It is believed that the first durable settlements were established during the 13th and 14th centuries. A town developed in the western part of the island, protected by high dunes. The first documented mention of the island was in 1398. By 1650 the island was about 8.3 kilometres long and the town had about 18 houses and 101 inhabitants. A severe storm flooded the island at Christmastime in 1717. In the 1830s shellfish harvesting became the most important activity of the islanders.

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. During this time the resort gained a strong following of the rich and famous. In 1858 a 950-metre deck with promenade was built. The island’s windmill was built in 1862. In 1899 the island had 4,018 inhabitants and 26,000 resort guests. In 1901 an angelfish fishery was established. In 1925 there were 5,564 inhabitants and 38,140 guests. Deutsche Luft Hansa commenced scheduled flights to the island the same year.