Ostfriesische Inseln (East Frisian Islands)

TEL: (0491) 91 96 96 60.

WEB: www.ostfriesland.de

A long the North Sea Coast extends the belt of East Frisian Islands consisting of, from west to east: Borkum, Juist, Norderney, Baltrum, Langeoog, Spiekeroog and Wangerooge. All around them is the National park Niedersachsisches Wattenmeer, a large national park established to protect the unique ecosystem of the shallow seas. At low tide it turns into vast mud-flats, extending to the horizon.

This is the time to tour the Watt, as it is known locally, either by horse-drawn carriage or barefoot – always making sure to return before the tide comes in!

The islands themselves, with their beautiful sandy beaches, sand dunes and healthy climate, are among the most popular holiday destinations in Germany.

The car-free island Juist, a 17-km (11-mile) strip of land less than 500 m (1,640 ft) wide, and Norderney with its main town of the same name are the most interesting islands. Neo-Classical villas recall the days when such figures as Heinrich Heine and Otto von Bismarck spent their holidays here. It is also worth

National park Niedersachsisches Wattenmeer in the Greefsiel area visiting Wangerooge, another island where cars are banned.

Three lighthouses – Westturm, Alter Leuchtturm and Neuer Leuchtturm – indicate the island’s role in the navigation of the Weser River estuary.