Borkum
Borkum Hafen · Fischerbalje
53°34.7'N 06°42.7'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for the approach channel in 2–5m at HW. The Ems estuary approach gives slightly more water than the central Frisian islands — but still tidal. Anchor on a long scope (6:1) to allow for ebb swing. Check current Ems estuary BSH chart.
About This Anchorage
Borkum is the westernmost and largest of the East Frisian Islands — a 36 km² island with two lighthouses, a full-service resort town of 5,000 inhabitants, and the only direct rail connection to the island chain (the Borkum Kleinbahn narrow-gauge railway from the harbour to town). The island's position at the mouth of the Ems estuary gives it slightly more water on approach than the central Frisian islands. Borkum was a major seaside resort from the 1880s — the Jugendstil and Wilhelmine architecture of the resort quarter is exceptionally well-preserved. The two lighthouses (Alter Leuchtturm, 1576 rebuild, and Neuer Leuchtturm, 1879) are among the most photographed in Germany. The island is one of the first German landfall points when crossing from the Netherlands.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S · SE
Exposed To
E · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (approach channel); harbour fee approx €15–18/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO Wattenmeer National Park — identical rules to all East Frisian islands; tidal approach only (2h either side of HW); Ems estuary traffic separation scheme — monitor VHF 16 for large vessel movements; bird sanctuary areas closed Apr–Aug.
Hazards
- !Tidal approach via Randzel channel — 2h either side of HW only; Ems estuary tides can run 4kt at springs
- !Ems estuary commercial traffic — large vessels use the Ems TSS; monitor VHF 16 and AIS at all times in the approach
- !UNESCO Wattenmeer — do not anchor on sandbanks or tidal flats; strict enforcement
- !Strong NW–W winds funnel between Borkum and Rottumerplaat (Dutch territory) — gale conditions possible in autumn
- !Channel buoys and waypoints change seasonally — current Ems estuary chart essential
Skipper's Tips
- →Borkum makes an excellent Germany-Netherlands border crossing stop: 15nm from Schiermonnikoog (NL) and on the Dutch Waddenzee route
- →The Borkum Kleinbahn (narrow-gauge railway) runs from the harbour to the town centre — buy the day ticket for unlimited journeys; it's the only island railway in the East Frisian chain
- →Both lighthouses offer guided climbs (seasonal, summer): the Neuer Leuchtturm (1879) at 60m is one of the tallest in the German Bight — views across to the Netherlands on clear days
- →The Jugendstil resort architecture in the Kurquartier is exceptional: the spa buildings, casino, and street of turn-of-century villas are among the finest in North Germany
- →Approach from Emden via the Randzel channel (marked on current chart): deepest and most reliable approach to Borkum for yachts drawing up to 2.0m
Facilities
Full resort town: restaurants, cafes, supermarkets in town (10 min by Kleinbahn or bicycle). Harbour front cafes. Ferry connections to Emden.
Nearest provisions: Borkum town (Kleinbahn to town) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. The Ems approach is manageable in moderate conditions but demanding in fresh onshore wind — do not attempt in W or NW F5+ when seas build in the shallow approach.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
On the German North Sea coast, tidal currents and North Sea swells make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS