Season launch 2026: HSC “Halunder Jet” sets course for Heligoland again with XXL sailings, anniversaries and Music Cruise

The new season has begun: with the first departure of the “Halunder Jet”, the fast connection to the offshore island is once again available on a daily basis. “2026 will be a year of special moments for Heligoland. More time on the island, dedicated themed days for families and strong events that inspire people to visit,” says Tim Kunstmann, Managing Director of FRS Helgoline. A high-profile music highlight, exceptionally long island stays and several anniversary events define the season of the North Sea catamaran “Halunder Jet”, with a clear focus on unique experiences and added value. 

 

Music highlight: 6th FRS Helgoline Music Cruise on 12 September 

The musical flagship of the season is the 6th FRS Helgoline Music Cruise on 12 September. What makes this format special is that the band and fans travel together to the offshore island. The crossing itself becomes part of the concert experience, creating a level of closeness that traditional concert formats cannot offer. For this year’s edition, FRS Helgoline has once again secured a band with multiple number-one albums and over three decades of history. Further details on the line-up and ticket sales for the concert at the Nordseehalle on Heligoland will be announced shortly. 

Heligoland XXL: up to ten hours on the island for special occasions 

Another highlight this season is the extended island stays. On 31 May, marking the birthday of James Krüss, as well as during the “Heligoland XXL” sailings on 6 June and 12 July, guests will enjoy significantly more time on the island than usual. This allows ample opportunity to experience the respective event programmes and explore Heligoland at a relaxed pace. 

 

200 years of Heligoland as a North Sea health resort 

On 6 June, the sailing is dedicated entirely to the anniversary “200 years of Heligoland as a North Sea health resort”. To mark this major island milestone, FRS Helgoline is offering a nine-hour stay, enabling guests to fully enjoy the official celebrations, the island atmosphere and the anniversary programme. On this day, the HSC “Halunder Jet” will also make an additional, unscheduled stop in Brunsbüttel, allowing guests from Schleswig-Holstein to travel conveniently to the celebrations. 

The journey itself becomes part of the experience: on the outbound crossing, passengers will be accompanied by the “Hamburger Goldkehlchen” choir as they travel to their free concert on Heligoland. 

 

Island festival for the day of ‘Seebäderdienste’ 

A further “Heligoland XXL” sailing will take place on 12 July for the island festival marking the the day of ‘Seebäderdienste’. Once again, the extended stay ensures visitors have plenty of time to explore both the festivities and the island itself at leisure. Guests can look forward to a varied programme featuring interactive activities, food stalls, music and dance. Walking acts provide lively entertainment throughout the festival area, while a DJ creates a summery island atmosphere. 

 

James Krüss Year 2026: literature and activities for children  

The year 2026 also celebrates a special literary anniversary: the 100th birthday of Heligoland author James Krüss. This will be reflected on board the HSC “Halunder Jet” through various activities. From May onwards, young guests will receive a complimentary James Krüss activity booklet, providing playful entertainment during the crossing. 

From May to September, special family activities will also take place on board on the last Sunday of each month. These programmes are organised in cooperation with participating publishers, including Der Audio Verlag, Bastei Lübbe, Oetinger Verlag and Atrium Kinderbuch. Content varies from date to date, ranging from storytelling and creative activities to small competitions. A special highlight awaits guests on 31 May, the birthday of James Krüss. A storyteller will present the author’s stories and poems on board using a traditional Kamishibai storytelling theatre, moving from table to table. 

 

On Heligoland itself, the James Krüss Mile will offer a family-friendly programme with interactive stands, readings, cinema screenings and walking acts. To allow guests to fully enjoy the celebrations, FRS Helgoline will offer an extended stay on the island until 7 pm on this day. 

 

Hamburg Port Anniversary: experience the Saturday evening show from the “Halunder Jet” 

FRS Helgoline will once again be part of the Hamburg Port Anniversary in 2026. The high-speed catamaran “Halunder Jet” will be moored in Hamburg harbour, offering guests a unique perspective on the spectacular evening programme. From on board, visitors can enjoy the major Saturday evening show with an unobstructed view of the events on the River Elbe and in the harbour. 

A welcome drink is included for all guests, with additional snacks and beverages available on board. The open decks will be accessible throughout the event, allowing visitors to enjoy the maritime spectacle in the open air with impressive panoramic views. 

 

7 days – 7 highlights: attractive themed days on board  

This season, FRS Helgoline continues to offer dedicated themed days on board. Families benefit from Family Days on Wednesdays and Sundays, where up to three children travel free when accompanied by a paying adult. 

Senior citizens can enjoy attractive discounted fares on selected weekdays, while Saturdays are designated as “Cake Day”, offering a sweet treat on board. In addition, extended island stays on Mondays and Tuesdays provide extra time for exploration. 

 

Tickets and information  

Tickets for the 2026 season are available online at www.frs-helgoline.de and at FRS Helgoline ticket offices. 

New this season: selected catering options, such as on-board breakfast, can be added directly during booking. A luggage service in cooperation with Heligoland Service is also available, transporting baggage directly from the vessel to accommodation and back if required. 

 

About the HSC “Halunder Jet”  

Built in 2018, the high-speed catamaran “Halunder Jet” transports holidaymakers and day visitors to Heligoland from March to November each year. It offers seating for up to 680 passengers across four seating categories on two decks, as well as 228 square metres of open deck space. Travelling at speeds of up to 36 knots, passengers can enjoy panoramic sea views and on-board catering service at their seats. An infotainment system with 3D sound completes the on-board experience. 

 

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Press contact: 

FRS Helgoline GmbH & Co. KG  
Norderhofenden 19-20, 24937 Flensburg 
Tim Kunstmann 

E-Mail:  [email protected]