Island paradises aren't typically associated with Germany. The cluster islands in the Baltic and the mainland are relatively obscure despite Germany being a large country with many amazing things to see and do, from Berlin's bustling streets to the Bavarian countryside's sweeping hills.
Germany is home to several tranquil islands ideal for people looking for a break from the typical Caribbean or Pacific island vacation. Each island has a unique charm and things to see and do for holidaymakers. Here is a list of the top islands in Germany to help you narrow down your options.
10 Hiddensee
This island in the Baltic Sea is a nature lover's delight and has earned the nickname "Söte Länneken" (sweet little isle). Seahorse-shaped Hiddensee has the narrowest point of fewer than 400 meters and is home to the red-backed shrike, white-tailed eagle, and black stork, among other endangered species.
Cows grazing in verdant fields, horse-drawn carts, and windswept, golden sand beaches all contribute to the island's idyllic atmosphere, which has led to its designation as a nature reserve.
With only approximately 1,300 people living there, visitors can enjoy the serene solitude of listening to the ocean's waters at any time.
9 Rügen
Many people from Germany travel to Rügen, the largest island in the country, to relax and enjoy the beach. There are 926 square kilometers of lovely sandy beaches and romantic neoclassical seaside resorts to explore on this island.
Jasmud National Park, the smallest in Germany, is also in Rugen. The park is located on the island's northeast shore and encompasses an area of slightly more than 30 square kilometers.
Despite its tiny size, Jasmud National Park is home to Kap Arkona, Germany's most prominent chalk cliffs.
The chalk cliffs provide some of the most spectacular views of the Baltic Sea. Nature lovers will like the island's lush forests, which are ideal for trekking and camping.
8 Sylt
Located on Germany's most northern coast, Sylt boasts over 40 kilometers of the seashore. Sylt's white sand beaches and striking red cliffs have drawn A-listers and the wealthy since the middle of the nineteenth century.
The island is home to several famous resort villages, including Westerlan, and Germany's first official nude beach, which opened in 1920. The undulating Wadden Sea mudflats provide the ideal setting for a meditative stroll in nature, and the island is connected to the mainland by a channel only reached by train.
7 Mainau
Known as Germany's Flower Island because of its beautiful gardens, Mainau Island sits in the middle of Lake Constance, Europe's third-largest lake.
Nearly ten thousand rose plants add a pleasant fragrance to the air on this island. In addition to the roses, the island also boasts a butterfly refuge housed in a greenhouse.
Over a million people visit this butterfly house every year since it is the largest in Germany and home to more than 12,000 butterflies.
Additionally, the dukes of Zahringen had a vacation residence in Mainau, a baroque mansion built in the 17th century. The palace opened to the public and currently functions as a museum showcasing the history of Mainau Island.
6 Helgoland
The archipelago of Helgoland in the North Sea, commonly compared to Gibraltar, attracts many visitors. The islands were Danish and British from 1807 to 1890, then war prizes from 1945 to 1952 before becoming part of Schleswig-Holstein in 1890.
Many countries have ruled the island, but its unique culture and breathtaking setting on a sandstone rock dotted with colorful fishermen's cottages have always remained.
The native delicacy, Helgoland Knieper (lobster), has made the town famous (a local crab specialty of sweet crab meat doused in sauce).
5 Borkum
Borkum island is home to various health resorts and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Wadden Sea National Park, making it an ideal location for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Borkum's breathtaking dunes and abundant flora make it a haven for nature enthusiasts; hence, it attracts many tourists annually.
Borkum also provides fantastic options for visitors who enjoy surfing, swimming, fishing, and sailing. Borkum, one of the many inhabited East Frisian islands, retains a sense of peacefulness despite its popularity.
4 Frauenchiemsee
Frauenchiemsee is the second largest of the three islands in Germany's Chiemsee. It belongs to the smallest municipality in Bavaria, located in the Rosenheim district of Upper Bavaria.
This lovely town is home to a few hundred inhabitants and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
On the island is a Benedictine monastery that dates back to 772 A.D. and was restored to its previous status in 1901. Visitors come to the island for the tranquility, the smoked herring, and the opportunity to learn about its history.
3 Amrum
Located south of Sylt and west of Föhr in the North Sea off the coast of Germany is the island of Amrum. A long, sandy beach stretches down the island's western coast, which meets the open North Sea.
The town of Wittdün at the island's entrance is where much of the action on Amrum takes place, thanks to its picturesque setting and plenty of cafés, restaurants, and tour boats. Amrum protects numerous marine mammal and bird species, including the grey seal and harbor porpoise.
2 Juist
Located in the southern North Sea, Juist is one of the seven East Frisian Islands and a municipality in the Aurich region of Lower Saxony, Germany. Locals call their car-free town "Töwerland," which means "magical wonderland" in the local dialect.
A large colony of seals inhabits the island and can often be seen lazing about on the sandy shores. The island is a great place to take the kids because of the stunning waterfront and the interesting mudflat hikes.
1 Reichenau
Germany's Lake Constance is home to Reichenau, a beautiful island and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reichenau is connected to the mainland by a causeway completed in 1838 and intersected by a lengthy river, the Bruckgraben.
The island is rich in history and is home to several significant landmarks, including the Benedictine Abbey of Reichenau (also known as the Abbey of Reichenau). The Reichenau Museum is a fantastic destination for history buffs.