hallig

A hallig is a small, low-lying island in the North Frisian part of the Wadden Sea, off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Halligen are distinct from typical tidal islands because they are not fully protected by dikes; during storm tides, large parts of the land and its fields can be flooded. To cope with frequent flooding, communities on halligen build houses and other structures on artificial mounds called warften, which rise above the flood-prone ground and provide dry ground during high water.

Geographically, halligen lie in the Nordfriesland district within the Schleswig-Holstein portion of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park. They vary in size, often covering only a few hectares to a few square kilometers, and are surrounded by tidal flats, creeks, and salt marshes.

Historically, halligen have been inhabited since the Middle Ages and developed the warft system precisely because they could not rely on a continuous dike protection. Today, the population on individual halligen is small and seasonal; some halligen are permanently inhabited, while others are used mainly for agriculture, cattle farming, or tourism.

Several halligen are well known, including Hooge, Langeneß, Oland, Gröde, and Süderoog. These communities maintain small residences, guesthouses, and local facilities to accommodate residents and visitors. Tourism, together with traditional farming and the harvesting of tidal flats, plays an important role in the local economy. Halligen are part of the Nordfriesland district and fall within the broader framework of the Wadden Sea National Park.