For those who still remember their family vacations on the North Sea of yesteryear and want to relive the nostalgia of days gone by, Heligoland is probably the most relaxing family destination on the high seas. Even on arrival at Heligoland, feelings of times gone by are awakened for many parents, while the little ones can’t help but be amazed thanks to the expansive view over the sea. Perhaps you will also cross the sea on a ship for the first time – an unforgettable memory!
Regardless of whether they travel by seaside boat or fast ferry from Cuxhaven: at the latest when the grey seals and harbor seals of the Heligoland dune flash in the distance, the children are convinced: Mom and Dad have chosen the right vacation spot.
At least as exciting is the shuttle service offered in summer by the Heligoland Dampferbörte. With the traditional Börteboot – robust and seaworthy boats weighing up to 8 tons, ten meters long and three meters wide, made of solid oak wood – it goes from the southern harbor over the landing stage to the dune. And if arriving by sea or fast ferry is out of the question, for example because of seasickness, Heligoland can of course also be reached by plane.
Family-friendly accommodations are a matter of course on Heligoland. Whether it’s a hotel, vacation apartment or cottage, a private guesthouse or something out of the ordinary: probably the most exciting accommodation for families are the bungalows on the dune, Heligoland’s side island, where seals and harbor seals also spend their days. Because daytime tourism takes place much more on the main island, families stay in peace and quiet in the bungalow village. If you travel to Heligoland with your family for a beach vacation, you will also be staying in a prime location: in just a few minutes you can walk either to the idyllic south beach with its fine white sand, broken up by waves of turquoise sea water, or to the exciting north beach. There you will find real North Sea flair: a stormy surf, wide views and the highlight – the grey seals and harbor seals, which have chosen their place on the island here at a safe distance.
Excursions by boat belong on the to-do list during an island vacation. Especially when the youngsters get into a boat for the first time to sail out to sea. Round trips in the authentic Börte boat made of solid wood start daily from the landing stage. More than just a round trip is the photo safari with the Börteboat for all (growing) photographers. If a boat trip over open waters gives you a queasy feeling, or if you don’t want to get to know the island from a distance, you can hop aboard the Börte train, which departs from the landing stage several times a day during the summer season and makes its rounds around the island. This is how you and your children get to know Heligoland’s upper and lower lands.
There is a lot to discover and learn for young and old on Heligoland: If you don’t just want to spend an island vacation including an obligatory walk on the beach, get to know Heligoland and the North Sea better – in the museum! On the charming Frisian harbor road with the iconic lobster stalls you will find the information center of the Förderverein Museum Heligoland e.V. But here you will find much more than a few information sheets: In the information center a smorgasbord of historical treasures from times long past awaits you. Here you can browse among all kinds of objects of the old islanders, the staff will answer your questions and give you an insight into the island life of yesteryear. If the children are already a bit older and interested in history, a visit to the old bunkers on Heligoland is also worthwhile.
In keeping with the historical insights, there is of course also plenty of playful contrast program on Heligoland – from the cinema to the swimming pool. While all the latest blockbusters are of course also shown on Heligoland in the cinema at the Nordseehalle, the open-air cinema at the music pavilion is something very special for the whole family. There, nostalgic flair prevails, just as it did back then, when enjoying films outdoors was much more common, coupled with a magnificent North Sea backdrop. This makes for a unique atmosphere – especially since, then as now, popular film classics flicker across the giant screen, behind which the seemingly endless sea runs.
Son and daughter can let off steam on Heligoland both in the seawater swimming pool mare frisicum – SPA HELGOLAND with several indoor and outdoor pools including spa offers and on the island’s playgrounds. There are four playgrounds on Heligoland: on the dune on the north beach not far from the bungalows, in the lowlands on the south beach, on the spa promenade next to the reading hall and near the school. Slide, sandbox and swing are available as well as climbing tower, turntable, playhouse, the exciting seesaw animals for very small visitors and other playground equipment.
