Helgoland

On a mini holiday in northern Germany, you can sail from Büsum to Helgoland. Helgoland has led a changeable existence throughout the ages. Colonised in the 8th century by the Frisians and later subjugated by Denmark and the Duchy of Schleswig. It became German in 1890 when the British traded it for Zanzibar. Its strategic location led to a strong fortification of the island already during World War I. Up to World War II, Hitler transformed it into a powerful submarine base. During World War II it was therefore also badly hit and after the war the British used it as a training target for bombers until they tried to blow it up on 18 April 1947. However, 6800 tonnes of explosives failed to destroy the island. In 1952 it was re-inhabited and rebuilt and today it is one of Germany's most popular holiday destinations and a duty-free zone.