Attractions and Places To See on Borkum - Top 20

Borkum offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit the Tüskendörsee Nature Reserve, a popular spot for birdwatching, or explore the unique dune landscapes and forests of Greune Stee. A significant portion of the island is part of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can observe diverse flora and fauna, including seal colonies. The island also boasts 26 kilometers of sandy beaches, such as South Beach, Borkum, perfect for relaxation and wildlife spotting.

Yes, Borkum is rich in history. The New Borkum Lighthouse, built in 1879, offers panoramic views from its viewing platform. You can also see the Old Lighthouse, the island's oldest building, which dates back to the 14th century and now serves as an exhibition space. The Electric Lighthouse, one of Germany's first electric lighthouses, and the Wasserturm (Water Tower) from 1900 are also notable historical structures.

Borkum is very family-friendly. Children will enjoy the South Beach, Borkum, known for its calm waters and occasional seal sightings. The Nordsee Aquarium Borkum allows families to learn about marine life, while the Borkum Toy Museum features a vast collection of historic toys. For active fun, there's the Borkum Adventure Golf Course and a high ropes course offering views over the North Sea.

Absolutely! Borkum is ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for both hiking and cycling. For example, explore the 'Dunes of Hooge Hörn' on a moderate hike or cycle the 'Lightship Borkumriff – Greune Stee Nature Reserve' loop. You can find more detailed routes and guides for hiking and cycling on Borkum.

To delve into Borkum's maritime past, visit the Heimatmuseum Dykhus, which showcases local traditions, the whaling industry, and features a gargantuan whale skeleton. The Nationalpark-Feuerschiff Borkumriff, a former lightship, is also accessible to visitors and provides insights into the island's seafaring heritage.

The Wadden Sea on Borkum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and is a truly unique ecosystem. It's known for its shifting sand dunes, diverse flora and fauna, and is a crucial habitat for approximately 10,000 animal and plant species, including millions of migratory birds and numerous seals. Guided mudflat hikes offer an immersive experience into this extraordinary natural environment.

Beyond its natural beauty, Borkum offers distinct cultural experiences. The Kulturinsel Borkum hosts various concerts and theater performances, celebrating the island's artistic heritage. You can also visit the Borkum Beach Chair Museum, which details the history and evolution of the iconic German beach chair.

The Borkum Beach Promenade is a central hub for relaxation and dining. It features beach stalls, cafes, pubs, and restaurants with views of the beach and water. It's an ideal place for leisurely strolls, enjoying a meal, or simply soaking up the island atmosphere.

The Borkumer Kleinbahn, the island's narrow-gauge railway, offers a charming way to travel between the harbor and the town center. Many attractions are also accessible by foot or bicycle, with numerous paths crisscrossing the island. Cycling is a very popular way to explore Borkum's diverse landscapes.

Beyond the main attractions, Borkum holds several hidden gems. The Hooge Hörn nature reserve, the easternmost point of the island, is a significant habitat for resting and breeding birds. The Ronde Plate, a large mudflat area with salt marshes between Greune Stee and the harbor, also offers impressive flora and fauna, particularly wading birds, and is less frequented by tourists.

Borkum offers stunning panoramic views. From the top of the New Borkum Lighthouse, you can see the entire island, the vast Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the North Sea. Many dune tops and coastal paths also provide excellent vantage points for observing the unique island landscape and its surrounding waters.

Yes, Borkum is generally dog-friendly. Designated sections of the beaches, such as a part of South Beach, Borkum, are released for dogs. There are also many trails and paths through the dunes and nature reserves where dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash to protect the local wildlife.