Spiekeroog

The island is car free

If you go on vacation to Spiekeroog, you have to walk. The island is car-free. The cars stay on the mainland in Neuharlingersiel. There are separate parking lots for vacationers at the end of the village. A shuttle bus runs regularly from here to the harbor pier. Parking spaces are also available for day trippers. Alternatively, you can leave your car at home. Deutsche Bahn offers combination tickets for train and ferry from all German train stations. Many tourists come to Spiekeroog because the island is car-free. They appreciate the peace and quiet and the exhaust-free air.

Even the journey is an adventure

The island is barely six kilometers from the mainland. Passenger ships regularly sail over from Neuharlingersiel. The trip takes you through the Wadden Sea and offers a unique panorama. After 45 minutes, the ships arrive at Spiekeroog. The guests' luggage can be checked in beforehand and will be transported to the hotel or to the vacation apartment if desired. The time on board flies by. There are seats on the outside deck and also for the culinary well-being is provided. You can enjoy a roll with freshly pulsed crabs on arrival and a cold beer or a cup of coffee right away.

The beach is the attraction

The 15 kilometer long sandy beach is the main attraction of the island. It is made of white, fine-grained sand and stretches along the surf side. Here you can find a quiet place even in the high season. There is always a fresh wind blowing on the surf side. If you want to enjoy the sun undisturbed, you can retire to a beach chair. These are in great demand, especially in summer, and are quickly booked up. At lunchtime, people meet up with like-minded people for sporting activities. You can play volleyball or swing on a surfboard. A real kick for your health is beach walking. It clears the airways and decelerates the whole body. Families with children fly a kite or dig in the sand. On Spiekeroog, by the way, you are still allowed to build sand castles and can shovel to your heart's content.

Romantic sunsets, dogs and historic bathing carts

Visitors who come to Spiekeroog for the first time are surprised by the old bathing carts on the beach. These still date from a time long past. They are a place to go for guests. Here beachgoers can change in peace and inform themselves about activities. True connoisseurs come to the beach in the evening. Then you can retire to a beach chair and experience a breathtaking sunset. Spiekeroog is also an Eldorado for dog and master. There are several sections of the beach that are reserved for dogs. The access to the beach is unpaved and therefore ideal for the four-legged friend. Some sections of the beach are even designated free-walking zones. Here dogs can romp as they please and there is no leash requirement.

Unlimited beach fun for all guests

Spiekeroog promises beach fun for all guests. Even people with disabilities can enjoy a wonderful beach day. Since 2016, wheelchair users and vacationers with walking disabilities have been able to rent a beach mobile. This is an electrically operated wheelchair that is suitable for the beach and remains maneuverable even in the sand. In general, the safety of guests is paramount. Tide times are posted everywhere and many beach sections are monitored during the day. Lifeguards are tirelessly on duty here. That is why the beach has been awarded the title "Lifeguarded Beach". A walk on the beach is worthwhile even in bad weather. Traditionally, one wears a so-called "Friesennerz". This is a waterproof, yellow rain jacket with a hood. In windy weather, the foaming waves first break on the beach, creating a moody and rough atmosphere.

The village with the picturesque island church

Spiekeroog still stands for a real island idyll. Here, time has stood still. The island village has preserved its originality and is one of the most beautiful places in East Frisia. The centerpiece is the island church surrounded by trees. If you wander through the village center, you will walk over red cobblestones. The houses convey a maritime atmosphere and are surrounded by flowering gardens and ancient trees. The village is a place of tranquility and coziness. Many guests first have to get used to the fact that there are no cars driving here and automatically look left and right when crossing the street. But this settles down after a few days. Then most vacationers notice how soothing this silence is. Many of the houses are listed and have ornate and painted doors. Some are even traditionally thatched. One looks in vain for high buildings on Spiekeroog. The houses are generally lower than on the mainland.

Quaint stores, cozy cafes and handicrafts

The island doesn't have a promenade, yet you can head here for a little shopping spree. The quaint houses are home to a number of boutiques. The most popular, however, are the unusual handicraft workshops. Here one still cultivates genuine island handicrafts. If you wish, you can also take a look inside the workshop. What is made here is sophisticated and goes far beyond the usual handicrafts. The small cafés invite you to linger. To warm up, Pharisee is served. This is a strong coffee served with a shot of rum and a thick cap of whipped cream. It is accompanied by homemade cake, baked, of course, according to traditional island recipes.

The history of the island

Spiekeroog has a turbulent island history. It went through several storm surges. Everyday life was not always easy to cope with in its remoteness. If you want to discover the historical Spiekeroog, you should get in touch with the islanders. Especially the aged locals can tell a lot of true and curious stories. Those who are less sociable should visit the island museum. Here you can get an insight into local shipping and learn about the island's development into a seaside resort. The whole thing is artistically presented by the famous island painter Heinrich Sanders. He has his own gallery on the island, which is open to visitors. Here he exhibits his works.

A paradise for families with children

Families with children can spend carefree vacations on the island. The little ones can play safely in the street and the beach is one big sandbox. What could be better than digging in the sand for hours? A trip to the mud flats is also great fun. You can look for lugworms or watch crabs burrowing in the damp sand. If it should rain, the spa administration offers numerous activities. For example, circus performances are rehearsed or handicrafts are made with shells. Those who are looking for a connection can meet in the "Trockendock" (dry dock). The children's playhouse offers a covered playground. There is a fishing boat and an adventure slide. The attractions can of course be used free of charge. There are also regular events for children in the playhouse. The mini-artists learn to make pottery, paint watercolors or glue pictures from flotsam and shells. Alternatively, the little guests can bake pizza or participate in the sports programs.

Get active in sports

The island offers a variety of opportunities for exercise in the fresh air. How about a long walk on the beach or a Nordic walking tour through the dunes? A swim in the sea also invigorates the body and promotes health. The spa administration provides its own sports team for guests and offers numerous programs. In the season the team invites to ball games on the beach. In rainy weather, people meet in the sports hall. But also lesser-known sports, such as unicycling or apparatus gymnastics can be tried. Thalasso, Pilates and yoga are offered directly on the beach and under professional guidance. In the season there are also sports tournaments for locals and islanders where the focus is on being together.