Scattered along the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, the North Frisian Islands form part of the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. Not only do they have a unique culture and language (the dialect of Frisian) but their stunningly diverse landscapes have made them a coastal playground.
You can learn about island life throughout the centuries at the Old Frisian House, which occupies an 18th-century thatched-roof home on the island of Sylt. History buffs should make a point of visiting the Neolithic passage grave of Denghoog, while nature lovers can get hands-on at the interactive Erlebniszentrum Naturgewalten.
Centuries-old hamlets dot the peaceful island of Föhr, which is fringed by bird-filled mudflats and beaches where harbour seals are sometimes spotted. Surfing, sailing and kiteboarding are all popular activities along the coast of Amrun, with the western half of the island dominated by a 12-kilometre-long stretch of sand.
Getting there
Sylt Airport is the main aviation gateway to the North Frisian Islands and has flights to destinations across Germany. A railway also connects to Westerland on Sylt via the Hindenburgdamm, while ferries are the main means of accessing the other islands in the archipelago.