A small red train travels along a grassy shore, with the sea and a clear sky in the background. A tall red-and-white striped lighthouse stands against a clear sky, with the sun shining behind it, surrounded by green shrubs.
Germany

Wangerooge: The Easternmost of the East Frisian Islands

Guiding Ships Through the North Sea Since 1969.
 Wangerooge, Germany, July 2022

Arriving on Wangerooge, you have a choice to make: take the leisurely train ride or take a leisurely walk. I opt for the latter and set off on foot from the ferry dock, following the nearly five-kilometer path to the village. The red-brick path leads past Germany’s tallest lighthouse (67 meters) and Germany’s tallest youth hostel (56 meters), housed in the so-called Westturm and the surrounding buildings.

By the time you finally reach the village, you could stop at Café Pudding—a former World War bunker turned café—for ice cream and cake. Or you could head straight to the beach, stroll along the promenade, or climb the old lighthouse for a panoramic view. But I did none of that.

On the façade of the island’s train station, the words "Kehre wieder"—"Come back"—are painted.

That I might do.

Map of Wangerooge
A small red train travels along a grassy shore, with the sea and a clear sky in the background.
The Wangerooge Island Railway—this narrow-gauge train has connected the harbor to the village since 1897. Crossing salt marshes and tidal flats, it remains the island’s lifeline.
Two red benches sit on a grassy field with a tall orange and white lighthouse visible in the background.
A place to pause—two red benches on Wangerooge face the vast dunes and the island’s modern lighthouse.
West tower of Wangerooge: A historic tower next to modern buildings, surrounded by dunes and grassy landscapes.
West tower of Wangerooge: A tall tower with a pointed roof, surrounded by green plants and blooming roses, against a clear sky.
The West Tower of Wangerooge, built in 1932, is more than just a landmark. Still in use as a youth hostel, it offers guests panoramic views over the island and the sea.
A tall red-and-white striped lighthouse stands against a clear sky, with the sun shining behind it, surrounded by green shrubs.
The new Wangerooge lighthouse, built in 1969, stands 67 meters tall on the island’s highest dune. Still in operation, it guides ships safely through the North Sea.
Beach in Wangerooge: A wide sandy area with many beach chairs, people enjoying the day by the sea and the calm water in the background.
Viewpoint with a clock and dial, surrounded by red bricks, overlooking the beach and sea.
Steps lead up to a round building marked Café Pudding, surrounded by greenery and flowers on the stairs.
Café Pudding on Wangerooge stands atop a dune historically known as the 'Pudding'. In 1855, a navigational beacon was erected here, later replaced by a bunker during World War II. Post-war, this bunker transformed into a café.
A small house on Wangerooge: A cute gray wooden house with flowers by the entrance, surrounded by green bushes and grass.
Beach chairs on Wangerooge: Three white beach chairs stand against a backdrop of greenery on a paved path.
Wünsche House in Wangerooge: Charming building with a red tiled roof, white walls, and a green front door, surrounded by cobblestones.
Old lighthouse in Wangerooge: A cyclist rides on a paved street surrounded by trees, with a lighthouse in the background.
The old lighthouse of Wangerooge, built in 1856, now serves as an observation tower. Cyclists pass by on quiet brick-paved streets—on this island, cars are left behind.
Wangerooge: A cobblestone street lined with red brick houses, cyclists, and blooming flowers in the foreground.
Train station building in Wangerooge: Historic red-brick structure with various windows and a tall gable.
The station building of Wangerooge greets travelers with a simple message: ‘Kehre wieder’—Come back. The island’s connection to the mainland depends on this railway, linking ferries to the car-free village.