is Neuwerk’s landmark. Anyone staying overnight experiences something special: almost complete silence at night and a spectacular starry sky.
East Frisia: A nature paradise with plenty of peace
Baltrum is the smallest of the inhabited East Frisian islands and is often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty of the North Sea”. With an area of less than seven square kilometres, it is easy to explore entirely on foot.
There are no cars here; instead, bicycles, horse-drawn carts and the sound of the sea set the pace. Walks across the mudflats, long strolls along the beach and sweeping views over the North Sea make Baltrum an ideal destination for a short escape.
Langeoog is one of the better-known East Frisian islands, but still feels much quieter than the big North Sea hotspots. The car-free island offers endless sandy beaches, dunes and a rich birdlife.
A short trip to Langeoog is particularly worthwhile in spring or autumn, when there are fewer visitors and walks by the sea are especially impressive.
Spiekeroog is one of the quietest of the East Frisian islands. The car-free island is known for its unspoilt dunes, old lime-tree avenues and its kilometre-long sandy beach. Unlike some of its neighbours, Spiekeroog relies less on large holiday complexes and more on nature, peace and relaxation. Walks through the dunes, mudflat excursions and bike rides are especially popular.
Wangerooge is the easternmost of the inhabited East Frisian islands and is ideal for a long weekend. The island is car-free and, alongside its beaches, offers protected natural areas where you can see seabirds and seals. A particular highlight is the journey on the island railway from the harbour to the village.
Juist, at around 17 kilometres long, is one of the longest East Frisian islands but only a few kilometres wide. With horse-drawn carriages instead of cars, it is wonderfully quiet. Its wide sandbank, the Wadden Sea and endless horizons make Juist a favourite with nature lovers.
Arngast is no longer a classic holiday island, but it is an intriguing destination for outings. The former island in the Jade Bay near Wilhelmshaven is best known for the Arngast lighthouse, which stands in the middle of the Wadden Sea. At low tide, you can discover this unique landscape on guided mudflat walks.
Islands in southern Germany: Time out on Lake Chiemsee
It’s not only the North Sea and Baltic Sea that offer island experiences. Southern Germany also has some remarkable islands – right in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. The Chiemsee islands show that you don’t necessarily have to head to the sea for an island escape.
Fraueninsel: Monastery, gardens and Bavarian island charm
Fraueninsel is probably the best-known island on Lake Chiemsee and also one of the most atmospheric. Covering just 15 hectares or so, the island is car-free and easy to explore on foot. Its centrepiece is the historic Benedictine convent Frauenwörth, usually called Frauenchiemsee Abbey, which is still home to nuns today. Founded in 782 by Bavarian Duke Tassilo III, it is one of the oldest surviving convents for women in Germany.
Alongside the convent, small gardens, old fishermen’s houses, narrow paths and numerous arts and crafts shops shape the island’s appearance. The combination of lake, mountains and historic architecture gives Fraueninsel its very special atmosphere.
Krautinsel: The quiet nature haven on Lake Chiemsee
Krautinsel is the smallest and at the same time the most original of the three main Chiemsee islands. It is uninhabited and serves primarily as a natural habitat. Its name goes back to its former use: vegetables – especially cabbage – were once grown here to supply the inhabitants of the neighbouring islands.
Today, Krautinsel is above all a retreat for plants and wildlife. The flat, green island with its meadows and reed beds offers a glimpse of how pristine the Chiemsee landscape once was. Landing on the island is not possible – the best way to see it is from a boat or by circling it during a trip on the lake.
It shows that island experiences do not always have to be about beaches and swimming.
Herreninsel: Royal history and nature trails
Herreninsel, at around 230 hectares, is the largest of the Chiemsee islands and is famous for Herrenchiemsee Palace. The Bavarian King Ludwig II began building the palace in 1878, modelled on Versailles – a homage to the French King Louis XIV.
Away from this main tourist attraction, large parts of Herreninsel are covered by forests and meadows, criss-crossed by quiet walking paths. Anyone who leaves the main routes behind will find peaceful spots with views over the lake and towards the Alps.
