Which Borkum beach is right for me: Nordbad, Südbad, Jugendbad or FKK?
Choosing the right beach on Borkum depends on your preferences. The Nordbad (North Beach) is the main beach, located right by the town promenade with many cafes, shops, and the music pavilion; it's lively and popular with all visitor types. The Südbad (South Beach) is generally quieter and more family-oriented, with a designated dog beach area. The Jugendbad (Youth Beach) is a natural, undeveloped beach with no chair rentals, offering a sense of seclusion and space for activities. The FKK-Strand is the designated nudist beach, located a bit further out near the airfield, offering a quiet and liberated atmosphere.
Can you swim in the sea at Borkum and is it safe?
Yes, you can swim in the North Sea at Borkum, but it is safest within the designated swimming areas marked by red and yellow flags. These zones are monitored by DLRG (German Life Saving Association) lifeguards during set times. Outside of these supervised areas, swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents, tides, and underwater obstacles. Always pay attention to the flag signals on the lifeguard stations: a red flag means bathing is prohibited, and a yellow flag indicates dangerous conditions where you should only swim with caution.
Do I need to rent a beach chair on Borkum, or can I bring my own tent?
You have both options on Borkum. Renting a traditional Strandkorb (hooded beach chair) or a colorful Borkumer Strandzelt (beach tent) is very popular and recommended, especially on windy days. Several vendors rent them daily or weekly at the main beaches (Nordbad, Südbad, FKK-Strand). You can also bring your own beach shelter or tent (Strandmuschel), which is common at the more natural Jugendbad where no rentals are available. Pre-booking a chair or tent online is advisable during peak season.
Is Borkum a good destination for a family beach holiday?
Borkum is considered an excellent destination for families. The main beaches, particularly the Südbad, offer gentle, shallow water access and are supervised by lifeguards. The island provides numerous family-friendly activities, from building sandcastles and searching for the legendary pirate Störtebeker's treasure to playgrounds on the beach. Many accommodations are geared towards families, and attractions like the Gezeitenland swimming pool offer alternatives for less sunny days.
Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Borkum?
Yes, Borkum is very dog-friendly, but dogs are only allowed on specifically designated dog beaches. You can find these sections at the Nordbad, Südbad, and the FKK beach. In these areas, your dog can run and play freely. However, on the main bathing beaches and promenades, dogs must be kept on a leash, and they are not permitted in the main swimming zones. There are also designated off-leash areas away from the main beaches.
What are the tides like and how do they affect a beach day?
The tides are very pronounced on Borkum, with a cycle of high tide (Flut) and low tide (Ebbe) occurring roughly every six hours. At low tide, the water recedes significantly, exposing a vast area of the seabed (the Wadden Sea), which is perfect for walking but not for swimming. Swimming is only possible around high tide. The tide times shift daily, so it's crucial to check a tide calendar (Gezeitenkalender) to plan your swimming and beach activities accordingly.
How do I get from the town center to the different beaches?
The Nordbad is directly accessible on foot from the main town center and its promenade. To reach the Südbad, Jugendbad, or the FKK-Strand, biking is the most popular and scenic option, with well-maintained paths through the dunes. It's about a 10-minute bike ride to the FKK beach, for example. There is also a local bus service that has stops near the FKK beach and other points on the island.
Borkum or Norderney for a beach holiday?
Choosing between Borkum and Norderney depends on your preferred holiday style. Borkum is the largest East Frisian island and is known for its expansive, diverse beaches and a more relaxed, nature-focused atmosphere, making it great for families and those seeking a balance of activity and tranquility. Norderney has a more urban, lively, and chic feel, with a vibrant town, more shopping, and a bustling event calendar. While both have beautiful beaches, Norderney is generally considered more bustling, whereas Borkum offers a more laid-back, spacious beach experience.
What are the 'Milchbuden' on Borkum's beaches?
The 'Milchbuden' are traditional, iconic beach kiosks found along Borkum's beaches. Historically, they sold dairy products like fresh milk and buttermilk to beachgoers. Today, they have evolved into beloved snack bars offering a range of food and drinks, from classic fish sandwiches (Fischbrötchen) and fries to coffee and cake, all enjoyed with a view of the sea. They are a quintessential part of the Borkum beach culture.
Is there a nudist beach on Borkum?
Yes, there is a dedicated nudist (FKK - Freikörperkultur) beach on Borkum. It is located in the northern part of the island, near the airport, in a scenic dune landscape. The FKK-Strand is an official bathing beach supervised by lifeguards and offers amenities like beach chair rentals and a nearby snack bar, the 'Dünenbudje'. It's known for being quieter and more relaxed than the main beaches.
What is there to do on the beach if the weather is bad for swimming?
Even without swimming, Borkum's beaches offer plenty to do. A long walk along the 26km of coastline is popular in any weather. At low tide, you can take a guided walk on the tidal flats (Wattwanderung). The strong winds are perfect for flying kites. You can also relax in a sheltered Strandkorb, read a book, and enjoy the fresh sea air. For a complete escape from the weather, the 'Gezeitenland' complex near the Nordbad offers indoor swimming pools, a sauna with a sea view, and an indoor surfing wave.
Are there beach bars or places to get a drink with a sea view?
Yes, Borkum has a great selection of beach bars and cafes, especially along the promenade at the Nordbad. You can find everything from casual 'Milchbuden' to stylish lounge bars like 'Ria's Beach' or 'Geeske & der swarte Roelf', where you can enjoy a coffee, a local beer, or a sundowner cocktail with a direct view of the North Sea. These spots are popular with both locals and visitors for watching the sunset.