Borkum – the largest of the East Frisian Islands – is a place where vast horizons, fresh sea air, and rolling waves create a truly unique atmosphere. 🌊 Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea, the island is famous for its endless sandy beaches, sweeping dunes, and the healthy North Sea climate.

Unlike many other North Sea islands, Borkum offers the best of both worlds: a lively town center with cafés and small shops, as well as untouched landscapes that invite you to slow down and breathe deeply. Whether it’s a guided mudflat hike, cycling across the dunes, or simply sitting by the sea for hours, Borkum is a destination that soothes the soul and fills you with energy.

It’s no wonder that for many, Borkum is more than just a holiday spot – it’s a place that feels like home by the sea.

✨ The Old Lighthouse of Borkum

One of Borkum’s most striking landmarks is the Old Lighthouse (Alter Leuchtturm), standing proudly in the center of town. Built in 1576, it is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the North Sea coast and a true piece of maritime history.

The tower once served as a guiding light for sailors navigating the often dangerous waters of the Wadden Sea. Though it no longer functions as a lighthouse, the Old Tower remains a powerful symbol of Borkum’s seafaring past.

Today, visitors can admire its impressive brick architecture from the outside. Climbing inside is not possible, but its presence dominates the townscape and connects the island to centuries of maritime tradition. Standing before it, you can almost imagine the countless ships that once relied on its light to reach safe harbor.

🎶 The Music Pavilion on Borkum

Located right along the promenade, the Music Pavilion is the cultural heart of Borkum. With the sound of waves in the background and the sea breeze in the air, this open-air stage regularly hosts concerts and performances throughout the summer season. From traditional brass bands and classical ensembles to modern music groups, the program is as diverse as the visitors who gather here.

What makes the Music Pavilion so special is its atmosphere: sitting on a bench, listening to live music while looking out at the endless horizon of the North Sea, you feel the unique blend of relaxation and vibrancy that defines Borkum. It’s not just a place for entertainment, but also a meeting point for locals and travelers alike.

Whether you stumble upon a spontaneous concert or plan your evening around a scheduled performance, the Music Pavilion is a must-experience highlight that captures the island’s spirit in every note.

🏖 The Beaches of Borkum

Borkum is famous for its endless sandy beaches – stretching for kilometers, framed by dunes and the wide horizon of the North Sea. Unlike many smaller islands, Borkum’s coastline feels open and expansive, giving you the sense of absolute freedom.

There are different beach areas for every mood:

Main Beach (Nordbad): directly by the promenade, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the lively seaside atmosphere.

Youth Beach: a hotspot for sports like beach volleyball, kitesurfing, and surfing.

FKK and dog-friendly zones: Borkum is known for being flexible and welcoming to all kinds of visitors.

Quiet stretches of beach: just a short walk away, where you can sit in the sand and listen only to the waves.

🌟 The New Lighthouse of Borkum

Towering high above the dunes, the New Lighthouse (Neuer Leuchtturm) is Borkum’s most famous landmark and still in operation today. Built in 1879, after the old tower was destroyed by fire, it remains one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. Its light reaches up to 24 nautical miles, guiding ships safely through the North Sea.

The red-brick tower stands 60 meters tall, making it the highest lighthouse in Lower Saxony. Visitors can climb its 308 steps to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree view over the island, the Wadden Sea, and the endless horizon awaits. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Dutch coast.

The New Lighthouse isn’t just a functional beacon – it’s a symbol of Borkum. Whether admired from the promenade, the beach, or the top platform, it connects the island’s maritime past with its present. For many travelers, reaching its summit is an unforgettable highlight of their stay.

🌿 The Sternklipp Dunes

The Sternklipp Dunes are one of Borkum’s most peaceful and scenic landscapes. Shaped by wind and sea, these rolling sand dunes stretch inland from the beach and create a unique natural habitat. Covered with beach grass and wild plants, the dunes are constantly shifting, reminding visitors of the raw power of the North Sea.

Walking through the Sternklipp Dunes feels like stepping into another world: the sound of the waves in the distance, the rustling of the grass in the wind, and wide views over the island. It’s the perfect place for long walks, photography, or simply sitting down and breathing in the fresh sea air.

The area is also an important part of Borkum’s ecosystem, home to rare birds and plants that thrive in the protected dune landscape. For anyone who wants to experience the wilder, untouched side of the island, the Sternklipp Dunes are a must. 🌾🌊

☕ Oma’s Teestübchen

If you want to experience true East Frisian coziness, a visit to Oma’s Teestübchen is a must. This charming little tea room feels like stepping into a grandmother’s living room – warm, vintage, and filled with the scent of freshly brewed tea and homemade cakes.

Here you can try the traditional East Frisian tea ceremony: strong black tea served with a piece of rock sugar (Kluntje) and a cloud of cream that slowly swirls on top. Add a slice of homemade cake or warm waffles, and you have the perfect island afternoon.

More than just a café, Oma’s Teestübchen is about slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. With its nostalgic decor, friendly atmosphere, and authentic flavors, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home – even when you’re far from it. 🌸🍰☕

🏘 Borkum Town, Promenade & Hotel History

Borkum’s town center combines island charm with a touch of seaside elegance. The streets are lined with cafés, small shops, and bakeries where you can stop for a treat after a long walk along the beach. Despite its cozy size, Borkum feels lively and welcoming, especially in summer when travelers from Germany and beyond come to enjoy the fresh sea air.

The seafront promenade is the island’s beating heart. Stretching along the beach, it offers stunning views of the North Sea, especially at sunset, and is the perfect place for an evening stroll. Here you’ll also find the iconic Music Pavilion, where concerts bring locals and visitors together, and several terraces where you can sip coffee while listening to the waves.

What makes Borkum’s seafront so unique is its historic hotels, many of which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, Borkum became a popular seaside resort, drawing wealthy visitors who came for the healthy sea climate. Elegant villas and grand hotels were built along the promenade, many of which still stand today. Their facades tell stories of an era when seaside holidays were a luxurious escape, and they give Borkum its distinctive nostalgic charm.

Walking past these buildings, you can feel the island’s history come alive – a reminder of how Borkum grew from a simple fishing and whaling community into one of Germany’s most beloved North Sea resorts.