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@ TravelTelly
2025-03-17 20:38:54Borkum Island
Borkum is the largest of the East Frisian Islands, located in the North Sea, near the Dutch border. Known for its wide sandy beaches, fresh sea air, and natural beauty, it’s a perfect destination for relaxation, wellness, and outdoor activities. Borkum is part of the Wadden Sea National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), making it an excellent spot for nature lovers.
🏖️ Best Things to Do on Borkum Island
1️⃣ Relax on the Beautiful Beaches
Borkum has 26 km of sandy beaches, with designated areas for swimming, surfing, and even dog-friendly sections. The main beach near the promenade is perfect for sunbathing and walking.
2️⃣ Visit the Borkum Lighthouses
- New Lighthouse (Neuer Leuchtturm) – A 60m tall lighthouse offering panoramic views of the island.
- Old Lighthouse (Alter Leuchtturm) – The oldest lighthouse in East Frisia, dating back to 1576.
3️⃣ Explore the Wadden Sea (Wattenmeer)
Join a mudflat hiking tour and discover the unique tidal ecosystem of the Wadden Sea, home to seals, crabs, and rare birds.
4️⃣ Take a Ride on the Borkumer Kleinbahn
This historic narrow-gauge railway connects the harbor to the town center and is a fun way to experience the island’s charm.
5️⃣ Seal Watching at Nordstrand
Borkum is known for its seal colonies! Head to Nordstrand or take a boat tour to see these adorable creatures in their natural habitat.
6️⃣ Enjoy Wellness & Thalassotherapy
Borkum’s fresh sea air and saltwater treatments make it a popular destination for health and wellness retreats. Visit the Gezeitenland Spa for a relaxing day.
🍽️ What to Eat on Borkum
- Frisian seafood – Try fresh herring, shrimp, and fish sandwiches. 🐟
- Ostfriesentee (East Frisian tea) – Served with rock sugar and cream. ☕
- Labskaus – A traditional sailor’s dish with mashed potatoes, corned beef, and pickled herring.
- Frisian beer – Local brews are a must-try! 🍺
🚢 How to Get to Borkum
🚢 By Ferry:
- From Emden (Germany) – ~2-hour ferry or 1-hour fast ferry
- From Eemshaven (Netherlands) – ~50-minute ferry🚂 By Train:
- Take a train to Emden and transfer to the ferry terminal.🚘 By Car:
- You can bring your car on the ferry, but the island is mostly car-free, so biking is the best way to get around.
💡 Tips for Visiting Borkum
✅ Best time to visit? Summer for beach activities, spring & autumn for hiking and fewer crowds. 🌞
✅ Rent a bike – Borkum is best explored by bicycle 🚲
✅ Pack for the wind – The North Sea can be breezy! 🌬️