my borkum guide
There’s something special about Borkum. It’s not just the wide open sea or the salty wind in your hair — it’s the little places scattered across the island that make each day feel like a memory in the making. From cafés and boutiques to long, windswept beaches, here are my favorite spots to slow down, breathe, and fall in love with my home region all over again.
Willi Willen
If there’s one place that instantly feels like a little getaway within the getaway, it’s Willi Willen. Think gorgeous Parisian-style croissants, seasonal matcha specials, and coffee that never disappoints. The interior is calm and aesthetic — perfect for slowing down, or for grabbing a matcha to go before a seaside walk.
Geeske & der Swarte Roelf
This spot is all about vibes and views. Sitting on the promenade, drink in hand, the ocean right in front of you — it’s the kind of place that teaches you to simply be present. If the sun is out, it feels almost like a little ritual of calm joy.
Lou’s & Boutique Maretina
Two boutiques that feel like little treasure chests. Selected with so much love, you’ll find everything from claw clips and jewelry to special brands you might not know yet. I can easily spend an hour browsing, admiring every detail, and leaving with something unique.
Bakkerie
A place that’s aesthetic in its simplicity. The evening atmosphere is calm, the tapas-style menu playful. Don’t expect Spanish tapas — think instead of warm potato soup on a chilly island day, small plates of German-inspired comfort food, and drinks that fit the moment. Perfect for someone indecisive like me, because you get to taste a little bit of everything.
Borkumer Eiskonditorei
The best ice cream on the island. Truly. Endless flavors, frozen yogurt, soft ice — and even a little paw-shaped ice cream for dogs (how sweet is that?). Yes, the line can be long, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.
Weststrand
Borkum’s wild side. Endless sand, dunes, and the wind shaping little swirls of sand across the beach. It’s calm, raw, and beautifully empty once the tourists leave. I love it most on chilly coastal days — that magical moment when chaos leaves and the coast becomes quiet again.
Sonnendeck
Another one of Borkum’s traditional “Milchbuden” — but with a twist. Styled with boho vibes, Sonnendeck offers cozy breakfast and lunch options, while later in the day it turns into the perfect place for a drink with a view. Sitting there, overlooking the beach, it almost feels like you’ve been transported somewhere more southern, with pure vacation energyin the air.
StrandFlair
Beach views, surfers in the background, and a menu of refreshing drinks. My rhubarb spritz was the highlight, but the whole atmosphere screams summer vacation. A perfect beach spot to watch the day drift away.
Il Faro
A family-owned Italian restaurant that never disappoints. Warmhearted staff, comforting pasta and pizza, and a vibe that makes you feel welcome instantly. A classic for me — and one of those places I know I’ll always come back to.
The beauty of the island
That’s the charm of Borkum for me — the balance between cozy cafés, inspiring little shops, wild beaches, and evenings with good food and salty air. Each spot is a reminder that life on the coast is about presence, about enjoying both the calm and the chaos of the sea.
To make exploring easier, I even created my own Google Maps list with all these places pinned. So if you’d like to check it out and take the guide with you, you’ll find everything collected there.
If you’re planning a trip to Borkum, I hope these places make you fall in love with the island the way I did.
And if you didn’t see it already — I also filmed my Borkum visit in the beginning of August and shared it on YouTube. You can watch the full video for even more island moments and insights into the places I linked.
Have you been to Borkum? Let me know your favorite spots and your opinion in the comment section.
Waves of love, always.
Ines
