When you think of islands, you might think of the Caribbean, Spain or Greece. Yet Germany also has a number of large islands that are definitely worth a visit. Are you curious about the nature and culture in these special places? You will discover it in the top 10 largest islands in Germany.
10. Amrum – 20.46 square kilometers
You will find the island of Amrum in the German Landkreis Nordfriesland. It is a modest island with a total of about 2,300 inhabitants. On the west side you will find extensive beaches, where it is possible to enjoy the refreshing North Sea. The east side is characterized by large mudflats and small streams, which means that many water birds can be found on the island.
9. Norderney – 26 square kilometers
The island of Norderney is just a bit bigger and is not far from Amrum. The extra space means that more people live on the island, with a population of about 5,850. Here you will find a large beach of no less than 14 kilometers on the north side. The east side is officially a national park, so you are guaranteed to enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides here.
8. Borkum – 31 square kilometers
The island of Borkum is enclosed by two seas: the Wadden Sea and the North Sea. You will find the island in the state of Lower Saxony, not far from the Dutch border. There is only one village on Borkum, which has the same name as the island itself. The tranquility especially attracts nature lovers, who want to enjoy the unspoiled nature.
7. Insel Poel – 36 square kilometers
This German island is located in the Baltic Sea (or Baltic Sea) and forms the northern and eastern border of the Bay of Wismar. Insel Poel is easy to reach, because there is a dam that runs from the island to the mainland. As a result, many German tourists know where to find the island, where they can walk and cycle peacefully. You will find two larger villages on Insel Poel, but there are also some smaller towns to visit.
6. Pellworm – 37 square kilometers
In the Middle Ages, Pellworm belonged to a much larger island, but this island was largely swallowed up during a major flood in the seventeenth century. Peace has returned to Pellworm, which is now a popular tourist destination. You can reach the island by ferry, but there is also a causeway to the mainland. The soil of Pellworm is used well, because a lot of green energy is generated here.
5. Föhr – 82 square kilometers
Föhr is a lot bigger than its predecessors on this list, with an area of no less than 82 square kilometers. Located in the North Sea, the island consists of swamp landscapes and spirit soil for a great purpose. Countless tourists come to the island to admire the special natural landscapes. The island is therefore easy to reach by ferry, car or helicopter.
4. Sylt – 99 square kilometers
The North Frisian Wadden Islands are an important archipelago in Germany, with Sylt as the largest island in the group. The many beaches on the island make it a great destination for tourists. There is a road from the mainland to the island, so that tourists can easily reach their destination. It is not for nothing that the inhabitants of Sylt live mainly from tourism.
3. Fehmarn – 185.45 square kilometers
The island of Fehmarn is almost twice the size of its predecessor. You can find the island in the Baltic Sea, in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. The island is connected to mainland Germany by a bridge and there are advanced plans for a fixed tunnel connection to Denmark (the Fehmarn Belt Link). During a holiday on Fehmarn you have no less than 78 kilometers of beach at your disposal and you have the opportunity to visit a nearby Danish island. There is a ferry between the two islands. In addition to the many tourists, 12,552 residents also enjoy the beautiful nature on Fehmarn.
2. Usedom – 445 square kilometers
Usedom has an interesting history, as the island was divided between Germany and Poland after World War II. As a result, not the entire island belongs to German territory. In total, 80% is in the hands of the Germans, with the Poles in possession of the eastern part. No fewer than 76,500 people live on the island, but tourism is also high. Usedom is called the sunniest island in Germany, which attracts many bon vivants.
1. Rügen – 926 square kilometers
The largest island in Germany can be found in the Baltic Sea, not far from the city of Stralsund. There is a direct road from this town to the island, making it easy to reach. That’s a good thing, because no fewer than 75,000 people live on Rügen. The nature on this island is also beautiful, because here you will find the Jasmund National Park, which is on the World Heritage List.
