Borkum: Germany’s ideal fun island

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Borkum is the largest of the seven East Frisian Islands in Germany. But, that part is just the tip of the iceberg. Borkum is a place filled with fun-loving people, unique beaches and serene natural surroundings.

Revel in picturesque surroundings and have a great week at Borkum by visiting a multitude of beaches. Soft sands, good food and a freedom to do whatever you choose to do. What heavenly destination other than Borkum can offer all of this at once?

Location

Borkum is one of the seven East Frisian islands. It is located in Leer District, Lower Saxony in Germany. The island is accessible via car ferries or a cartmaran from the Outer Port of Emden in Germany as well as from the Eemshaven Seaport in the Netherlands. People from all parts of the world visit these amazing beaches during the months of March to August.

Weather

The weather in Borkum is the coldest in the months of January and February, with an average drop in the temperature at 5 degrees. The hottest month is August where the average rise in temperature is recorded at 22 degrees.

Ideally, the best time to visit a beach in Borkhum is during the months of March to August. However, a visit at any of the remaining months will leave you with an exciting experience as well.

History

Borkum island suffered massive damage and destruction due to a flood in the 12th century. The island has a history of seafaring and whaling. However, in the 19th century, the locals of the island realized that turning the island into a major tourist attraction will help them earn quite a lot of money without jeopardizing their lives. Hence, the island became a ‘seaside resort’, with the beaches serving as the most magnetic attraction for anyone who pays a visit.

Most of the people residing in Borkum today are engaged in tourism activities in one way or the other and you would definitely love being in this amazing place. The people are quite amiable and will help you out with anything you need.

Borkum

If you think that Borkum Island is nothing more than a place filled with typical beaches, you are in for a great surprise. Just reaching the island is quite a fun task in itself. Once the car ferry takes you over to the port, you will step into a small rail station, also known as ‘Kleinbahn.’ While in the train, you will witness jaw dropping natural surroundings in all its grandeur. Not only that, you will pass through dunescapes, Deichtor Tower, and Greune Stee island forest. You can also step into the vast sandy beaches, and the sight of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site will capture your attention that very minute.

Three beaches are quite renowned in Borkum- The Nordbad Beach, The Sudbad Beach and the Nude Beach. The Norbad Beach is the busiest one around out of the three. It is situated on the Boulevard. You can bring your mats or towels, lay it on the sand and lie on it while sipping your favourite drink. Or you can enjoy some good old cocktail on the terrace of the Matrix. Rent a Strandzelt (A typical German beach chair) just to sit back and relax. At any cost, you will experience a stunning view of the North Sea from the beach. The beach is the ideal beach for people of all age groups since energetic and adventurous people can go hiking by the promenade and the kids can enjoy themselves either in the playground set for them or jump around bouncy castles in the hollow dunes to the north of the beach. Teenagers can have some fun with their friends by playing sports such as Volleyball and Kite Flying.

The Sudbad Beach is filled with colourful cabins that draw the attention of numerous tourists. This beach is comparatively quite than Nordbad Beach. You can relish various local cuisines on this beach. A lighthouse there will surely arouse the curiosity of an avid history lover.

The third beach is called The Nude Beach. This beach is famous for its sauna baths. You can enjoy some hot sauna and later take a dip in the sea. Coupled, these activities are bound to revive your spirits.

These three are not the only eye catching attractions on the island. Numerous beaches lie across Borkum and be rest assured; they do not disappoint. The serene surroundings ensure that you rediscover yourself by merely observing nature and its beauty. You can visit these beaches along with your family and friends and have a great time in Borkum.

If you are not much of a people’s person, take a 15 minute ride to the town, and you will find many secluded beaches. Just lie down on the sand and listen to the calm murmurs of the sea.  You will realize that nature speaks to you in its own beautiful language.

Travelling in the city

Borkum is filled with various beaches. Every beach has something different to offer its visitor. If you are looking for a fun day out with your kith and kin, head to a beach in Borkum and take a traditional plunge into the waters. You can also enjoy a sport or two there and if you’re a water sports lover, you cannot afford to miss out on visiting these beaches.

Being an island that houses natural surroundings, Borkum also has a great nature reserve where the native inhabitants of the island await to fill you with delight. Head there after a long walk at the beach and admire the majestic nature surrounding you.

In case your stomach is craving for some delicacies, head to the nearest Milchbuden (milk stands) that are present at numerous staircases that lead to the beaches below. Here, you can simply sip a hot coffee or treat your taste buds to some rice pudding as well as home cooked stew. It is entirely your call.

Why visit?

If you need some days off after a tiring couple of weeks at work, or simply need to give yourself some relief from the mundane everyday routine, Borkum is the best place to head to. The beaches at Borkum will give you not only some amazing sight- seeing opportunities, but also a new perspective on life itself. Out in nature, surrounded by the waves of water, you will get a chance to plunge deep inside them with the ‘old you’ and emerge out with the newer version of yourself. The sound of beautiful sand meeting the quiet murmurings of sea waves will rejuvenate your mind.

Apart from philosophical reasons, if you are a lively person, a beach is the best place to go and have ultimate fun with your family and friends. Visiting Borkum in itself is a little adventure, regardless of your age and profession. The delicious cuisine is a feather in the cap.

Borkum is a place filled with people to make sure that you experience at the island becomes a memorable one.  It is a place away from home that feels just like home.

Major attractions

Being an island, Borkum’s major attractions are bound to be its vibrant beaches. But, that is not all that there is to the isle. Some of the major attractions in Borkum are:

Borkumer Kleinbahn:

This is a small rail station that has a train which carries you from the port to the town. In the way to the town, you will be able to witness just how beautiful Borkum is.

Neuer Leuchttum (New Lighthouse):

This one is an active lighthouse. It is the 24th tallest lighthouse as well as the 3rd tallest brick lighthouse in the world and is great tourist spot in Borkum.