Holiday on the North Sea coast
Endless expanse, the salty scent of the sea in the air, and the unmistakable call of the gulls – a vacation on the German North Sea coast is more than just a trip. It’s an experience for all the senses, a respite for the soul, and an adventure for the body. But what exactly is the fascination of this rugged, yet so welcoming coastal region?
The North Sea coast region includes the areas of North Frisia and Dithmarschen, the North Frisian Islands, and Heligoland. The North Sea islands in particular (Föhr, Sylt, Amrum, Pellworm, Nordstrand, Heligoland), with their sandy beaches and stunning nature, are the most popular holiday destinations.
One of the most convincing reasons for a North Sea vacation is the healing effect of the climate. The so-called stimulating climate (“Reizklima”), a powerful combination of salty air, high humidity, and strong wind, is a true boon for the body. A long walk directly in the surf zone, where the sea spray fills the air with fine aerosols, acts like a natural inhalation – free of charge and with a priceless ocean view.
The Wadden Sea is a globally unique ecosystem and has rightly been declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. A guided mudflat hike is an absolute must. Walking barefoot through the soft silt and discovering tiny crabs, clams, and the famous lugworm is an unforgettable experience for young and old.
The North Sea cuisine is shaped by what the sea and the land provide. A vacation here is not complete without a freshly made “Fischbrötchen” (fish roll) straight from the fishing cutter. But the coast offers more than just fish. In the cooler months, “Grünkohl mit Pinkel” (kale with a special type of sausage) is a hearty specialty, while the salt marsh lamb, whose meat gets an incomparable flavor from the savory grasses of the dikes, is a real delicacy. The meal is rounded off with a regionally brewed beer or a “Pharisäer,” the famous coffee with rum and a whipped cream topping.
Holiday on the North Sea coast
There are some efforts that cannot be praised enough. To me, animal protection and rescue is such an effort. Therefore, I was more than curious to learn how a seal rescue centre is run. A little while ago we visited the seal rescue centre Friedrichskoog.
I went to Heligoland before, as a teenager with my field hockey team. I don’t remember too much from that trip so it was about time to boost my memory and go on a day trip to the island in the North Sea.
Book a tour
Accommodation
Ferienhaus AM ALTEN HAFEN HOOKSIEL
Reetdachhaus, Sauna, E-Bikes, 6 Personen
Nordseeperle
Ferienhaus Wattbrise
Gut Groß Fedderwarden, Ferienwohnung Mettje
Travel information about the North Sea coast
Arrival
By plane
It is possible to travel to Sylt, Föhr, Amrum or Helgoland by plane.
There are several direct connections to Sylt from major German cities, Austria and Switzerland.
You can fly to Helgoland from Heide/Büsum airport and from Cuxhaven/Nordholz airport on a charter flight.
If you would like to stay on the mainland, it is best to travel via the international airport in Hamburg.
By train
The best way to get there by train is via Hamburg. Regional trains run from there to the North Sea coast.
Since 1927, you can reach Sylt by train via the Hindenburgdamm. ICE trains run several times a day to Westerland.
By car
The A 23 and A 7 motorways lead to the North Sea coast.
You can travel to Sylt by car train. The journey from Niebüll takes about 40 minutes. Car ferries go to Amrum and Föhr, to Pellworm and Sylt (from Römö).
Cars and bikes are prohibited on Helgoland.
By ferry
From Dagebüll, modern ferries take you to the island harbours of Wyk on Föhr and Wittdün on Amrum. Other ferries go to Pellworm and Sylt (from Römö).
The high seas island of Helgoland can be reached from several ports on the mainland of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein as well as from Hamburg.
In addition, excursion boats sail from some ports to the islands.