Don’t let its size fool you: With miles of pristine beaches and a quaint village, the small German island of Langeoog will enchant you.
With pristine beaches and an idyllic village covering its 7.6 square miles (4 square kilometers), it’s little wonder that Langeoog is nicknamed the “Island of Life.”
Langeoog is a part of the East Frisian Islands, which lie off the coast of Lower Saxony in the North Sea. A town sits at the western half of the island, leaving the rest of the boomerang-shaped landform untouched. Nearly 2,000 people live in the Langeoog. Despite its small size, the village has a bustling tourist industry with a variety of idyllic guesthouses and restaurants lining its streets. Be sure to look for its many historic buildings, such as the iconic Water Tower that sits in the center of town.
The town also has a spa offering full treatments and relaxing facilities. Langeoog is known for its pristine and unpolluted air, making it a favored destination for people suffering from health ailments. When not strolling through the town, relax by the ocean. The pristine beach stretches nearly nine miles (14 kilometers), making it an ideal place to spend the afternoon. Throughout the year visitors will find volleyball nets, beach chairs and surfboards as fixtures on the sand.
During World War II, the German Navy built a large harbor along the island’s shores. It still stands today so that you can admire the many sailboats moored to the dock. Some boats charter tours around the island to complete your seaside adventure.
Langeoog stands out because of its eccentricities. No cars are allowed on the island, so visitors can explore by foot or rented bicycles. Horse-drawn taxis are also available in the village proper.
You can catch a ferry to Langeoog from the coastal German town of Bensersiel. Boats depart every two hours, making it easy to travel from the island to the mainland. Upon landing on Langeoog, a train service called the Inselbahn brings passengers into the village. The island also has a small airport. Barely three miles from the German mainland, Langeoog provides a getaway that will make you feel like you’ve entered another world.
