Heligoland Tourist Attractions

Situation and characteristicsThe island of Heligoland (Helgoland in German) lies in the Deutsche Bucht (Heligoland Bay) some 70km/45mi from the Elbe estuary and 50km/30mi west of the Eiderstedt peninsula. It is a rocky island of red sandstone with fringes of white dunes and a rich vegetation cover.Heligoland is now a popular holiday resort, attracting visitors with its mild climate, pure sea air and modern spa installations, as well as its duty-free facilities.The local fishermen enjoy the long-established privilege of bringing visitors ashore; incoming vessels must therefore discharge their passengers into the fishermen's boats.AccessThere 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 regulationsSince 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.HistoryHeligoland 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 IslandHeligoland consists of three parts - Unterland, Mittelland and Oberland - together with the little neighboring island of Düne.