53°45′N 7°29′E
Langeoog
Langeoog: The Perfect Hidden Gem for Families
Why Langeoog?
"Langeoog: The Island for Life" – that's how Langeoog is often described. And indeed, it seems true: most people you meet here during vacation time have been coming to this small island off the coast of East Frisia for their entire lives. They love the wild nature, the fine 14 km long sandy beach, the down-to-earth, family-friendly atmosphere, and the diverse sports activities. You won’t find glitz and glamour here. Langeoog is unpretentious. If Sylt is synonymous with oysters and champagne, then Langeoog stands for crab rolls and white wine. Although, you can still find oysters and champagne on Langeoog, for example, from May to August at the popular Ebbe & Flut restaurant in the village center.
There are, however, some vacationers who don’t return. In the 1990s, a few summers were quite rainy. But nowadays, when German summers are as hot as they once were only in the south, this is rare. While the mainland can become unbearable during the warm season, the climate on Langeoog is pleasant, refreshing, and mild. This might also be one of the reasons why more and more young urban families, some even from abroad, are flocking here. And yes, it can occasionally rain, be rough, and windy – after all, the island, about 20 square kilometers in size, is located in the North Sea. Langeoog has always been popular. But it seems to be becoming even more popular now, perhaps also because flying is becoming increasingly uncomfortable and (rightly) more expensive.
The vacation begins on the ferry. Once you arrive at the Langeoog harbor and board the colorful island train, you feel like you're in an idyllic children’s book. One particularly charming book that builds anticipation for the island is "Bärenstarke Ferien auf Langeoog" by Susanne Adam-von Haken.
The air on Langeoog is fresh, clean, and salty. The gulls screech, and otherwise, it's quiet. Cars are not allowed. You feel that immediately. Langeoog is a bicycle island. There are plenty of rental options. The most beautiful tour takes you across the island through untouched nature to the Meierei, a traditional and classic Langeoog restaurant. Be sure to try the fresh sour milk with sea buckthorn and black bread! If you wish, continue the tour to the east end of the island – also called "Osterhook." There, you’ll find a viewing platform where you can even spot seals. On the way to the Meierei, there is also the natural beach, always worth a stop. The beach here is pristine, quiet, and beautiful.
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Why is Langeoog perfect for families?
When you have children, you truly appreciate how family-friendly the island is. It's easily accessible, especially from North Rhine-Westphalia, Bremen, and Hamburg. Drive to Bensersiel (about 3 hours from Düsseldorf) and take the ferry, which takes around 45 minutes. The island is also relatively easy to reach by train. For minimal transfers, travel to Bremen and take a bus to Bensersiel. The North Sea island offers plenty for families with young children: building sandcastles on the beach, mudflat hiking, fishing boat trips, flying kites, playing rounders, or jumping on the trampoline at Antje's Beach Kiosk, right across from the colorful booths. Near the airfield, there's a gigantic playground for all ages. You can also go horse riding nearby, take a pony carriage ride, and play mini-golf. In bad weather, little ones can spend time in the Spöölstuv, the island's playhouse. A small tip: don’t forget to bring socks! There’s also a saltwater swimming pool with two kids' pools and a large slide, perfect for rainy days. Or how about a cozy cinema visit? At the island artist Anselm's studio, kids (and adults) can get creative. His granddaughter, Carmen, now offers painting classes here. For teenagers and young adults, the offerings are a bit more limited, especially since Düne 13, a cult pub with a sea view and a meeting point for young Langeoog visitors, has closed. However, those who vacationed on Langeoog as children often return as teens. After all, Langeoog is the island for life. There are even rumors that Düne 13 will reopen someday, albeit in a different location!
Reviewed by:
Anna Ostrowski
Travel Scout
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