Camping on Norderney (island)

The East Frisian island of Norderney has powder-white sandy beaches, lush green nature, the Wadden Sea, sport and a little evening entertainment to offer. Despite its manageable length of just 14 km and width of 2 km, the island in Lower Saxony is particularly popular with campers because of its diversity. This diverse mix is also noticeable when camping on Norderney. Hidden tent pitches are real insider tips here alongside large luxury pitches for caravans and motorhomes.

Special features of camping on Norderney

For more than 200 years, the famous and Germany's oldest North Sea holiday destination has also been popular with camping enthusiasts. Those who had to camp wild on the beach back then can now enjoy the first-class infrastructural facilities on site. Caravan owners and motorhome renters are just as welcome here as guests with tents who deliberately choose their idyllic spot.

Despite the small size, guests have a choice of campsites. Various criteria can be decisive when booking. There are plenty of beautiful pitches with electricity and a view of the sea. But can you take your dog with you or is there a riding stables in the neighbourhood? Should it be a natural tent pitch or a motorhome pitch? What is the price of a pitch?

The Spilak, Um Ost and Eiland campsites compete for the favour of campers on Norderney. They are attractive starting points for camping on the island. They are characterised by beautiful pitches with electricity, modern sanitary facilities and excellent service. The Spilak campsite, which has its own riding centre, even has a stable for guest horses. Permanent campers and guests can rely on moderate prices at the Um Ost campsite, although the site scores with wonderful pitches with a view of the North Sea.

Destinations on Norderney

Swimming in the North Sea or hiking on the beach as well as enjoyable cultural experiences inspire camping fans on the East Frisian island. The impressive coastline stretches from the north beach to the west beach and the east beach at Weiße Düne. Children can really let off steam and build tall sandcastles on Nordstrand, the largest beach area on the island.

Summer holidaymakers who want to enjoy the hours of sunshine and feel the refreshing water on their skin are drawn to one of the two supervised bathing areas on the beach. For sporty guests, the beach sections with volleyball courts are an exciting summer fun, which are not far from the campsites.

Families with smaller children will find the west beach ideal. Thanks to its proximity to the town, it is possible to quickly and conveniently run a few errands for the camping barbecue or go shopping in the nearest boutique - before, after or while swimming on the beach. A particular favourite and absolute highlight for children is the west beach with its versatile adventure playground.

The Weiße Düne east beach is a feast for the eyes: here on the beach, the interplay of white powder sand and crystal-clear sea is more invitingly beautiful than anywhere else on the island. This section is not just perfect for long walks during the day. In the evening, when the sun slowly disappears into the sea, the place is a meeting point for all romantics.

Top sights

Even if the fresh North Sea is always tempting, there is also plenty on offer for visitors on land. The sights are all within easy reach of the campsites. In the months of April to October, you can climb up to the Norderney lighthouse in the centre of the island. The Old Customs House and the Waloseum can be discovered from the top and Juist, Borkum or the mainland in the distance. But there are also many island dunes that serve as a marvellous natural viewing platform. The most famous of these is the Marienhöhe, 11.5 metres high in the far west of Norderney. It does honour to its namesake, Queen Marie of Hanover.

If you want to take it easy, look for a cosy beach restaurant in Norderney's harbour with a view of the Weisse Düne, the East Frisian island's showpiece beach. However, anyone can spontaneously change their mind and plan a day trip to Heligoland after all.

Art connoisseurs will be delighted by the cultural offerings on the North Sea island. The selection of museums is well-stocked, as you won't find a seaside museum everywhere. The Fisherman's House Museum is tucked away in the Argonner Wäldchen, while its historical counterpart can be discovered in a former lifeboat hut. No North Sea holiday is complete without an air circulator or ephemeral objects from the sea: on the island of Norderney, you can discover the Selden Rüst windmill and a shipwreck from the last century stranded on a sandbank at the end of the island.

Activities and excursions

Relaxation on the island

During excursions on the North Sea, holidaymakers can experience the multifaceted nature up close. Booking a place on the ferry to Norderney and travelling to Baltrum to the seal colony or on to Langeoog is definitely one of the highlights of your stay. Those who prefer to stay by or in the water can take a long walk along the beaches on Norderney or visit Norderney's swimming pool. The cult of the body and health awareness can be cultivated with wellness on Norderney. Afterwards, you can savour the island's relaxed tranquillity on a horse-drawn carriage ride across the island.

Active on Norderney

For active holidaymakers, the island offers numerous leisure activities, not just on the campsites. Hiking is certainly one of the best experiences for sporty nature lovers. Norderney's hiking network stretches 80 kilometres in the fresh air. Guests who take the beach path from Georgshöhe to the White Dune don't even need a bathing suit in their luggage. The route leads over the nudist beach for all nudists. The lighthouse is also a popular destination. Mudflat hiking is also very popular. Tours start daily at low tide from the harbour at the Kurhaus. Cycling also gets the legs moving. The paths and routes are best signposted in the central part of the island and there are several bike hire shops. Water rats, on the other hand, can chase the wind across the North Sea and learn skilful sailing manoeuvres at one of the sailing schools on Norderney.

events

May - June

• International Film Festival Emden-Norderney: The largest film festival in Lower Saxony attracts many visitors to the island and the seaport town of Emden with the latest cinema films and nostalgic movies.

June

• Beach Soccer Junior Fun Cup on Norderney: At this sporting event, youngsters can also show off their ball skills. The beach football tournament with more than 50 participating teams is one of the largest club tournaments in Lower Saxony.
• White Sand Festival on Norderney: This festival on the north beach, which also hosts the German Windsurf Cup and a beach volleyball cup, is the highlight of the events on Norderney for all party-goers and sports enthusiasts.

August

• Triathlon Islandman on Norderney: Every year in mid-August, athletes show what power they have in five different competition distances at this top sporting event around the island.

January - December

• Spa concerts: Music is in the air at the events in the Kurhaus, where you can enjoy festive Sunday matinees, symphony concerts or classical spa music.

Gastronomy

When it comes to the culinary offerings on Norderney, nobody has to think twice and order what tastes best on the North Sea - fish. It is served in all variations. Garnished with bacon sauce, you can enjoy it Finkenwerder style. Eel is known as Zwischenahn smoked eel. Not only does it taste special, it is also eaten in a special way. The locals show how it's done and take the animal in their hands, take a bite and wash down the salty fish with high-proof spirits. Bohntjesoop, a so-called Frisian spirit, is ideal for this and is savoured with the accompanying slogan.

In long-established pubs, the landlord prepares this alcoholic drink made from rum or brandy with sultanas and rock sugar himself. If you're not planning a restaurant visit and want to leave the kitchen cold while camping on Norderney, you can create your own sandwich from marrow, onion, gherkin and dill at the many fish sandwich stands. One of the island's specialities is Norderneyer Seeluftschinken, which tastes just as good on a bread roll. It can be enjoyed at the campsite for breakfast, lunch or a snack.

The weather

The weather on Norderney is influenced by the North Sea. Temperatures climb to average highs of around 19.4°C in the warmest month of August. If there is an offshore southerly wind, temperatures of up to 30°C are possible, otherwise the wind finder for Norderney keeps surfers and kiters informed about the weather conditions all year round.

Every day you can see the play of the tides on Norderney, when the water recedes at low tide and Norderney floods at high tide. Holidaymakers enjoy the most hours of sunshine when swimming between May and August. Water rats, surfers and kiters can expect pleasant sea temperatures of between 19°C and 20°C in the summer months of June to August.