Borkum

Borkum is the biggest of the East Frisian Islands by area and the second most populous.

Understand
In some ways Borkum is "the odd one out" of the East Frisian Islands. The largest in area and second only to Norderney in population, it is also (together with Norderney) one of only two not to ban motor vehicles. Due to its position north of the mouth of the river Ems, the North Sea has a strong influence on the climate, which is unique among German islands except Heligoland and Borkum. The island used to consist of two separate parts before natural land accumulation and human land reclamation united the two parts in the 19th century with the "Tüskendör-See" sitting at the place where the two islands used to be split just east of the airfield. Due to it being the westernmost of the East Frisian Islands, it is actually quicker to reach from the Netherlands than from mainland Germany. If you squint the island looks a bit like a dolphin.

By train
Even though Borkum may have one major downside for train travel, namely several kilometres of sea surrounding the island, the ferry harbours of Emden and Eemshaven can be reached via train. Eemshaven is just over three hours by train coming from Schiphol Airport, costing roundabout €26, while your journey from Bremen, the closest large airport on the German mainland, to Emden takes roughly an hour less and costs upward of €20.

By bus
There are buses run - like the railway - by Borkumer Kleinbahn

By car
Unlike all other East Frisian Islands except Norderney, Borkum does not ban cars. However, you may not drive in the core of the settlement during the summer season and in other parts driving between 21:00 and 7:00 is prohibited.

By bike
As the island is rather flat, the only thing standing between you and enjoyable bike trips are the persistent westerly winds.

On foot
The settlement is small enough to be walkable even for the moderately fit and the size and general flatness of the island should not pose a challenge for those who intend to walk the length and breadth of it.

See




Buy
Be prepared to pay "island surcharges" as most things sold here have to come in with the same ship as the visitors and there is a generally captive market.

Connect
The local telephone area code is (0)4922 which just so happens to begin the same as the German country code +49 so yes, when dialing from outside Germany, Borkum numbers start "+494922"