Located at the western end of Borkum Island, Borkum is a popular seaside town framed by a sweeping peninsula of sand. Borkum is the most westerly of the East Frisian Islands and offers scenic views across the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. The town of Borkum is home to Germany’s oldest island train and a family-friendly wellness centre.
Things to do in Borkum
Enjoy a ride on the Borkumer Kleinbahn, a narrow-gauge railway that travels between Borkum’s port and the centre of town. It’s the oldest island railway in Germany, with operation beginning in 1888. Jump aboard one of the passenger cars and travel via a vintage steam locomotive or experience a ride on the 1940s “Pig’s Nose” rail bus.
Rising 60 metres above the streets of Borkum is the Borkum Great Light, which is one of the tallest brick lighthouses in the world. It was constructed in 1879 in a record-breaking six months and is open to the public between April and October. Climb the 308 steps that lead to the top for spectacular views across the island of Borkum.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to Gezeitenland, a family-friendly water park and wellness centre designed like an ocean liner. You can swim laps in the Adventure Pool and test your surfing skills on the Flow Rider or brave the 75-metre-long Giant Slide. There’s also a rejuvenating sauna with North Sea views and massage treatments are available.
Getting around Borkum
Borkum Airfield is a 10-minute drive from Borkum and has regular flights to Emden while ferries connect from the port to both Emden and Eemshaven in the Netherlands. The port and centre of Borkum are connected by the Borkumer Kleinbahn and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.