In the midst of the raging North Sea they lie, the small places of longing known here as Halligen. The small islets on the North Frisian coast are called Langeneß, Hooge, Nordstrandischmoor, Oland, Gröde, Habel, Norderoog, Süderoog, Südfall and Hamburger Hallig. Worldwide, Halligen are just as prominent as the UNESCO World Heritage Site they are home to. "Floating dreams" - that's what the poet Theodor Storm called the unique places in the Frisian Wadden Sea. He certainly wasn't exaggerating, because even the journey to the Hallig promises a good dose of relaxation.

Halligen - the children of the North Sea

In the past centuries, the waves of the North Sea swept over the former west coast of Schleswig-Holstein and southern Denmark, washing over a vast area of land known as the Uthlande and sweeping away large parts of the soil. As a result, only a few patches of land remained. These include the Halligen. The ten islets lie northwest of Husum. Apart from the only summer dike on Hooge, the Halligen are not diked and are therefore regularly flooded. To ensure that people and animals survive the storm tides unscathed, the houses were built on so-called terps, which can be understood as artificially raised mounds of earth. Only seven of the ten Halligen are continuously inhabited. And not many people have settled here either. For example, no more than two people live on Hallig Süderoog.

Süderoog is one of ten Halligen in the North Frisian Wadden Sea, has a mound and a house. Here the two coastal conservationists live with their animals on a beautiful, small farm. Unfortunately, because of the Hallig's special location in the National Park, the two are not allowed to take in overnight guests. But a day trip to the tiny islet is worthwhile in any case. From May to October, guided mudflat walks or a boat tour (both from Pellworm) are offered. In contrast to Hallig Süderoog, things are more lively on Hooge and Langeneß. With about 100 inhabitants each, they have the highest population density on the Hallig islands and are thus considered the metropolis of the ten islets. As different as the islands are, they all offer relaxation from the hectic life on the mainland. It is fair to say that on the Hallig islands the meaning of the word "deceleration" takes on completely new dimensions.

A special kind of journey: by boat, on foot or by bike

Confucius already said "the way is the goal". And anyone who has experienced the crossing to the Halligen will almost certainly be inclined to agree with the wise philosopher. Even the journey to the Halligen is so beautiful. During the season from April to October, the best way to reach the marshlands is by boat. Some Halligen can also be reached on foot at low tide, such as Nordstrandischmoor. However, crossing the mudflats on foot is only recommended with an experienced mudflat guide. The starting point would be Lüttmoorsiel in Beltringharder Koog north of Husum. Since a kilometre-long causeway connects the Hamburg Hallig with the mainland, it is also possible to reach the peninsula by bicycle or by car.

Hallingen - let the soul dangle

It doesn't really matter which of the islets you choose. Everywhere you will find picturesque landscapes, exciting walks on the seabed and a paradisiacal seclusion. Whether you take advantage of the practical "Hallig hopping" to travel from one island to the next, explore the landscape by bike or simply want to do nothing on one of the green spots in the North Sea - The Halligen guarantees a relaxing time in which all energy reserves are replenished to the hilt.