Colorful beach chairs dot the bright sandy shore, with the sea visible in the background under a clear sky. A historic water tower stands on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and shrubs, under a clear sky.
Germany

Langeoog: A Splash of Color

Langeoog’s water tower stands atop one of the island’s dunes.
Langeoog, Germany, July 2022

Langeoog greets its visitors without any fanfare. No welcoming committee at the ferry dock, no waving crowds—just a woman on the station bridge, watching the arrivals with mild disinterest. But there’s no time for boredom on my end—I have only about an hour and a half before my ship departs again.

One thing stands out immediately: Langeoog is more colorful than the other islands. On the beach, countless brightly painted Strandkörbe—traditional wicker beach chairs—are scattered seemingly at random, creating an almost chaotic scene. The same lively atmosphere continues along the promenade: colorful facades, inviting cafés, and a laid-back, unpretentious vibe. Everything here feels a little more relaxed, a little less polished than on the neighboring islands.

And above this vibrant mix, like a quiet observer, stands the water tower, Langeoog’s unmistakable landmark. Another architectural highlight is the modern St. Nicholas Church. Unfortunately, the doors were locked—I would have loved to take a look inside.

Map of Langeoog
Langeoog: Colorful train cars at a station with a wooden bridge above, set in a rural landscape.
Colorful beach chairs in front of the Rathaus building in Langeoog, showcasing a charming courtyard scene surrounded by greenery.
A red brick building with large windows surrounded by greenery and a white picket fence in Langeoog. Ideal for a coastal getaway.
A historic water tower stands on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and shrubs, under a clear sky.
Langeoog’s water tower, built in 1909, stands atop one of the island’s dunes. Once essential for fresh water supply, today it serves as a landmark with panoramic views.
Langeoog beach promenade: A wooden path leads through the sand to a beach filled with colorful loungers and green dunes on the side.
Beach on Langeoog: Colorful beach chairs stand on the sand, surrounded by ropes and flags, with people in the background.
Colorful cabins along the promenade in Langeoog: Three women stroll past brightly painted cabins in red, blue, and yellow.
Colorful houses on Langeoog: Several adjacent buildings in yellow, red, and green with large windows and a simple walkway.
Dune at the beach of Langeoog: A sandy path leads through green bushes to the sea, where a few people are relaxing on the shore.
Beach on Langeoog: Colorful beach chairs on the sandy shore, with many people relaxing near the water.
Colorful beach chairs dot the bright sandy shore, with the sea visible in the background under a clear sky.
Langeoog’s beach is lined with numbered Strandkörbe, a North Sea staple that offers shelter from wind and sun. The island’s ban on cars makes walking and cycling the only way to get around.
Langeoog: St. Nicholas Church with a distinctive tower, surrounded by greenery and a brick path.
The Catholic St. Nicholas Church on Langeoog, consecrated in 1964, stands out with its striking modern design. Its bell tower, shaped like a ship’s bow, reflects the island’s deep connection to the sea.
Water tower on Langeoog: A white water tower with a red roof stands over gentle, green dunes in a field of dry grass.