Norderney to Heligoland

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Phil

Day 3, 12 hours, 54 nm, departure: 5am

We left the mildly interesting island of Norderney at 5 am, so we would have a better chance to get to Cuxhaven by the end of the day. We soon figured out that our plan was not realistic due to the lack of wind and unfavorable direction. So we changed the destination to Heligoland, a small island closer than Cuxhaven. In fact, every day, we make a plan and then end up changing it. This is part of the pleasures of sailing.

Marius, braving through the wind and rain

while Philippe sitting inside comfy

Heligoland turned out to be a tiny (only 1.7 km2), but delightful Island. As we had a shorter sailing day than planned, we had time to explore the island. So we went for a two-hour hike from one end, Heligoland town with its harbor, to the other. It was along a spectacular path to a 47-meter-high rock called “Lange Anna”.

Heligoland town

Rows of colorful houses at the port

Apparently, this island is a mecca for bird-watchers that are running around with humongous telescopes and big cameras. We enjoyed observing countless birds and admired rugged, spectacular red sand cliffs and coastline.