Best of Spiekeroog

Spiekeroog Essentials

Discover the car-free North Sea island of Spiekeroog through its most significant historical and natural landmarks. This selection spans from the 17th-century Alte Inselkirche to the unique horse-drawn tram, Germany's only remaining service of its kind. Highlights include the Nationalpark-Haus Wittbülten with its sperm whale skeleton, the haunting Drinkeldodenkarkhof memorial for shipwreck victims, and the traditional brick architecture of the island's oldest residential houses.

Jhu / CC BY-SA 3.0

Alte Inselkirche

Built in 1696, this is the oldest church on the East Frisian Islands. The interior features a Renaissance pulpit and a late-Gothic winged altar.

Eilaender / CC BY-SA 4.0

Cafe Westend - Old Laramie

A long-standing pub and cafe located on the island's western edge, known for its rustic maritime atmosphere and outdoor seating.

De Utkieker

A 3.5-meter bronze sculpture by Hannes Helmke, situated on a high dune providing panoramic views of the North Sea.

Kurt Wichmann / CC BY 3.0

De Drinkeldodenkarkhof

Also known as the 'Cemetery of the Homeless,' this site serves as a memorial for the victims of the 1854 shipwreck of the 'Johanne.'

Bahnhof Historische Pferdebahn

The station for Germany’s only horse-drawn tram, which has carried passengers between the village and the Westend since 1885.

Das Alte Inselhaus

Dating back to 1705, this is one of the island's oldest houses. It features a traditional 'floating roof' and now operates as a regional restaurant.

Nationalpark-Haus Wittbülten

An environmental education center featuring a 15-meter-long sperm whale skeleton and interactive exhibits about the Wadden Sea ecosystem.

Jürgen Howaldt / CC BY-SA 2.0 de

Sankt Peter

A modern Catholic church completed in 1970, notable for its unique tent-like architectural design and minimalist interior.

Verona

The site of an English steamship that ran aground in 1883. Its remains are occasionally visible on the beach during low tide.

alter Rettungsschuppen 2

A historical lifeboat shed that once housed rescue equipment for the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service.