A small red train travels along a grassy shore, with the sea and a clear sky in the background. A cyclist on a paved path, passing by a red lighthouse surrounded by green trees and houses.
Germany

Wangerooge: The Easternmost of the East Frisian Islands

The Old Lighthouse Watches Over Wangerooge’s Quiet Streets.
 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.
A tall tower with a pointed roof stands on a hilltop, surrounded by blooming greenery and bright sunlight.
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.
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 cyclist on a paved path, passing by a red lighthouse surrounded by green trees and houses.
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.
Red and white brick building facade with a turret and many windows, surrounded by trees and parking details.
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.