The Island of NEUWERK - where the way is the goal

"So, by which ferry did you get here?" asks the chubby little lady and her accent gives her away as Southern German. "Well, I came here walking", I beam at her, still thrilled by my hike from the mainland to the island of Neuwerk.

To Neuwerk - this way! You cannot blame people if they don't believe that you came to an island walking.

The lady looks over the rough sea where the huge waves are rolling towards the shores of Cuxhaven. She frowns and shakes her head and is, obviously, thinking I'm trying to tell her a cock and bull story.
Little does she know: Visiting the island of Neuwerk, the way is the goal; definitely.

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Coming to America: From Northern Germany to the "New World"

In the 19th and 20th century, millions of people left Europe via the North German ports of Hamburg and Bremen respectively Bremerhaven in search of a better life in the "New World", mostly the USA.

This sculpture called Die Auswanderer, emigrants, is standing on the shore of the river Weser and remembers the seven million passing through the port of Bremerhaven. Actually, this statue by Frank Varga was donated by the German-American Memorial Association.

As a counterpart to the arrival halls in Ellis Island, several museums in German cities remember the adventurous journeys of the emigrants in transit.

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CUXHAVEN - walking on water

"The sun reflects strongly off the puddles, so don't forget to put sun protection on your knee pits", orders Ute pointing at my bare legs. I already did, but under her strict eyes, I repeatedly do as I am told. I do everything Ute marshals: The next four hours, she will guide me together with about two dozens other hikers into the tideland off the shore in Cuxhaven. My life will depend on her knowledge and sense of orientation.

Crossing the mudflat from Cuxhaven to the Neuwerk island. About twelve kilometers laid ahead of us.

We will be sort of walking on water - so I better listen to my leader.

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