The town of Buesum in Germany's northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, is one of the principal ports with connections to Heligoland.

The town itself is a good stroll, its streets lined with enough shops and eateries to make it entertaining for tourists. Its beach, however, is on the Wattenmeer, that mudflat sea that stretches from Denmark all the way around the German coast to the Langedijk in Holland.

Many people find the mud to be both therapeutic and enjoyable but many of us would gladly trade it for sand any day. There is a charge of around 2,50 EUR to go for a walk on the mud. 

Since 1837, Buesum has been designated as a North Sea Spa Resort. Fresh sea air and excellent spa facilities attract people from all over Germany for rejuvenating vacations. Information in English on Buesum is available here.

From Büsum, Heligoland is a 70 km (40+ mile) ride. Several boats make the trip.