Rising about 5 m (16 ft) above sea level, it is not protected from storm surges, and is at risk of coastal erosion, especially on the western side.

The sandbank on which Scharhörn and Nigehörn lie is a European Union Natura 2000-designated bird sanctuary, tended to by the environmental group Verein Jordsand.

Unlike Scharhörn, where visitors may obtain official permission to visit, public access to Nigehörn is strictly forbidden.

Approximately 1.2 million cubic metres (42,000,000 cu ft) of sand were deposited on the sandbank by hydraulic fill to create the core of the new island.

Dune stabilization was achieved using barriers made from brushwood arranged in a double-circle around the core, with "rays" extending outward from the circles to catch and hold down flying sand.