Duty free shopping on Helgoland: Offers make big waves here

The charming island in the middle of the North Sea, attracts not only with picturesque landscapes, but also with a very special shopping experience: duty-free shopping!

Why is Helgoland duty free?

In 1807, the English conquered Heligoland to escape Napoleon's economic blockade, which made it impossible for them to call at European ports and sell their goods on the mainland. As a solution to this dilemma, the kingdom exempted the island from tax and customs duties after its conquest in order to regain access to European trade.

To this day, Helgoland has retained its special status and is neither part of the customs territory of the European Union nor of the German tax territory. This unique arrangement allows locals and tourists alike to shop duty-free and VAT-free, making the island a true shopper's paradise.

Is it still possible to shop duty-free on Helgoland?

Yes, on Helgoland you can shop tax-free and duty-free. The island belongs to the so-called "area of duty-free trade", which means that products can be sold here without VAT and customs duties. Certain free quantities apply, which we have explained below.

What are the prices on Helgoland?

Prices on Helgoland are often 20-40% lower than on the mainland, as there is no VAT here. This makes shopping here a real pleasure. Whether perfume, cosmetics, spirits, tobacco products, electronics or branded clothing - here you will find many products at unbeatable prices.

What is allowed to bring duty free from Helgoland?

The following allowances apply on Helgoland:

Tobacco products

Per person 18 years of age or older, 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars may be brought free of duty. Alternatively, 250 grams of smoking tobacco or a proportionate assortment of these tobacco products may be brought in.

Spirits

In addition, the purchase of 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 22% vol. or 2 liters of spirits with an alcohol content not exceeding 22% is allowed. Non-sparkling wines may be exported up to an additional 4 liters tax-free.

Other goods

If you travel with a ship of a shipping company or an airplane of an airline, you are allowed to purchase other goods with a value of up to € 430 per person. If you travel with your own ship or airplane, the maximum amount is 300 € per person.

All goods exceeding the allowance of €430 must be declared at the customs office Helgoland before departure. You can find the customs office here:

Address: Am Südstrand 1, 27498 Helgoland

Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 7 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 5 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 5 pm

For more information on customs regulations and duty-free allowances, please visit the website of the island of Helgoland.

Are the stores on Helgoland open on Sundays?

Yes, most stores on Helgoland are open on Sundays and public holidays all year round.

How to get to Helgoland?

You have the choice between different shipping companies that will take you to Helgoland on a comfortable ferry ride. If you are in a hurry, you can also fly directly to Helgoland by plane.

By ferry

The following ferry connections are offered:

By plane

The following flights are offered to Helgoland:

What are you waiting for?

Discover diverse shopping opportunities while enjoying the picturesque landscape and unique atmosphere of the island. Come to Helgoland and experience the island that will delight you with its beauty and unbeatable offers!

We are pleased to welcome you in our two stores on Helgoland. We offer a wide selection of spirits such as whiskey, gin and rum as well as cigars, perfume, care products, delicacies and much more.