Heligoland Attractions Helgoland

Access

There are daily boat services from Cuxhaven, and during the season also from Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven and many mainland seaside resorts. The crossing from Bremerhaven takes three hours; a day trip allows about six hours on the island.

There are flights from Hamburg to Heligoland; in summer several times daily. The flight takes between 40minutes and an hour.

Customs regulations

Since Heligoland is a customs-free area it attracts many visitors with the prospect of buying spirits, tobacco goods, sweets, cameras, textiles, cosmetics, perfume, etc., at bargain prices. It should be borne in mind, however, that visitors who exceed the permitted allowances of duty-free goods (which are less generous than the allowances for persons traveling between European Community countries) will be charged duty when returning to the mainland. For details see a leaflet which can be obtained from the customs authorities.

History

Heligoland has belonged to Germany since 1890, when it was exchanged by Britain for the protectorate of Zanzibar. It was then developed as a naval base, and was of strategic importance during the Second World War. In April 1945 it suffered heavy damage in Allied air attacks. After the war the remaining inhabitants were evacuated, and in 1947 the fortifications were blown up. Thereafter it was used by the RAF as a bombing target. After its restoration to Germany in 1952 the reconstruction of the shattered island began.

The Island

Heligoland consists of three parts - Unterland, Mittelland and Oberland - together with the little neighboring island of Düne.