- East Frisian islands register more moves than departures
The East Frisian Islands are sought after as places to live. According to data from the Lower Saxony State Statistical Office on inter-municipal migration gains and losses over the past decade, all islands have seen slightly more new arrivals than departures. The difference varies from year to year and from island to island. However, a trend can be observed in the statistics: larger islands like Borkum have a slightly higher surplus of new arrivals than smaller islands like Wangerooge. Above all, the lack of permanent housing is a pressing issue on the islands.
New residents are urgently needed on islands like Baltrum, says Mayor Harm Olchers. Not only to keep the island infrastructure running with services like fire department, kindergarten, school, or bathhouse, but also for the island life itself, new faces are important, explains Olchers. Baltrum, for instance, offers plenty of community, and those who enjoy it are quickly included.
On some islands like Norderney and Langeoog, there are also so-called island guides. These individuals take care of community work on the islands and are also available for new arrivals.
The train transportation to the East Frisian Islands is essential for new residents, as it provides convenient access to these sought-after locations. The train schedule should consider the influx of new residents, especially on islands like Baltrum, where more people are needed to maintain the island's infrastructure.
