This North Sea island has white sand beaches stretching 40 kilometers along its coast. Luxury boutiques line the streets of Kampen, while local restaurants serve fresh Sylt oysters.
Sylt, Germany's fourth-largest island, stretches along the North Sea with 40 kilometers of white sandy beaches. Walk past centuries-old thatched-roof houses in Keitum, watch seals at the UNESCO Wadden Sea, or climb the 52-meter-high Red Cliff in Wenningstedt. You can hike through rose-covered dunes, cycle along coastal paths, or taste North Sea oysters at one of the island's two Michelin-starred restaurants.
Getting to Sylt
You can reach Sylt from mainland Germany via the Hindenburgdamm causeway, which carries both passenger trains and car-transport trains. Direct trains run from Hamburg every hour, taking about three hours. From Denmark, take a 30-minute ferry from Rømø to List.
Beaches and Swimming
A 40-kilometer stretch of white sand runs along Sylt's west coast. Each beach area has its own character: calm waters at Hörnum in the south, surfing zones near Westerland, and designated nude bathing areas (FKK-Strand). You'll find the traditional blue-and-white striped wicker beach chairs (Strandkorb) along the entire coastline, which shield you from wind while sunbathing.
Towns of Sylt
Westerland is the main town, with a shopping district and restaurants along Friedrichstraße. In Keitum, walk through narrow streets lined with 18th-century Frisian houses, their thatched roofs and brick walls typical of the local architecture. Kampen sits on a narrow strip of land between the Wadden Sea and North Sea, while List's harbor area has several small seafood restaurants serving fresh catch.
Nature and Wildlife
The Wadden Sea's mudflats stretch along Sylt's eastern shore. Join a guided mudflat walk to spot crabs, mussels, and marine worms up close. Look for porpoises swimming near the shore or watch thousands of migratory birds in spring and fall. The island's center contains purple heathland and dunes covered with wild roses.
Weather and Visiting Times
The Gulf Stream keeps Sylt's winters milder than mainland Germany. Summer temperatures average 20°C (68°F) with daylight lasting until 10 PM. Plan beach activities between late May and early September. In winter, you can walk across frozen mudflats or watch powerful North Sea storms from safe viewing points.
Cycling and Walking
Paved cycling paths connect all villages on Sylt. Rent a bike in Westerland and ride the 40-kilometer coastal route from List to Hörnum. Walking paths wind through the dunes and along the Red Cliff, with clear markers showing routes ranging from 2 to 15 kilometers.
Local Food
Try North Sea oysters cultivated in List's waters, or eat fresh fish soup at the harbor-side restaurants. The island has two Michelin-starred restaurants, but you'll also find casual fish stands selling North Sea shrimp rolls. Local fishmongers in List and Hörnum sell fresh catch daily.
