Heligoland

Heligoland - darkometer rating : 2 - Heligoland (Helgoland in German) is one of the coolest places that Germany has to offer – even though, strictly speaking, it isn't actually in Germany : it's a rocky island in the North Sea, Germany's only non-coastal island. Because of its location in between Germany, Denmark , the Netherlands and Great Britain , it has played a particular role in the history of naval warfare – this is the main legacy that makes it a dark destination too (in addition to its general touristic merits). > More background info > What there is to see > Location > Access and costs > Time required > Combinations with other dark destinations > Combinations with non-dark destinations More background info: Heligoland is geologically unique for its location and nature: it's basically a huge red rock poking out of the middle of the North Sea with vertical cliffs dropping nearly 200 feet / 60m into the waters below. It's the only such formation in the North Sea – and its isolated location out at sea made it a strategic point for seafarers and naval bases early on. Pirates are said to have used the island in the 17th century, but it wasn't really until the advent of modern naval warfare that Heligoland became a contested fortress and base for warships. Possession of the island changed hands several times between Germany , Denmark and Great Britain . Up to 1890, it was in British possession ... basically snatched away "pre-emptively" from Denmark during the Napoleonic wars and its sea blockade of Britain. Then the German emperor "swapped" colonial possessions in Africa for Heligoland. The deal was at the time heavily criticized for having been far too unfavourable to Germany – though it did not actually include Zanzibar, as the informal term "Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty" suggests ...