Camping on Norderney: beach, ferry, weather & accommodation – tips for your vacation

Camping Norderney – Are you planning your next vacation and want to spend a few relaxing days with your loved ones?
Alongside Sylt and Borkum, Norderney is one of the most popular islands in the North Sea and is ideal for camping.
You don’t have to go too far to feel the sense of freedom, discover idyllic nature and experience a relaxing yet adventurous vacation.
Norderney promises the perfect mix of nature vacation and sightseeing.
From beach walks, bike tours and mudflat hikes to exciting museum visits and boat trips.
Whether alone, as a couple or with the family – here are our tips on the best beaches, highlights of the island and top spots for camping with a roof tent.

Beach and nature vacation with dogs and children

Vacation with dog and child – If you’re looking for a relaxed beach vacation right by the sea, Norderney is the perfect destination!
The best way to travel is with a roof tent on your car or a tent trailer in the back, as this gives you complete flexibility and freedom in your travel arrangements and allows you to decide spontaneously every morning what your day will look like and where you’re going next.
There are rooftop tents for 2 to 5 people, making it ideal for a vacation with the whole family.
Norderney promises many natural highlights, but also exciting sightseeing, which is why camping gives you the best opportunity to take in everything the North Sea island has to offer.
Before we get to our vacation tips, here is some information about Norderney in general:

Norderney from above: First impressions for your vacation

To give you an idea of what to expect on the picturesque island, you can watch a video with an all-round overview of Norderney here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clq_-uiMePA

Map: Location and arrival on the island

Norderney is one of the East Frisian Islands and is located in the North Sea in Germany.
You can easily reach this popular vacation destination by car by taking the car ferry directly from the mainland.
This is the perfect way to take your car tent with you so that you also have a place to sleep during your vacation:

Hanover to Norderney by car

This means you can easily reach the tourist island in your own car without having to book a flight.
If you are coming from Bremen or Hanover, the best route is via the A7, A27 and A1, then follow the A28 and A31 via Oldenburg to Emden and finally continue via the B210 and B72 to the car ferry, which will take you to Norderney.
You will arrive on Norderney in around 4 hours and have the rest of the day to explore the island at your leisure!

Now we come to our vacation tips:

Your bucket list for your vacation: sights & activities

Although Norderney is an island with beach and sea, it still has a very urban atmosphere.
As a result, the area impresses on the one hand with its beautiful, fairytale-like landscapes, white sandy beaches and mighty dunes and on the other hand with its exciting sights and attractions.
So there is never a dull moment here and something for everyone.

Checklist for day tourists: 5 tips!

If you only have very little time on Norderney and are planning a day trip here, you should of course still be able to take in as much of the island as possible.
That’s why I’ve picked out the top spots, sights and highlights for you here, which you should definitely do during your visit here if you have to choose the top 5:

1. Cycle tour through the dunes to the lighthouse
2. Mudflat hike + Mudflat Worlds Museum
3. Relaxing on the beach
4. Walk on the beach at sunset
5. For families: boat tour to the seal banks

This is pure vacation feeling: enjoy the sunset right on the beach! If you are planning a longer stay on Norderney and are flexible when traveling, you should do the following things:

• Visit to the old lighthouse
• Wadden Worlds National Park House
• Kaiser Wilhelm Monument
• Museum North Sea Spa Norderney
• Wreck at the east end
• Bathing museum
• Cape Norderney (beacon)

My top 2 tips as a simple route:

Lighthouse: Excursions with a view over the island

The first and probably most important place to visit is the old lighthouse on Norderney.
It is 54 meters high and you can even climb 254 steps to the very top of the viewing platform.
From there, you have a perfect view over the picturesque island.
Numerous hiking and cycling trails lead up to the lighthouse, making it the perfect place to combine a day trip with a visit to the lighthouse.
The special thing about this lighthouse is that it is left-handed, which is rare in Germany.
This is why it attracts numerous visitors from all over the world, who can see it every day between April and October.
The highlights of the lighthouse:

• Optimal panoramic view over the island
• 54 meters high
• 254 steps to the top
• Numerous hiking and cycling trails
• Counterclockwise

Here is a first impression of the lighthouse:

Watt Welten National Park House: highlight for families

The Watt Welten National Park House is a must-see during a vacation on Norderney.
Here you can learn all about the unique landscapes of the island, including the special animals and plants, and see a modern and excitingly designed exhibition.
It is best to book a guided tour so that everything you need to know and the latest news is explained and shown to you directly.
Information about the Wadden Worlds National Park House:

• Exciting information about the island
• Insights into the special animal and plant world
• Exhibition with guided tour

Here is an insight into the visitor center:

Apart from visiting exciting sights, you can also do much more on Norderney!

Things to do on your beach vacation: bike tours, hikes & more

Of course, there are plenty of things to do on the island even without the spectacular sights.
The many enchanting beaches are particularly popular with tourists visiting Norderney, as you can take a relaxing evening stroll and admire the beautiful sunset.
Extensive bike tours are also worthwhile to see as much of the island as possible and get to the popular sights at the same time.

Day trip to the beach: relaxation & “White Dune”

Norderney has many very long sandy beaches that are just waiting to be explored by you.
Here you can really relax, enjoy the sun and go for a swim.
Or you can go for a long walk on the beach and enjoy an excellent view of the sea and seagulls flying by.
Of course, there are also some nice cafés and restaurants where hungry guests can take a short break.

• Numerous long sandy beaches
• Walks on the beach
• Relaxation and swimming
• Nice cafés and restaurants

We particularly recommend the “Weiße Düne” sandy beach, which is popular because of its very soft, white sand.
Take a look at some impressions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p65INqOnpFs

Take a long walk & explore the island on foot

Of course, the first thing to do is to explore the island on foot.
Whether it’s a walk along the beach, through the dunes or salt marshes – you’ll encounter an amazing blaze of color and picturesque nature at any time of year.
The east of Norderney is particularly beautiful.
It is best to get a hiking map and a route guide at the beginning so that you can find your way around and discover the most beautiful hiking trails for yourself.
But mudflat walks are also highly recommended and of course a must when you are at the North Sea.
You can also take a boat trip to the seal banks, where you can see numerous cute seals up close.
The trip takes around 1.5 hours and is particularly recommended for families with children.
This is what awaits you on a walk on the island:

• Dunes and salt marshes
• Amazing colors and picturesque nature
• Natural hiking trails

Cycling: Tour through the dunes, the forest or along the coast

Norderney is also a very popular place for cycling.
The many beautiful roads with fantastic views and the numerous places that are well worth seeing make a bike tour worthwhile.
You should therefore hire a bike so that you can explore everything flexibly and as you wish.
You can either cycle through the dunes, through forests and nature or along the coast and promenade – it’s entirely up to you.
These are the most popular bike tours:

• Dune path from the Georgshöhe to the lighthouse (approx. 7 km)
• Forest and dune path from the Kurplatz through the center of the island to the lighthouse (approx. 7.5 km)
• Polder Wadden Trail from the Kurplatz to the harbor (approx. 12.5 km)

Fresh sea air, the sound of the water and a relaxing ride along the dunes and coast with a picturesque view – simply hire a bike and off you go!

How and where should I stay on my vacation?

Accommodation: camping instead of a vacation apartment or hotel

To make the most of the feeling of freedom and closeness to nature, you should definitely camp on Norderney!
Not only does this allow you to spend an extensive and intense time with your loved ones, but you can also plan your trip completely flexibly and individually, decide spontaneously where to go next and enjoy the idyllic, beautiful landscapes until late in the evening.
The best way to travel is with a roof tent on your car.
This is mounted on the roof of your car before the start of your vacation and can then be folded up whenever and wherever you need it.
The whole thing is super easy and can be done in just a few minutes and guarantees you a comfortable and huge sleeping area with an integrated mattress, ladder and panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the beautiful view and starry sky even when you’re in bed.
Are you convinced?
Then read more about roof tents for cars here.
Otherwise, you can also buy your own roof tent here.

Why you should go camping by the sea

• Flexible daily organization: Not bound by time and place
• Freedom in travel planning
• Cheaper alternative to a hotel or vacation apartment
• Family and pet-friendly: no restrictions for your dog
• Intense time with your loved ones
• New contacts with other families and other campers
• Located in the immediate vicinity of the beach
• A closeness to nature and a sense of freedom
• High level of comfort in a roof tent

One of the best reasons to go camping: Not only will your kids have the time of their lives, but your dog will have all the freedom too! What should I pack for a camping vacation at the beach?

Packing list for camping: checklist & tips

Nowadays, most people no longer go camping with just the bare essentials.
Instead, it can be a little more luxurious.
Instead of a 2-person tent, it is more comfortable to travel in a comfortable roof tent and important outdoor equipment such as chairs, table and loungers are also a must on the campsite.
Is tidiness the be-all and end-all for you?
There is also a practical solution for this when camping!
Here’s a checklist to help you take all the essentials with you on your camping vacation and make the most of your time.
These are the most important accessories:

• Camping furniture
• Cupboards and boxes: for tidiness when camping
• Awning or awning
• Gas stove and camping kitchen
• Mosquito spray and mosquito net
• Swimwear
• …
• You can find all the gadgets in the packing list here!

Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.

Campsite recommendations on the beach

If you’ve thought about going camping with your loved ones on your upcoming vacation, you can expect an exciting, eventful and adventurous time where you can really switch off from the stresses of everyday life.
Campfires, starry skies, nature and long conversations deep into the night – camping offers all of this.
As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should look for a suitable campsite for your vacation here.
Of course, you can also make new friends at campsites, who may even become friends for life.
That’s why a good campsite is the be-all and end-all for a successful vacation.
Here I have summarized the most popular campsites for you, all of which are spread across the island and along the coast:

Campsite Eiland Norderney

4.6 stars / 271 ratings

• Address: Klaus Harms, Am Leuchtturm 10, 26548 Norderney
• Phone: 04932 2184

To the east

4.0 stars / 120 ratings

• Address: Am Golfpl.
  3, 26548 Norderney
• Phone: 04932 618

Campsite Spilak

4.4 stars / 94 ratings

• Address: Am Leuchtturm 9, 26548 Norderney
• Phone: 04932 2174

Harms Riding Stables | Tünnbak Campsite

4.6 stars / 52 ratings

• Address: Am Leuchtturm 11, 26548 Norderney
• Phone: 04932 2108

Evaluation: Experience – what is important?

When you go camping, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria when choosing your campsite so that you can enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, a central location with enough privacy and a certain level of cleanliness of the site and sanitary facilities are important exclusion criteria that you should consider when making your choice so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
You should pay attention to these aspects when choosing a campsite:

1. Rest
2. Catering
3. Friendliness
4. Price-performance ratio
5. General cleanliness
6. Sanitary facilities
7. Sanitary cleanliness
8. Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
9. Infrastructure
10. Leisure time
11. Location

Activities: Hiking, cycling & wellness

When camping, you are always surrounded by nature and usually have direct access to popular leisure activities and attractions.
Norderney is the perfect middle ground for nature lovers and adventurers thanks to its natural landscapes and urban flair.
You can do it all on Norderney:

• Swimming in the sea
• Relaxing on the beach
• Cycling tours around the island
• Hiking in nature
• Walks along the dunes
• Riding on the beach
• Use wellness offers
• Sightseeing and shopping

What time of year is best for a vacation on Norderney?

Norderney: Temperatures & Trend

Norderney is definitely recommended for a vacation in the warmer summer months.
The average maximum temperature is around 20 degrees and the water temperature is around 14 degrees.
In summer, you can also expect water temperatures of up to 20 degrees.
Therefore, the best time to travel for a sightseeing, hiking and beach vacation is between May and August.

• Average maximum temperature: 20 degrees
• Water temperature: 14 degrees

Weather today / in three days

Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days:

FAQ: Everything about Norderney

What can you do on Norderney, where is it most beautiful and how much does the crossing to Norderney actually cost?
Here you will find all the questions that are frequently asked in connection with Norderney and the corresponding answers.

Where is the most beautiful place on Norderney?

Norderney has countless beautiful spots and places, which is why long walks, hikes or bike tours are highly recommended!
The sandy beach “Weiße Düne”, for example, is an insider tip with its fine sand and surrounding dune landscapes.

Is the island of Norderney car-free?

Norderney can also be reached by car using the car ferry, which is why there is normal road traffic on the island.
However, the entire region west of Mühlenstraße, north of Marienstraße and around the water tower is closed to all vehicles.

How long is the ferry ride to Norderney?

The ferry crossing takes less than an hour.
Of course, it can take a little longer in unfavorable weather conditions, but you can usually reach Norderney from the mainland in just 55 minutes.

How much does the ferry to Norderney cost by car?

Adults pay 21 euros for the ferry.
Children between the ages of six and 13 pay only 10.50 euros and bringing a dog costs 9 euros.
For vehicles, it depends on the length and size of the vehicle.
Cars up to 4 meters in length cost 76 euros, while vehicles over 5 meters cost 99 euros.

• Adults: 21,- Euro
• Children/teenagers up to 13 years: 10,50,- Euro
• Dogs: 9,00,- Euro
• Cars up to 4 meters: 76,- Euro
• Cars between 4 and 4.5 meters: 86 euros
• Cars between 4.5 and 5 meters: 97,- Euro
• Vehicles from 5 meters: 99,- Euro

Reading tips: Vacation by the sea in Germany

In addition to Norderney, the North Sea also has other beautiful islands to offer.
But the Baltic Sea is also an absolute recommendation.
If you haven’t quite decided where to go on your next vacation, you can find more information on other alternative destinations here.

Camping by the North Sea

North Sea – Whether it’s sunbathing on the beach, walks in nature or exciting mudflat hikes, the North Sea has much more to offer apart from Norderney and impresses with its diverse range of amazing landscapes, beaches, interesting sights and cultural highlights, so that everyone gets their money’s worth.
Here you can find out everything about a vacation in the various regions of the North Sea:

• Camping North Sea

Camping on Sylt

Sylt – You can definitely expect pure relaxation on the beach, walks in the dunes and water sports on Sylt.
There is something for everyone to see and do here, so there is never a dull moment.
Even the beaches and their guests differ from place to place.
Whether it’s a family beach, a nudist beach or a dog beach – each has its own section.
Read more about our vacation tips on recommended beaches, things to do, sights and typical food here:

• Camping Sylt

Camping on the Baltic Sea

Baltic Sea – If you like the North Sea, you’ll love the Baltic Sea too!
Blue sea, white sandy beaches and breathtaking nature await you on a vacation here.
So if you long for relaxation, peace and fresh air by the sea, you don’t have to go too far away.
Whether you’re on vacation on the Baltic Sea islands, the German or Polish part of the Baltic Sea – the popular vacation region has plenty to offer, from picturesque beaches and exciting sights to nature trails. Read our tips for a camping vacation with the whole family including children and dog here:

• Camping Baltic Sea