The first major naval action in the North Sea, the Battle of Helgoland Bight, took place on 28 August 1914. "Helgoland" was again stationed off Wangerooge. Despite her proximity to the battle, "Helgoland" was not sent to aid the beleaguered German cruisers, as she could not be risked in an unsupported attack against possibly superior British forces. Instead, the ship was ordered to drop anchor and await relief by . By 04:30, "Helgoland" received the order to join and sail out of the harbor. At 05:00, the two battleships met the battered cruisers and . By 07:30, the ships had returned to port for the night. Three days later, on 31 August, "Helgoland" was put into drydock for maintenance. On the afternoon of 7 September, "Helgoland" and the rest of the High Seas Fleet conducted a training cruise to the main island of Helgoland.