Juist

Juist is the longest and narrowest of the East Frisian islands, about seventeen kilometres from end to end and in places only five hundred metres across, so the sea is visible on both sides at once from the dunes. Motor vehicles are banned except for emergency and service use, and transport on the island is by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle and foot; luggage goes by cart from the ferry. The Hammersee, formed when a storm surge breach was closed in 1932, is the largest freshwater lake on any German North Sea island and a bird reserve. Ferries run only around high tide because the channel dries.

What you actually see

• The horse carriages - the island's transport, with no private cars.
• The narrow shape - both coasts visible at once from the dune ridge.
• The Hammersee - a freshwater lake formed from a closed storm breach.
• The long beach - sand running the island's full seaward length.

When to go

May to September; the ferry runs only near high tide, so departure times shift daily and can be very early or late. Winter services are minimal.

Honest expectations

Tide-bound ferries mean awkward arrival and departure times and long waits. There are no cars, so plan luggage. Storms cancel crossings.

Nearby

Norderney lies east; Borkum is west.