In 1946 Norderney gained municipal status and belongs to the Aurich "Kreis" (county).

The neighbouring island to the east is Baltrum, which lies about 800m (half a mile) away beyond the Wichter Ee.

The entire eastern half of Norderney belongs to the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park.

The mainland is easily reached via ferry operated by AG Reederei Norden-Frisia from the harbour, Norddeich pier near the northern German city of Norden.

The larger island of Buise was split into two parts during the Grote Mandrenke flood of 1362, the eastern half at first being called Ostrende.

What was left of Buise shrank in size over the years and finally disappeared into the North Sea during the St. Peter's Flood of 1651.

Ostrende, on the other hand, grew in size, and is noted in a 1550 census as "Norder neys Oog" (Northern New Island), and having a church and 18 houses.

Crown Prince Georg of Hannover, Herzog von Cumberland, visited Norderney for the first time in 1836 and from 1851 held court each summer on the island.

Since 10 July 1928 the coat of arms of the city of Norderney depicts the local landmark, the "Kap," or cape building.

Such high structures helped mariners identify the island and orient themselves in earlier times.

Precipitation occurs mainly during the winter and autumn, but autumn seems to be slightly wetter, with November being the wettest month with 87.6 millimetres (3.45 in) while spring tends is usually the driest time due to the still cool sea temperature, which can't produce a lot of humidity.