Norderney
You didn't know Germany had beaches? Well, it does! Norderney is a small island in the North Sea and definitely worth visiting, even only for a day! You can take a train to Norddeich Mole and jump on the ferry, which takes you directly to Norderney. It costs you about 20€ for a return ticket.
First thing you have to do when you arrive is getting your beach chair. As German beaches are often very windy, beach chairs offer a great shelter. You can find small houses along the beach offering day rentals. Grab some food, bring a nice book, and just relax. If the beach chairs are all rented out, don't worry. Just bring a towel and lie in the sand - just be aware of the wind.
If you feel like having a drink or getting lunch, definitely visit the Milchbar, a really nice bar and restaurant by the sea. They often have life music during the day. A Travelfriends' insider tip: Make sure to get a seat outside and order a 'Milchreis' with cinnamon and sugar for the real German experience!
If you want to spoil yourself, you should visit one of Norderney's spas. A number of hotels have their spa areas open to the public for a small entrance fee. You can use the swimming pool, the sauna, or get great massages and skin treatments.
The White Sands Festival in Norderney is a yearly event with great athletes. If you can manage to visit the island in May, you have to go! You can sit directly on the beach, relax, and watch Volleyball and Windsurfing competitions, while sunbathing with a delicious cocktail in your hand.
If you feel like having a drink or getting lunch, definitely visit the Milchbar, a really nice bar and restaurant by the sea. They often have life music during the day. A Travelfriends' insider tip: Make sure to get a seat outside and order a 'Milchreis' with cinnamon and sugar for the real German experience!
If you want to spoil yourself, you should visit one of Norderney's spas. A number of hotels have their spa areas open to the public for a small entrance fee. You can use the swimming pool, the sauna, or get great massages and skin treatments.
The White Sands Festival in Norderney is a yearly event with great athletes. If you can manage to visit the island in May, you have to go! You can sit directly on the beach, relax, and watch Volleyball and Windsurfing competitions, while sunbathing with a delicious cocktail in your hand.
What to pack
Definitely bring some good books! Most of the time you will relax in your beach chair watching the waves and forgetting about the rest. When you visit in Summer, bring your swimsuit. In Winter you'd better pack the warmest clothes you have, a raincoat and water-resistant boots, as this beach is probably the coldest in Europe.