Germany’s lesser-known islands offer exactly what many people are looking for today: less hustle and bustle, more nature and authentic experiences. Whether it’s North Sea mudflats, Baltic beaches or tranquil landscapes, when it comes to a short break it is often the small islands that offer the greatest relaxation.

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Hiddensee: Baltic island for slowing down

Hiddensee in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania may no longer be an insider tip among island enthusiasts, but for many travellers it is still less familiar than Rügen or Usedom. The island in the Baltic Sea is only about 17 kilometres long, is car-free, and is explored mainly by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or on foot.

The long sandy beaches, the dune landscapes and the Dornbusch headland in the north with its lighthouse are particularly appealing.

Ummanz: island feeling without the island stress

Ummanz lies to the west of Rügen, also in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and is one of the quietest islands in the German Baltic Sea. It is connected to Rügen by a bridge, which makes it especially easy to reach for a short stay.

The low-lying landscape of meadows, salt marshes and small villages is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. In autumn, thousands of cranes stop over here – a spectacular natural show.

Poel: Baltic Sea holidays without mass tourism

Poel lies between Wismar and the island of Rügen and is often underestimated. This Baltic island offers wide beaches, small villages and a laid-back atmosphere.

Cycling tours along the coast, walks along the cliffs and visits to the historic lighthouse in Timmendorf are particularly popular. Poel is a good alternative for anyone who wants that Baltic Sea feeling but would rather avoid the hustle and bustle of larger resorts.

Vilm: Germany’s little nature island

Vilm, off the coast of Rügen, is one of Germany’s most strictly protected islands. Only a small number of visitors are allowed onto the island each day. It is known for its ancient beech forest, its untouched nature and its importance as a conservation area. Visits are only possible as part of guided tours.

Neuwerk: an island holiday in the middle of the Wadden Sea

The small island of Neuwerk belongs politically to Hamburg but lies around 100 kilometres away in the Wadden Sea off the coast of Lower Saxony. It is part of the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park.

At low tide the island can be reached on foot or by horse-drawn mudflat wagons. The historic lighthouse dating from the 14th century is the island’s landmark. Anyone who stays overnight experiences a very special atmosphere: at night there is almost complete silence and a spectacular canopy of stars.

East Frisia: a nature paradise with plenty of peace and quiet

Baltrum is the smallest inhabited East Frisian island and is often described as the “Sleeping Beauty of the North Sea”. Covering less than seven square kilometres, the island can easily be explored on foot.

There are no cars here; instead, bicycles, horse-drawn carts and the sound of the sea set the pace. Mudflat walks, long strolls along the beach and sweeping views over the North Sea make Baltrum an ideal destination for a short break.

Langeoog may be one of the better-known East Frisian islands, but it still feels considerably quieter than the big North Sea resorts. This car-free island offers kilometre-long sandy beaches, dunes and a rich variety of birdlife.

A short trip to Langeoog is especially worthwhile in spring or autumn, when the island is less busy and walks by the sea are particularly impressive.

Spiekeroog is one of the quietest of the East Frisian islands. The car-free island is known for its pristine dunes, old lime-tree avenues and its kilometre-long beach. Unlike some of its neighbours, Spiekeroog relies less on large holiday complexes and more on nature, tranquillity and relaxation. Walks through the dunes, mudflat hikes and cycling excursions are especially popular.

Wangerooge is the easternmost of the inhabited East Frisian islands and is well suited to a long weekend away. The island is car-free and, alongside its beaches, offers nature reserves with seabirds and seals. A particular highlight is the trip on the island railway from the harbour to the village.

Juist, at around 17 kilometres in length but only a few kilometres wide, is one of the longest East Frisian islands. With horse-drawn carriages instead of cars, the island is remarkably quiet. Its broad sandy shore, the Wadden Sea and the wide horizons make Juist a popular destination for nature-focused holidays.

Arngast is no longer a classic holiday island, but it makes for a fascinating excursion. The former island in the Jade Bight near Wilhelmshaven is best known for the Arngast lighthouse, which stands in the middle of the Wadden Sea. At low tide you can experience this striking landscape on guided mudflat walks.

Islands in southern Germany: time out on Lake Chiemsee

It is not only the North Sea and Baltic that offer island experiences. Southern Germany also has some very special islands, right in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. The islands of Lake Chiemsee show that you do not necessarily have to head for the sea to get that island feeling.

Fraueninsel: monastery, gardens and Bavarian island charm

Fraueninsel is probably the best-known of Chiemsee’s islands and also one of the most atmospheric. The island covers just 15 hectares, is car-free and can easily be explored on foot. At its heart lies the historic Benedictine convent of Frauenwörth, usually called Frauenchiemsee Abbey, which is still home to nuns. The convent was founded in 782 by the Bavarian Duke Tassilo III and is one of the oldest surviving women’s monasteries in Germany.

Alongside the convent, small gardens, old fishermen’s houses, narrow paths and numerous arts-and-crafts shops shape the island’s appearance. The combination of lake, mountains and historic architecture gives Fraueninsel its very special atmosphere.

Krautinsel: the quiet nature paradise on Lake Chiemsee

Krautinsel is the smallest of the three main islands on Lake Chiemsee and at the same time the most unspoilt. It is uninhabited and serves primarily as a nature reserve. It owes its name to its former use: vegetables, especially cabbages, were once grown on the island to supply the inhabitants of the surrounding islands.

Today, Krautinsel is above all a refuge for plants and animals. The flat, green island with its meadows and reed beds gives an impression of how pristine the landscape around Lake Chiemsee once was. Landing on the island is not permitted – the best way to see it is from a boat or while cruising across the lake.

It shows that an island experience does not always have to be about beaches and bathing holidays.

Herreninsel: royal history and nature trails

Herreninsel, at around 230 hectares, is the largest island in Lake Chiemsee and is famous for Herrenchiemsee Palace. King Ludwig II of Bavaria had the palace built from 1878 onwards, modelled on the Palace of Versailles – as an homage to the French king Louis XIV.

Away from this main visitor attraction, large parts of Herreninsel consist of woodland, meadows and peaceful walking paths. Anyone who leaves the main routes behind will find quiet spots with views over the lake and towards the Alps.