Langeoog is — seen with the geologist's eye — nothing but sand. Rainwater that drips into the sand has a lower density than saltwater, which makes a kind of freshwater bubble float over the saltwater surrounding and deep under the island. The beach and the dunes are eroded by the sea in the western part of the island. In the last 50 years Langeoog's western end has moved several hundred metres to the east. Things like this happen on every East Frisian island — some islands moved so far that the town had to be rebuilt several times. Every island except Juist and Langeoog has large concrete groynes at its western end.
History
Storm Tides
In 1717 Langeoog was cut in three parts by the Christmas storm tide.
Deaths
died on Langeoog.
Transportation
Langeoog can be reached from Bensersiel port on the East Frisian mainland by the ferries of the Langeoog Shipping Company Langeoog I, Langeoog II, Langeoog III and Langeoog IV. Langeoog ferries' schedule does not depend on the tide, which is unusual among East Frisian ferries. The port and the town are linked by a railway, and Langeoog also has an airport. Langeoog largely has a no automobile policy. Visitors to the island have to leave their cars on the mainland. Only the fire department and ambulance service have standard motorized vehicles. Tractors and heavy construction vehicles can be operated within limits. The policemen and doctors get about on bicycles. Some companies have electric cars. The post office and the shipping company have one electric car each. If one does not want to walk, one can rent a bicycle or take a horse carriage taxi.
Tourism
Tourism is the main source of income for Langeoog's economy. There are guest rooms in almost all island buildings. There are also several hotels. The youth hostel is several kilometers outside the town. The island's unpolluted air makes it popular with people who have respiratory problems.
The Melkhörndüne — This was once East Frisia's highest natural elevation and, as such, a tourist attraction. Unfortunately, the thousands of visitors every year walking to the top of it have shifted the sand and the dune was "demoted" as the highest point. The highest point is now the "White Dune" on the neighbouring island of Spiekeroog.
The "Seenotbeobachtungsstelle" — the watchtower of the lifeboat service.
Famous people
Singer-songwriter Lale Andersen, whose 1939 interpretation of the song Lili Marleen became tremendously popular during World War II, lived here for several years. Although she died in Vienna in 1972, she is buried on the island's dune cemetery. A bronze memorial in her honor has been erected on Langeoog.
