Hotels in Norderney

Who would have thought that you can go to a beachside getaway in Germany? Tucked away in the northern countryside in the East Frisian Islands, Norderney is a quiet beachside town where you get to enjoy the sea and its calm.

Norderney has been a renowned destination in Europe with big personalities visiting regularly to get away from the world, such as Robert Schumann and Chancellor Otto vin Bismarck. Once you are here, it would be understandable why the locals refer to it as ‘Lüttje Welt” or Little World in English — it transports you to a quiet world of your own. It is truly a modern escape from the world. Built solely on relaxation and getting in touch with nature, it transports you to a quieter place away from the hustle and bustle of life.

How to Get There

Being an offshore location, you can get to Norderney by flying in an airport then drive out then take the ferry heading to the island. The nearest airport to the city would be Norden-Norddeich Airport. From here, you can easily find a cab that would take you to the car ferry service heading to the main city centre. The journey would take you roughly an hour.

Another option would be coming from Emden. Take the train for €8.30 to the Norddeich Mole landing. This option should take you 35 minutes and then 55 minutes via the ferry service.

Getting Around

Seeing that Norderney is such a small place, it is quite easy to get around. Once you get off at the harbour, you will see a string of bicycle rental places which are the easiest way to get around the island city. You will be able to see several bike routes inside the city as well in the coastal parts.

As for public transportation, the main way to get around would be the bus. Line 1 is the direct line from the ferry drop-off to the town centre and this should cost you €2 for adults and €1.40 for children. Get off at the Rosengarten for the tourist office which would surely aid you during your stay.

Top Things to Do

It is easy to see why many people choose Norderney as a retreat destination. Going around the centre, you will already be exposed to a lot of museums and nature walks. First things first, take a bike and ride around the Die Weiße Düne and the Das Ostende. While biking around, you will be able to see all the greenery Norderney is known for and the amazing wildlife.

Hiking through the Wadden Sea is also a must to see the world’s longest unbroken sand and mudflats. A Cessna plane is also available for you to take to see the city at a bird’s eye view. You will see the seals lounging on the beach, people cycling around the city, and other nature sites. The price is affordable at €40 per person for a 15-30 minute trip.

While admiring the city from above, it is easily understandable why it was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site — it brings you closer to nature which makes it a highly recommended retreat that you must experience at least once.

Meanwhile, enjoy a complete rest at The Badehaus Relaxation Center. You will be able to get away from the cold once inside and enjoy the spa. This is also Germany’s biggest spa for thalassotherapy — a treatment that makes use of the healing properties of seawater.

What to Eat

The local Norderney cuisine is as notable as this small beachside city. While biking around the beach, make sure you stopover at the highly recommended Surfcafe Beach Bar. You can admire the rolling waves of the North Sea from this restaurant while enjoying a glass of beer.

The city also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant called Seesteg. You will be able to enjoy fresh seasonal offerings here such as monkfish, pigeon, and roast lamb. A vegetarian menu is also offered.

For a traditionally East Frisian meal, head on to deLeckerbeck which serves seafood and items such as Ostfriesische Dicke Bohnen, a bean stew with roast pork, potatoes, and onions. After a day of relaxing, make sure to cap it off at Milchbar am Meer, where you can enjoy an unforgettable sundowner.

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Norderney are also nothing short of being relaxing. Looking at the Inselloft Norderney, its unique airy design offers an amazing sea view. It has terraces that are ideal for sunbathing and it also has a spa. This is ideal for families and honeymooners looking to getaway.

The Hotel Haus Norderney is also a good hotel that boasts elegant furniture with a sauna and fireplace lounge. Lastly, The Seesteg is an amazing hotel that overlooks the Walden Sea. This is the most ideal for a romantic getaway, and it also brings you at the doorstep of amazing hiking trails.

Travel Tips

• Make sure to bring warm clothes. Being by the seaside, the weather can be very cold, especially at night.

• Bring comfortable clothing especially walking shoes.

• Be sure to book your spots in advance for spas and restaurants.