Oland (Frisian island)
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Oland (Template:Langx, North Frisian: Ualöönist) is a small Hallig of the North Frisian Islands which is connected by a narrow-gauge railway to the mainland and to Hallig Langeneß. In 2019, the population was estimated, unofficially, to be 16 people.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Germany's smallest lighthouse is located here, being also the only one with a thatched roof.
History
[edit]People have settled in this place since the Middle Ages, while today's Oland was connected to the Hallig Langeneß until the Burchardi flood in 1634. The Hallig became smaller as a result of numerous storm surges over the centuries. The second terp (Warft) of the Hallig was destroyed in a storm flood in 1850, so today's Oland consists of one large terp in the Wadden Sea.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Since 1927, Oland and Langeneß have been connected to the mainland by a dam with a narrow-gauge railway. Initially, the lorries on this railway were powered by sails, but later they switched to small combustion engines, which are still used today.
In addition, Oland has a small harbor. Vessels with a shallow draft can enter this harbor approximately between three hours before and three hours after high tide, during the rest of the time the access channel is almost dry.