Borkum can be discovered through a range of themes: coastal and mudflat nature, lighthouses and maritime history. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between natural areas and visits to the town, as entering certain protected areas is strictly prohibited.
Borkum in the East Frisian Islands travel destination
Borkum is one of the seven East Frisian Islands. They lie off the coast of Lower Saxony along the East Frisian peninsula from which they take their name. This classification helps you view Borkum as a single island destination within the East Frisian Islands, without equating its distinctive landscapes and attractions with those of other islands.
Coastal areas and clear protection boundaries
Borkum’s North Beach is the last remaining breeding area for the Kentish plover in Lower Saxony. The breeding conditions are seasonal and protected; bear this in mind when planning a beach visit. Another natural area is the Hohe Riff west of Borkum: this marine area includes sandbanks and mudflats, and its southern section is home to the Seehundsbank, a naturally shifting sandbank. The Hohe Riff, including the Seehundsbank, is strictly protected as a quiet zone in Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park. Entry is prohibited year-round; please observe the local signs.
Getting there and reaching the town centre
Borkum can be reached from the ferry ports of Emden and Eemshaven. The historic narrow-gauge railway connects Borkum Reede landing stage with the town centre over a distance of seven kilometres. This means the ferry port and town centre are linked by a specific rail route; check the latest connections and timetables before your trip before including them in your travel plans.
Two lighthouses, two different perspectives
At the New Lighthouse, 308 steps lead to the viewing platform. From there, you can see across the island town of Borkum, the dune landscape, the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea and the open North Sea. The climb is a distinct activity that you can allow time for in your plans.
The 27-metre-high Electric Lighthouse stands on the edge dune south of the town centre. It takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot from the town centre. If you include both towers in your plans, you’ll find two different landmarks: the viewing platform at the New Lighthouse and the short, approximate walk from the town centre to the Electric Lighthouse.
Maritime history at the museum
Through its exhibits and rooms, the Dykhus Local History Museum presents 300 years of maritime history and brings the island’s story to life. Visitors can see a sperm whale skeleton in the Whale Hall: it is 15 metres long, weighs 35 tonnes and comes from an animal that stranded on the Schleswig-Holstein coast in 1998. These dimensions and the historical context make a visit to the museum a tangible addition for anyone interested in maritime history.
The North Sea Aquarium Borkum also focuses on the sea around the island. It showcases animals from this marine environment in 16 tanks with different themes. Accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers was rated “without difficulty” in 2021. If accessibility is important to your plans, check the current conditions before your visit.
Routes and activities to suit your interests
For outdoor exercise, Borkum has a network of around 130 kilometres of cycling and hiking trails, which are also suitable for jogging. One specific longer route is the Borkum section of the Dollard Route: it covers more than 22.2 kilometres, leading from the harbour through natural areas, along the sea and through the island town before returning to the harbour. These details offer guidance for choosing routes of different lengths; check local route conditions before setting off on foot or by bike.
Eight signposted Nordic walking trails are marked by difficulty level: blue, red or black. Those interested in kitesurfing will find two local schools on Borkum offering courses for beginners and advanced learners; participants can earn an internationally recognised kitesurfing licence. Course offerings and details may change, so it is worth checking in advance. Another way to explore the mudflats and learn about the life forms found there is to join a tour with officially certified Borkum mudflat guides. Check the latest dates and providers. The North Sea Climbing Park Borkum adds to the options with a high ropes course featuring 60 stations and a 14-metre-high giant swing; it is best to check the current visitor conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Norderney, Baltrum, Wangerooge, Juist, Langeoog, Spiekeroog.
Back to the main travel overview: East Frisian Islands.
