When Is the Best Time
Heligoland is located 70 km from the mainland and famous for the 47 m high red sandstone rock formation called "Lange Anna". In former times Heligoland belonged to Denmark, later to the UK, became independent until 1932, and is the only German offshore island and a perfect place to relax and recover.
Helgoland is a fantastic year-round destination with stunning wildlife to spot. However, there are some exceptional months:
During the bird migrations in spring and fall, it turns into a birdwatcher’s paradise with an average of 250 bird species. Mid-June until early-July for about 2 weeks: The event is amazing and called ‘Lumensprung’. In the late afternoon, the adult guillemots attract their youngsters to jump into the ocean from a 40m+ height. The exact time in June can be predicted each year from April on. November/December until January: Horsehead Seals give birth to their young, which is just spectacular.
Stay here at least one night to enjoy the truly beautiful located island when the last day-trippers left the island with the last ferry at 4 pm in winter from mid-October to the end of March. Even during summer, the crowds thin out between 5 and 6 pm. taking the ferry back to Cuxhaven, Büsum, or Hamburg. During the peak season from April to mid-October the ferries operate more often from different harbours. Stay here to experience the real magic of this beautiful island, at least 2-3 days and book a hotel or a B&B. After the day-trippers left the island by boat, the island becomes tranquil.
The weather is influenced by the Gulf Stream. Bright, not too hot summers and mild winters. In November/December it’s actually the warmest place in Germany. However, in some winters, there is even a chance of snow. The quieter months in terms of tourist crowds are November/December until April.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Helgoland is exceptional in many ways; spotting maritime birds, gannets and guillemots or on the dune island harbour seals as well as the horsehead seals in relatively close distance. Be careful as they might get closer to you than allowed. Helgoland is also popular for shopping duty-free. On this small island neither cars nor bikes are allowed to drive.
