10 reasons to visit the North Sea

There are 12 inhabited islands in the North Sea. The German states of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein share the North Sea coast and its island world. Baltrum (pictured), with only 6.5 square kilometers (4.6 square miles), is the smallest, and Sylt is the biggest island, with 99 square kilometers. They might be very different but they do have one thing in common: endless fine sandy beaches.

The North Sea island beaches promise holiday fun - if only there wasn't that often cool wind blowing. Shivering holiday makers can find shelter in the traditional wicker beach chairs. For a small rental you can cuddle down in these chairs and while away the time watching sea gulls. The wind however determines the direction in which you look - as the chairs are always positioned away from the wind.

Located between the islands and the mainland is the Wadden Sea - which becomes visible every six hours or so when the sea recedes. Guided Wadden Sea hikes let you discover this unique habitat and its adaptable inhabitants both from the animal and the plant world. The unique landscape was listed a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 2009.

The North Sea's most popular inhabitants, the seals, make their home on the sandbanks between the islands. Excursion boats with tourists keep a good distance from the protected animals. Orphaned seal babies are taken to rearing stations to help build up their strength again. When the animals are fit enough, they are returned to the sea. Every year their return to nature is a bit of a spectacle.

Helgoland is the only high sea island. The boat ride to get there is already a bit of an adventure. Some 1,500 people live on these red cliffs in the North Sea. During the summer they are joined by some 10,000 visitors every day. The three-kilometer cliff walk offers some fabulous views. It also leads past one of Helgoland's landmarks - a free standing rock needle called "Lange Anna."

There are 10 Halligen islands in the North Sea. These are small islands without protective dikes, so they are virtually completely flooded during storm tides. That's why the people here live on man-made mounds known as Warften. It is an isolated existence following the rhythm of the tides. Holiday makers who wish to feel close to nature and like nature's elements will love it here.

They are the landmarks of the North Sea coast. In striking red-and-white candy-stripe design, their light helps to guide the ships. Incidentally each lighthouse has its own shape and color design. Most of them are open to the public. The strenuous climb up is worth it too, as you won't find a better viewing point. In the Westerheversand Lighthouse you can even get married at airy heights.

Those wanting a touch of city life are better off on the mainland. The familiar maritime flair makes Husum one of the most attractive towns on the North Sea coast. The town center, with its historical harbor lined with restaurants, cafés and museums, is a popular promenade. It is also a good starting point for any excursions to the North Sea islands and the Halligen Islands.

It is the most beautiful beach on the North Sea coast: 12 kilometers long and two kilometers across. Its stilt houses are unique. Some of these Sankt Peter Ording landmarks are over 100 years old. They were once built as changing rooms and beach cafes for holiday makers. To this day, the 15 stilt houses with their restaurants, life guards and beach chair hire are there to serve the guests.

Bremerhaven is the only city on the North Sea. The harbor city reflects the long connection between the people and the sea. This can been seen in the historical museum ships in the historical harbor and the German Shipping Museum as well as the German Emigration Center, which is dedicated to the moving family stories of German migrants in the 19th century.