Making the most of Heligoland
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
You will be tendered ashore. The island triples in population when a cruise ship calls, as it has only a population of 1100. Rough wheather often causes the ship to cancel tender operations and bypass this port.
The main reason cruise lines use this port is to get a tax-excempt status, which is often a worth 1000's of Euros, VAT and other taxes do not have to be paid during the entire cruise and tax free stores onboard can remain open. Helgoland, also spelled Heligoland, is now a holiday resort and enjoys a tax-exempt status, as it is part of the EU but excluded from the EU VAT area and customs union, and consequently, much of the economy is founded on sales of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and perfumes to tourists who visit the islands.
Printable map to take along.
Germany has got many islands, however there is one high sea island only. About 70 km off mainland the red sand-stone rock with its green land steeples stands out against the German Sea. (German Sea = Nordsee) Helgoland – an oasis of quietude and a unique natural monument.
The island of Heligoland is a geological oddity; the presence of the main island's characteristic red sedimentary rock in the middle of the German Bight is unusual. It is the only such formation of cliffs along the continental coast of the North Sea.
Getting around
Helgoland consists of a lower, middle and upper part. It takes 184 steps to get to the upper part or one can take the elevator for a small fee.
A feature of the island is the almost total absence of car traffic, which makes it a safe and quiet location. Helgoland consists of a rather large sand stone island and a smaller island build from sand nearby. Both are worth strolling around. Not even bikes ae allowed.
Nearby places
Visit the satellite island of Heligoland, Düne. Its beaches are very beautiful and often you can find seals lying on the sand.
Food and shopping
Helgoland is a duty-free zone. Tobacco and alcohol may be purchased as well as electronics and other high-duty items.
Money
Euro. There are some ATM machines around.
In smaller establishments ask first if they accept Credit Cards.
Staying connected
German spoken. Germans are regarded as being punctual, disciplined and last but not least, a little formal. In German there are two forms of you: "Du" and "Sie." "Du" is less formal, "Sie" is more so. You almost always should use the "Sie" form and someone's last name with people you don't know.
110 -- Police Emergency 112 -- Fire Emergency or Ambulance Call
Most cafes offer free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
All stores must close no later than 8 p.m. Some close as early as 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays stores lock up at 1 or 2 p.m.; although in big city centers most stay upon until 2 or 4 p.m.
Sundays all stores are closed, except some bakeries which are open on sunday morning.