exploring Bremen & its surrounding areas
You are here: worth seeing in the surroundings
Heligoland: the rock in the surf (2/2)
View of the South Harbor from the cliff path
At the end of the stairs in the Upper Town, if you follow the path to the left, you will arrive at what is arguably the most spectacular route on Heligoland - the Wai langs Klef, or the cliff path (Klippenrandweg). Initially, you still have a view from above of the South Harbor, but after another ascent, the name of this roughly three-kilometer-long path becomes clear: it runs along the upper edge of the cliffs, right at the precipice.
On the cliff path
The steep coastline rises up to about 50 meters, shaped by erosion. Water and wind continue to gnaw persistently at the Gatts and Hörns - the bays and rock outcrops - made of red sandstone. If you're visiting the island as a day tripper, you won't be alone on this section of the path, which winds back and forth in a zigzag pattern. The specially set-up viewing platforms offer a welcome opportunity to step aside, pause, and enjoy the view in peace.
Gannet with offspring
However, "peace" is relative here, because alongside the landscape, thousands of seabirds are the real attraction along the cliff path. Around 10,000 pairs nest annually on the Lummenfelsen (guillemot rock), even in extremely steep slopes - including guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, and gannets. There is constant coming and going, with lively communication among them. However, this only happens from spring onward; in winter, the rock lies abandoned.
Encounters on the Lummenfelsen
Since the animals are used to seeing people, you can sometimes get quite close without actually getting too near, fences protect both the animals and humans here. However, gulls are not so easily deterred; after all, a passing human might drop a crumb or two of bread as a welcome treat.
Seagull
A particularly spectacular event occurs every year at the end of June and beginning of July with the "Lummensprung" (guillemot jump), when young guillemots leap from the Lummenfelsen into the North Sea in the evening twilight.
Crowded on the Lummenfelsen - even without guillemots
A short distance from the Lummenfelsen, at the northwest tip of Heligoland, you finally encounter the island's landmark: Lange Anna (Long Anna). This 47-meter-tall freestanding rock formation was still connected to the rest of the cliff until May 1860, when the natural bridge collapsed. Erosion not only created this former arch but continues to threaten the natural monument; in the past, the rock base had to be reinforced to prevent an imminent collapse. The breakwater behind it, like the airport on the dune, was built as part of the "Hummerschere" project.
Information board at the Lummenfelsen
There is actually also a "Kurze Anna" (Short Anna), located right next door. In January 1976, a rock collapse from the main island created a second, smaller rock formation about 50 meters away - though you can't see it from the path.
Lange Anna at the northwest tip of the island
From the island's tip, the cliff path, designed as a circular route, leads back to the Upper Town and then further down to the Lower Town. With luck, you might find a nice spot in one of the many restaurants or cafés. But you are guaranteed to find peace when the day visitors stream back to the landing bridge and the South Harbor, because that's when tranquility returns to Heligoland.
Another beautiful ppot: dining at the Hummerbuden (Lobster Huts)
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Map
Further information
Heligoland Tourist Office
Lung Wai 28
27498 Deät Lun / Heligoland
Phone: +49 (0) 4725-8143-0 (Main)
Fax: +49 (0) 4725-8143-28
Email: info@helgoland.de
www.helgoland.de
Peak travel season: April - October
How to get there:
Airplanes fly from Heide/Büsum and Cuxhaven/Nordholz, www.flughafen-helgoland.de, www.fliegofd.de/inselfluege/helgoland-heidebuesum.html
A catamaran departs from Hamburg with stops in Wedel and Cuxhaven. www.helgoline.de
Ferries operate from Büsum, Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, and Sylt. www.cassen-eils.de, /www.adler-eils.de, www.adler-schiffe.de/ab-sylt/helgoland.php
Stade - on the banks of the Schwinge River
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Cuxhaven - a day trip
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The East Frisian Island Wangerooge
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