Halligen, North Sea islands in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
The Halligen are a group of ten small islands off the northwest German coast that lie at sea level and face regular flooding from the North Sea. Houses sit on raised earth mounds known as warften, built to keep them above the water during high tides.
These islands took their current form after powerful storm surges in the 17th and 18th centuries tore apart larger coastal areas and swept them into the sea. Survivors then built their homes on warften to protect themselves from future floods.
People here adapt their daily routines to the tides, and neighbors know each other by name across the low-lying land. The local dialect mixes German with Danish and Frisian words, reflecting centuries of contact with the surrounding coasts.
Ferries run from the mainland to some of the islands, with crossing times depending on tides and weather conditions. Visitors should bring waterproof clothing, as wind and rain are common even during summer months.
When high tides arrive, the warften can turn into isolated islands dozens of times each year as the surrounding salt marshes disappear underwater. Some residents use small boats to move between mounds and visit neighbors during these floods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
