Deep-sea island of Heligoland

Germany has many islands, but only one deep-sea island - Heligoland. Visitors will come away with unforgettable impressions. The island is a rock of red sandstone, 58 m high, lonely and impressive in the middle of the sea. Just off the coast of Heligoland lies Badedüne, a small dune-covered island with a magnificent sandy beach - just right for sunbathing and relaxing. With a little luck, you may see seals basking on the beach in the sun. The hostel has a beautiful view of the sea. The landmark - the free-standing rock column called "Lange Anna" ("Long Anna") - is just a few minutes away.
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Opening hours
The reception is open

12.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Check-in

12.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Closing time

Open all year except from 18/12/2023 - 27/12/2023

Prices 2023

B&B from Half board from Full board from
€ 26.50 - € 42.50

Prices 2024

B&B from Half board from Full board from
€ 26.50 - € 42.50

Locations & directions

Heligoland is Germany's only deep-sea island and is located in the North Sea. The hostel is in the north-east, a roughly 15-minute walk away from the jetty. The island can be reached by boat from Cuxhaven, Brunsbüttel, Büsum, Hörnum, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven and other North Sea ports.

The youth hostel offers a magnificent view of the open sea and 139 beds in single to 6-bed rooms, rooms for carers with shower/toilet, family rooms with shower/toilet, various common and dining rooms, piano, W-LAN, recreation hall with large screen, table tennis , table football, billiards, basketball, outdoor chess set, barbecue area, boules. Ornithologists and naturalists can use a stereo microscope and 2 course microscopes for bird-watching purposes.

Deep-sea island of Heligoland

The island of Heligoland is a unique natural monument. Nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, close to the Gulf Stream and the iodine and oxygen-rich sea air make Heligoland a particularly attractive destination. Directly off the coast of Heligoland is a small island called the Badedüne - the "bathing dune". It's about half a nautical mile away and can be reached by ferry. You can swim here regardless of high and low tides as the tides have no influence here. And with a little luck, you may even see some seals basking on the beach in the sun. Heligoland's heated saltwater swimming pool with sauna complex is open all year round. All pools contain purified and heated North Sea water.

What you have to see

  • Lummenfelsen Nature Reserve (good for bird-watchers)
  • Tours of Heligoland Bird Observatory (Vogelwarte Helgoland
  • Hummerbuden (lobster huts) at the harbour
  • Aquarium, museum
  • Tour of the old bunkers
  • Exploration of the island on the water (on a Börte boat)
  • and on land (island railway)