Norderney Children's Events (Easter Egg Rolling + Easter Bonfire)

Easter on the East Frisian Coast

The North Sea island of Norderney has a rich tradition of customs and events around Easter. Two of these customs — the Easter bonfire on Holy Saturday and the Easter egg rolling on Easter Sunday — are fixed events on the Easter weekend at Weststrand and attract families from all over North Germany. The events are organized by Staatsbad Norderney GmbH in cooperation with the island fire brigade and local associations.

Easter Bonfire on Holy Saturday

The Easter bonfire on the evening of Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, is an impressive spectacle. A large bonfire of logs is piled up on Weststrand and lit after dark. Hundreds of visitors gather on the coast to experience the flying sparks, the crackling fire, and the reflections on the Wadden Sea. The custom dates back to pre-Christian times and symbolizes the driving away of winter and the welcoming of spring. In Norderney, the Easter bonfire is complemented by communal singing and snack offerings.

Easter Egg Rolling — An East Frisian Tradition

On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, families gather from 11 am at Weststrand for the Easter egg rolling. Children bring their own painted hard-boiled eggs and let them roll down the sand dune from the top. Whose egg travels furthest or arrives intact wins. The custom is widespread throughout East Frisia and is considered an expression of the close connection between the island, the sea, and family culture. The rolling is accompanied by a small supporting program for children with games and an Easter egg hunt in the dunes.

Family Program During the Easter Holidays

Both events are free and open to all island visitors and locals. They are part of the extensive Easter program offered by Staatsbad Norderney, which includes numerous additional activities for families, athletes, and nature lovers during the Easter holidays.