Norderney is the most visited of the East Frisian Islands and the one with the most to offer beyond beaches and fresh air. The western end of the island has a proper town — the oldest North Sea resort in Germany, established in 1797 — with restaurants, shops, a theatre, and a thalasso spa. The eastern two-thirds are largely undeveloped dune landscape within the Wadden Sea National Park.
The beaches here are outstanding. The north beach stretches for kilometres, wide and sandy, with sections designated for surfing, swimming, and nudism (this is Germany, after all). The Weiße Düne (White Dune) area on the eastern end is particularly beautiful and less crowded. On the south side, the Wadden Sea mudflats are exposed at low tide — guided mudflat walks (Wattwanderungen) are one of the island's signature experiences.
The town itself is pleasant for an evening stroll. The Conversationshaus, a grand nineteenth-century assembly hall, hosts concerts and exhibitions. The streets behind the promenade have a good selection of fish restaurants and cafes. Norderney has more nightlife than any other East Frisian Island, though expectations should be calibrated accordingly — this is a family resort, not Ibiza.
Cars are allowed in the town area but most of the island is car-free. Bicycles are the standard transport and can be rented everywhere. Ferries from Norddeich run roughly hourly and take about an hour.