Borkum

Borkum is a coastal municipality on the westernmost East Frisian island in Lower Saxony, Germany. The settlement extends from the harbor to the old lighthouse across flat dune terrain with beachfront promenades and paved walkways.

Two separate islands merged in 1863 into a single landmass after centuries of natural sediment deposits. Roman chroniclers mentioned this area under the name Burchana fabaria in ancient writings.

The name comes from an old designation meaning bean island, a reference observers recorded in Roman times. Today locals speak Low German alongside standard German, and many street signs appear in both languages.

Ferries run daily from the mainland and bring visitors to the harbor, where a narrow-gauge railway waits. Most streets remain car-free, so travelers move around on foot or by bicycle.

Gulf Stream winds create milder winters here than on the mainland, allowing some plants to thrive that otherwise would not survive at this latitude. Even in January, air temperatures often stay above freezing.

Location: Leer

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

Website: https://stadt-borkum.de

GPS coordinates: 53.58806,6.66972

Latest update: December 16, 2025 07:23