Borkum

In some ways Borkum is "the odd one out" of the East Frisian Islands. The largest in area and second only to Norderney in population, it is also (together with Norderney) one of only two not to ban motor vehicles. Due to its position north of the mouth of the river Ems, the North Sea has a strong influence on the climate, which is unique among German islands except Heligoland and Borkum. The island used to consist of two separate parts before natural land accumulation and human land reclamation united the two parts in the 19th century with the "Tüskendör-See" sitting at the place where the two islands used to be split just east of the airfield. Due to it being the westernmost of the East Frisian Islands, it is actually quicker to reach from the Netherlands than from mainland Germany. If you squint the island looks a bit like a dolphin.

By plane

• Borkum AirfieldThis airfield sees general aviation flights as well as regular flights through Yourways (from Wilhelmshaven) and OFD (from Emden)

By boat

• HarborAG Ems serves Borkum from Eemshaven (Netherlands) and Emden (Germany) several times daily. Prices start from 18€ one way. Ferry tickets automatically include the corresponding ride on the island railway to/from the Borkum harbor. Emden Außenhafen has been served by Deutsche Bahn for decades, whereas Eemshaven only got a direct rail link to Groningen in March 2018.

By train

Even though Borkum may have one major downside for train travel, namely several kilometres of sea surrounding the island, the ferry harbours of Emden and Eemshaven can be reached via train. Eemshaven is just over three hours by train coming from Schiphol Airport, costing roundabout €26, while your journey from Bremen, the closest large airport on the German mainland, to Emden takes roughly an hour less and costs upward of €20.

By train

• Island RailwayWith stops at the harbor and at in the centre of town, this is a good way to get to your lodgings in addition to its value as a tourist attraction. The rather unique gauge of 900 mm might interest railway enthusiasts as might the occasional use of steam locomotives.

By bus

There are buses run - like the railway - by Borkumer Kleinbahn

By car

Unlike all other East Frisian Islands except Norderney, Borkum does not ban cars. However, you may not drive in the core of the settlement during the summer season and in other parts driving between 21:00 and 7:00 is prohibited.

By bike

As the island is rather flat, the only thing standing between you and enjoyable bike trips are the persistent westerly winds.

On foot

The settlement is small enough to be walkable even for the moderately fit and the size and general flatness of the island should not pose a challenge for those who intend to walk the length and breadth of it.

• Alter LeuchtturmHas a viewing platform at 150 steps height

• Neuer LeuchtturmHas a viewing platform at 319 steps altitude which can be visited daily during the summer season.

• Kleiner Leuchtturm

• Heimatmuseum "Dykhus"

• GezeitenlandShould the weather not permit swimming in the North Sea, this indoor pool might just do the trick.

Be prepared to pay "island surcharges" as most things sold here have to come in with the same ship as the visitors and there is a generally captive market.

• Restaurant Alt Borkum

  phone: +49 49 22-20 05
  address: Roelof-Gerritz-Meyer-Straße 10

• Yachthaven Café

  phone: +49 4922 7773
  address: Am Neuen Hafen 2

• Heimliche Liebe

  phone: +49 4922 929 520
  address: Süderstraße 91

• Restaurant Teehaus

  phone: +49 4922 9232 608
  address: Süderstraße 22

• Klein & Fein

  phone: +49 4922 7935
  address: Fauermannspad 16

• Zum Insulaner

  phone: +49 4922 9321 148
  address: Fauermannspad 5

• Gaststätte Rhodos

  phone: +49 4922 4769
  address: Franz-Habich-Straße 12

• Knurrhahn

  phone: +49 4922 2050
  address: Franz-Habich-Straße 16

• Brasserie Stadtschänke

  phone: +49 4922 9247 900
  address: Franz-Habich-Straße 18

• Delfter Stuben und Fischerdorf

  phone: +49 4922 2011
  address: Bismarckstraße 12

• Pferdestall

  phone: +49 4922 2169
  address: Bismarckstraße 20

• Borkum Riff

  phone: +49 4922 4818
  address: Bismarckstraße 34

• Valentin's

  phone: +49 4922 9325 030
  address: Neue Straße 12

• Ostland

  phone: +49 4922 2202
  address: Ostland 4

• Jugendherberge Borkum "Am Wattenmeer"

  phone: +49 4922 579
  address: Reedestr. 231, 26757 Borkum
  A Youth hostel with over 700 beds.

• Hotel Weisse Düne

  phone: +49 4922 9249 040
  address: Am Georg-Schütte-Platz 13

• Upstalsboom Seehotel

  phone: +49 4922 9150
  address: Viktoriastraße 2

• Strandhotel Hohenzollern

  phone: +49 4922 92330
  address: Jann-Berghaus-Straße 63

Camping

• Insel-Camping-BorkumHas an on-site minimart, a sauna solarium and gym.

• Campingplatz AggenSurrounded by meadows and dunes in a rather secluded location

The local telephone area code is (0)4922 which just so happens to begin the same as the German country code +49 so yes, when dialing from outside Germany, Borkum numbers start "+494922"