Germany's Ten Largest Islands Offer Great Vacation Opportunities

1. Ruegen - The Largest Island in Germany

Ruegen, in the Baltic Sea, is Germany's largest island and has events throughout the year. Close to Stralsund, the island can be reached by bridge or ferry. Ruegen is rich in nature - with two national parks and miles of white sand beaches. Kap Arkona is reminiscent of the Irish coast and hotels are beautiful classical resort architecture. Windsurfers love the island and competitions are international wind surfing competitions are held annually. Take a ride on the historic narrow gauge railway through the towns of Putbus, Binz, Sellin, Baabe and Goehren. Settled 2,000 years ago, the island is rich in history. Hotels are reasonable, some as low as 30 euros per night. The "gesundheitsinsel" Ruegen offers countless spa packages.

2. Usedom - Casual Elegance, Spas, Nature and Wellness on the Baltic Sea

The entire island of Usedom on the Baltic Sea is a nature preserve. All of the hotels are certified by the German Wellness Foundation. and the historic spa architecture is lovely. Fishermen can enjoy casting for zander, pike, "Ostseeschnaepel" and trout with a tourist fishing license. The seaside resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin are home to impressive mansions from the times of Emperor Wilhelm II forward - spa architecture and art nouveau reign here still. The Kaiserbaeder (Emporer's spas) have areas reserved for naturists. Cuisine on Usedom is fantastic and the atmosphere perfect for relaxing

Only 2.5 hours from Berlin or Hamburg, you can reach Usedom via bridge from the mainland or you can take a train directly.

3. Fehmarn Island - "The Hawaii of Germany"

Fehmarn island, in the Baltic Sea, gets roughly 2,200 hours of sun a year, 185 sq. km with roughly 190 miles of shore that includes steep cliffs, sandy beaches, bays and inlets, the island is a haven for kite flyers and ornithologists. Set between the Bay of Luebeck and the Kiel Firth, Fehmarn is a lovely blend of Danish and German cultures and architecture and home to one of Germany's best golf courses, the Golfpark Feymarn. Fehmarn is on the migratory path of several species of birds and Wallnau aquatic nature reserveis a must for bird watchers.

You can enjoy a spa vacation or stay at one of around 2000 vacation homes on the island. If you are looking for a quiet and beautiful seaside retreat, Fehmarn is a good choice.

4. Sylt - Vacation Destination for Germany's Elite

Sylt is 35 km long and 13 km wide. It is the northernmost point in Germany and sits in the North Sea, a stone's throw from Denmark. Sylt is a Frisian Island and offers cylists, hikers, beach and nature enthusiasts a world of activities in a very relaxed environment. Easily reachable by train, the island is a favorite destination for Germans and has several high society events as well as events that appeal to us everyday folk. Kampen is the shining star on Sylt, with some of the highest priced real estate in Germany and beautiful thatched roof estates and lovely shops to wander through. The beaches are full of dunes, and the red cliffs are beautiful. The cuisine is great and the beaches lovely but the prices can be high.

5. Foehr Island - Small Island - Big Events - Great for Families

Foehr Island, a Frisian island in the North Sea, has only one town,Wyk, but has activities throughout the summer to delight all ages. The annual pirate week will be a hit with the kids and there are kids events almost daily from March to September. Foehr has banned all canned drinks on the island and calls itself the "Green Island" for more reasons than one. The outstanding thing about Foehr is the fact that it is truly a place the whole family can enjoy. Friendly, beautiful and laid back, Foehr is sure to be a hit with your family.

If you are planning on visiting Hamburg or Kiel, visiting Foehr will take you to a whole different world. The big-city appeal of Hamburg can be combined with a visit to Foehr for a truly delightful holiday.

6. Pellworm Island in the Wattensee National Park

Pellworm Island, one of the North Sea Frisian islands, does permit cars but encourages cycling and walking. With one policeman and 1,000 residents including children, it is not someplace you are likely to get lost unless you wander out on the mud flats too far (highly discouraged). Situated in the Schleswig-Holstein Waddensee National Park, the island is perfect for a quiet getaway. There are 2,000 vacation rentals available on Pellworm island and if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday, you will definitely find it here. Settled thousands of years ago, there are interesting archaelogical sites as well as the natural beauty of the quiet island.

7. Poel - Little Sweden in the Baltic Sea

Poel, a Baltic Sea island, is only less than 20 square miles. Poel offers guests the chance to relax in one of its spas or vacation houses in a pastoral setting close to beaches and without the hustle-bustle of some of the other German islands. Settled over 2,000 years ago, there is a long history of pirates and shipping that Poel celebrates at various times throughout the year. Poel was once part of Sweden and has a turbulent history as does much of Mecklenberg-Pommerania. Try some of the typical regional dishes which include eel and a variety of Baltic Sea fish including Poel Krabben (tiny shrimp).

8. Borkum - Wellness in the North Sea

Borkum island is located 22 miles off the coast of Germany and easily accessible by ferry. Borkum, part of the Waddensee National Park, provides a myriad of opportunities for water sports and beach activities, a favorite being buggy kiting. The Neue Leuchtturm (lighthouse) which presides over the island provides a view of the island, with its dunes, beaches and wide expanses of green. A stay in one of many of the vacation homes on Borkum is always a pleasant experience and the cuisine is delectable, especially the Borkum prawns ("Granat"), cooked onboard the fishing boats in sea water and served with Borkum rye bread and butter. Gezeitenland, the main island spa provides something for the entire family and makes for a great day outting.

9. Nordeney

Norderney is a North Sea Frisian island that is about seven miles long and one and a half mile wide. The northern side of the island is home to a seven mile long white sand beach and it is neighbored by the two smaller islands of Baltrum and Juist - both within swimming distance (although I probably wouldn't try it). The eastern half of the island, part of the Wattenmeer National Park, is a haven for nature lovers and animals and birds that inhabit the island.

Easily accessible by ferry, Nordeney offers lodging, spa facilities, fine cuisine and cultural events and festivals throughout the year. You can also take advantage of the elegant spa, Nordeney Badehaus which offers a wide variety of programs and services to top off your stay.

10. Amrum

Amrum is one of my favorite German islands, it is both charming and laid back, you can wander through one of its five villages, stay in a small hotel or a vacation home and climb the dunes along the Europe's widest beach. The wind and waves of the North Sea make for excellent wind surfing and kite flying and 100 foot high dunes grace the landscape. Just ten square miles, you can really get to know the island and you definitely don't need a car. The forests and heath in the middle of the island are a surprising contrast to the beach landscape and walking the island is one of the pleasures of staying on Amrum. Amrum is reachable by train and ferry. Auto access is limited and cars need to be registered in with the island in advance.