Helgoland

The island in the North Sea is approximately 1 square mile in size and famous for its clean air. For some years now, it has been officially recognized as a seaside health resort. Temperatures are pleasant, not too hot in the summer and generally quite mild in winter. A mini-break on Helgoland is perfect to escape from every-day life. The island lies about 35 miles from the main land and can be reached via ferry or aeroplane. No cars are allowed on the island; means of transportation are bicycles, an electric train or walking.

The Long Anna is probably the most famous rock of the island. It looms 50 yards out of the water to the Northwest of the island and is made of bright red new sandstone. The cliffs to the opposite side allow for a perfect view of the rock and also invite you to witness breeding of many sea birds. Grey seals and common seals can be found during a short trip to the Dune. The Dune is a small island nearby primarily used as a bathing island in the summer. Two beautiful white sandy beaches offer a place of relaxation during your trip. With some luck, you may even discover the extremely rare Red Firestone which is only found on this coast. Visit the Helgoland Aquarium to find out more about flora and fauna of the island and to bring back new knowledge from your city trip. One highlight is the arena pool with sharks and stingrays. The aquarium regularly opens its doors and invites visitors to have a look behind the scenes with guided tours.

Helgoland is not located on one contour line which means that the island is divided into uplands and lowlands. For some exercise, climb the 200 steps to the uplands. For those looking for more convenience, take the elevator which will quickly bring guests to the uplands of the island. Once you have reached the top, the  lighthouse is definitely worth a visit. It is the only building on the island which survived World War II and is still in use today.