A beach in Norderney showcasing traditional beach chairs with blue and white stripes on a sandy shore under a cloudy sky. A historic anchor monument on Norderney overlooking the town and coast, with a cloudy sky and scenic landscape.
Germany

Norderney: An Island All to Myself

A Tribute to the Lost Sailors of Norderney.
 Norderney, Germany, July 2022

I barely escaped the rain on Juist, but here on Norderney, it finally caught up with me. The photos make it look harmless, but the moment I arrived, the sky opened up, and the rain came down in torrents.

Beachgoers hurriedly packed their things and left in a single-file march, abandoning the promenade and the shore. Minutes later, the island was deserted. No one in sight—just rain, wind, and the endless sea.

I wandered through the streets, past empty beach chairs, over rain-slicked boardwalks, through a spa district without a single guest. For two hours, Norderney belonged to me alone.

Then, the next ferry arrived—I stepped on board, and suddenly, the sky cleared. With my departure, the rain had apparently fulfilled its mission.

Map of Norderney
A beach promenade in Norderney with flags and a sandy shoreline, under a cloudy sky, leading to the sea and a distant pier.
Several people walk along the beach as gentle waves lap at the shore under a cloudy sky.
A seaside promenade in Norderney featuring a brick wall and wooden benches under a cloudy sky, with domed structures in the background.
A scenic view of Norderney featuring green grassland, residential houses with a distinctive orange roof, and lush trees in the background.
A beach in Norderney showcasing traditional beach chairs with blue and white stripes on a sandy shore under a cloudy sky.
A beach chair with blue and white stripes stands alone on the beach, surrounded by fine sand and a view of the water.
Three beach chairs with blue and white stripes stand on a hill under a cloudy sky, with green grass in the foreground.
Two iconic beach chairs on Norderney Island, set against a cloudy sky, surrounded by green grass.
Beach chairs are placed on a grassy area with modern buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.
Wooden terrace with several tables and benches under a roof, surrounded by green grass and a cloudy sky.
An elegant white building with pointed roofs and a tall gable, surrounded by a well-kept green hedge.
Salzoase in Norderney: A modern building with a large glass front and lettering, surrounded by grass and shrubs.
A round, white pavilion with a green roof sits on a hill, surrounded by grass and a few sun umbrellas.
A gray sky over a wide pathway surrounded by modern buildings. A round plaza in the center, lined with grassy areas.
Three pointed black sculptures stand in green grass in front of a modern building with many windows. The sky is cloudy.
Round white house with a black roof, surrounded by green shrubs and modern buildings in the background.
A viewing platform with benches overlooking a calm beach, gray sky and gentle waves in the background, surrounded by tall grass.
A view of the town of Norderney featuring modern houses and a grassy dune landscape in the foreground.
A historic anchor monument on Norderney overlooking the town and coast, with a cloudy sky and scenic landscape.
A silent reminder of the sea’s power—this anchor on Norderney commemorates lost ships and sailors who never returned.
A large, historic windmill with a thatched roof, surrounded by trees and a cobblestone patio with tables and benches.
The 'Selden Rüst' windmill on Norderney, built in 1862, once ground grain for island bakers. Today, it stands as a historic landmark, offering visitors a café experience within its preserved structure.
Rows of beach chairs sit on a grassy area by the sea, with gray clouds reflecting on the calm water surface.