Wangerooge
Wangerooge Hafen · Harlesiel connection
53°47.4'N 07°52.8'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for the tidal pool in 2–4m at HW. Wangerooge is the easternmost Frisian island — beyond here, the coast becomes the Jade Bight and the approach to Wilhelmshaven. Mud bottom holds well but ebb current is significant — check anchor set at the start of ebb.
About This Anchorage
Wangerooge is the easternmost of the seven inhabited East Frisian Islands — its position marks the transition from the Frisian island chain to the open Jade Bight and the Weser/Elbe estuaries. The island is car-free (like Juist) and has approximately 1,200 permanent inhabitants. The red and white striped lighthouse (Neuer Leuchtturm, 1969, 65m) is one of the tallest in Germany and visible from well offshore. The old tower (Alter Turm, 14th century ruin) in the village is the oldest surviving structure on any East Frisian island. Wangerooge is less visited by yachts than Norderney or Borkum — making it quieter and more authentic. The approach from Harlesiel crosses through a spectacular section of the Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer with extensive bird life.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW · S
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (tidal pool); harbour fee approx €12–15/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Car-free island; UNESCO Wattenmeer strict rules; Harle channel approach HW only; bird sanctuary areas closed Apr–Aug; no access to Minsener Oog (military training area 3nm east).
Hazards
- !Harle channel approach shifts seasonally — current BSH chart essential; approach HW only
- !Minsener Oog (3nm east) is an active military firing range — check current NOTAM before approaching eastern Wangerooge
- !No fuel on island — plan from Cuxhaven, Wilhelmshaven, or Harlesiel
- !Car-free island means no road access for emergency services — island has horse ambulance
- !UNESCO Wattenmeer — extensive bird sanctuary areas particularly on the western tidal flats
Skipper's Tips
- →Wangerooge is the quietest of the East Frisian islands from a sailing perspective — less visited, more authentic, and a genuine local resort rather than tourist honeypot
- →The lighthouse climb (Neuer Leuchtturm, seasonal Jun–Sep) gives 360° views across the Jade Bight and towards the Weser estuary — on clear days, the skyline of Bremen is just visible
- →The Alter Turm (Old Tower, 14th century church ruin) in the village centre is the oldest surviving structure on any East Frisian island — the churchyard surrounding it is moving
- →The approach from Harlesiel crosses some of the richest bird habitat in Germany — bring binoculars; in July–August, post-breeding wader flocks of 10,000+ birds are visible on the tidal flats
- →Check NOTAM for Minsener Oog (military range 3nm east) before departure east — firing days are published weekly
Facilities
Village restaurants and cafes. Small supermarket. Ferry connection to Harlesiel for provisions. No fuel — arrive with full tanks.
Nearest provisions: Wangerooge village (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August. Wangerooge is a genuine discovery for sailors who have 'done' Norderney and Borkum — less known, equally beautiful, and with the quietest harbour.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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