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  • Hiking on the west beach
    Hiking on the west beach Photo: Jan Blaffert, Sylt Marketing

Sylt

The Frisian island of Sylt has long been a popular holiday destination. This may be mainly due to the variety of landscapes. Germany's northernmost island offers a wealth of unrivalled natural landscapes in a very small area: from imposing cliffs to shifting sand dunes, lush heathland and beautiful beaches. Active holidaymakers and adventurers will find plenty of variety here!

4.1  (52 Ratings and reviews)

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Activities on Sylt


Attractions on Sylt


Highlights

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Maps and trails
Nature reserve · North Frisian Islands
Ellenbogen
North Frisian Islands
No ratings (yet)

The only inhabitants are sheep, seals and birds. Whether you start your excursion on the western ...

Sylt Marketing GmbH
Hiking Trail · Sylt
Through the Braderup heath
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 7 km
Duration 1:47 h
Ascent 69 m
Descent 69 m

Hike through the most beautiful heathland on Sylt between Braderup and Kampen with a place to stop at the Kupferkanne and views of the Wadden Sea.

5
from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
Bicycle Rides · North Frisian Islands
Circular route around the Rantum Basin
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 17.5 km
Duration 1:12 h
Ascent 8 m
Descent 8 m

From Westerland, a route once around the Rantum Basin. Pure nature!

No ratings (yet)
from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 4.4 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 17 m
Descent 17 m

The classic among Sylt hikes - along the beach around the southern tip of the island with views of the neighboring islands Amrum and Föhr.

5
from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
Coast · North Frisian Islands
Red cliff
North Frisian Islands
No ratings (yet)

One of the most popular places to visit in Kampen is the Red Cliff. A 52 metre high cliff that ...

Sylt Marketing GmbH
Bicycle Rides · North Frisian Islands
Circular route through the green east of Sylt
recommended route Difficulty moderate Open
Distance 32.5 km
Duration 2:13 h
Ascent 17 m
Descent 17 m

This route leads through the green east of the island Sylt along the dike line and through the original Frisian villages Morsum and Keitum.

5
from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
Lighthouse · North Frisian Islands
Hörnum lighthouse
North Frisian Islands
No ratings (yet)

Hörnum's red and white landmark has been pointing ships in the right direction for over a century ...

from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
Hiking Trail · Sylt
Morsum Cliff Hike
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 3.5 km
Duration 0:53 h
Ascent 18 m
Descent 18 m

A small circular route through Schleswig-Holstein's oldest nature reserve: the Morsum Cliff. Here you can see earth layers up to 10 million years old.

3.8
from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
Bicycle Rides · North Frisian Islands
small north circular route - from Westerland to List
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 36.8 km
Duration 2:34 h
Ascent 27 m
Descent 27 m

On the (almost) direct route from Westerland, past Wenningstedt and Kampen, to the List harbor. The classic among the bike routes.

No ratings (yet)
from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
Museum · North Frisian Islands
Old Frisian house since 1640
North Frisian Islands
No ratings (yet)

The Old Frisian House since 1640 can be found in Keitum directly above the green cliff. The living ...

from Lynn Scotti,   Sylt Marketing GmbH
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Urban flair and rural idyll

Westerland is located in the centre of Sylt and is known as the island`s metropolis due to its lively, urban ambience. In the north, the four towns of Wenningstedt, Braderup, Kampen and List invite you to enjoy a relaxing holiday. The east of the island is more rural and cosy: in addition to Mukmarsch, Tinnum and Morsum, the easternmost village, the green Keitum is an idyllic and authentic Frisian village. The south offers space for just two villages on its long but narrow stretch of land: Rantum and Hörnum. The latter also forms the southern tip of Sylt.

Natural diversity in the smallest of spaces

Sylt is characterised in particular by the diversity of its landscape. The Braderup Heath in the east of Sylt creates a magnificent landscape. The Wadden Sea is considered the counterpart to the stormy North Sea and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Covering an area of 450 kilometres, the Wadden Sea National Park with its salt marshes is the largest contiguous mudflat area in the world. The minerals contained in the seawater are also the basis of Sylt's soothing air.

An encounter with the sea is an integral part of a holiday on the North Frisian island. The 40 km long Sylt sandy beach and the unique dune landscape are also well worth seeing. There are currently two mobile dunes, the largest of which is in List. The huge masses of sand were once pushed further and further towards the coast by strong winds from the sea. The harsh North Frisian climate as well as wind and water consistently put the sensitive, less resistant dunes to the acid test.

Exciting activities on Sylt

A wide range of activities awaits active holidaymakers: hiking or cycling on Sylt is an incomparable experience that combines closeness to nature, fresh sea air and scenic diversity. The North Frisian island, known for its characteristic dunes, endless sandy beaches and picturesque coastal landscapes, offers hiking enthusiasts a wealth of opportunities to explore the beauty of nature.

But cycling on Sylt also offers a unique opportunity to explore the island in all its diversity. The flat topography and the well-developed network of cycle paths make the island a paradise for cyclists, regardless of whether you prefer leisurely tours along the coast or sporty routes through the island's interior.

But water lovers will also be happy on Sylt, because whether it's swimming, surfing or sailing, there is plenty on offer for beginners and professionals alike.

The rough North Sea wind and the impressive waves attract surfers from all over the world. A variety of challenges await experts on the western shore in particular - and beginners will find ideal conditions in a calm location on the eastern shore. For those who prefer to just watch: You can witness spectacular stunts at the Windsurf World Cup every year. Those looking for an extraordinary adventure can also try their hand at kitesurfing.

But leisurely SUP paddling, swimming or catamaran tours also provide plenty of variety in the water.

Towards the sunset with the catamaran
Photo: haiderose, Adobe Stock

The most beautiful excursion destinations on Sylt

Cultural travellers will also get their money's worth on the small island. In addition to the beautiful landscape, charming Frisian houses, beautiful churches and harbours or museums await you!

Simply indulge yourself...

Simply indulge yourself...
Oystercatchers on Sylt: In search of the next delicacy
Photo: haiderose, Adobe Stock

North Frisian cuisine at the highest level

Sylt's cuisine is just as varied as the landscape. Over 200 restaurants invite their guests to experience Sylt's cuisine. The latter is known above all for its delicious combinations of sweet and sour. Mostly regional dishes are served, mainly fish and seafood of course, from plaice, zander and salmon to crustaceans and oysters, Sylt's culinary speciality.

Sylt's wellness culture

Pampering and wellness holidays on Sylt have long since ceased to be an insider tip. The island has upgraded accordingly and created an extensive pampering programme for its guests in the midst of the healthy island climate. A visit to the sauna in one of the five beach saunas along Sylt's west coast is well worthwhile. First you sweat intensively for a short time before the ice-cold North Sea finally awaits as a contrasting programme. In general, a wellness holiday on Sylt promises absolute relaxation and also strengthens the body's defences and immune system.

Trip planning


Weather

10-day forecast

Getting there

Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

Reviews

  • June 22, 2026
    Robert Mühlbauer 
    June 18, 2026
    Herrliche Wanderung - "oben" entlang nach Norden durch die Dünen bis zur Uwe-Düne. Dann weiter bis zum Weststrand und da südlich Richtung Wenningstedt. Alternativ kann auch in der Nähe "Sturmhaube" gestartet werden (mehr Parkplätze als in Wenningstedt)
    ...Show more
    Scenic
    Written June 22, 2026
    Hiking Trail
    Red Cliff Hike
  • March 04, 2025
    Sabrina von Rüden 
    Tolle Runde mit vielen Genuss-Haltestellen. Jederzeit wieder!
    ...Show more
    Written March 04, 2025
  • April 08, 2024
    Michael Holthaus
    Ich weiß nicht, was andere Kommentatoren für eine Landschaft an der Wattenmeerküste einer Nordseeinsel erwarten, ich fand Wäldchen, Deich, Wattenmeer sehr schön, auch die Rehe, Kaninchen und Fasane, später Austernfischer und Brachvögel einen tollen Anblick. Sehr schöne kleine Morgen- oder Abendrunde. Super Naturerlebnis. Wechselnde Untergründe: Asphalt, Waldboden, Deichkrone, kein Schotter, normale Runningschuhe ausreichend.
    ...Show more
    Written April 08, 2024
  • March 01, 2024
    Karl Heinz Schäfer 
    Keine spektakuläre, aber eine ganz passable Runde mit einigen schönen Ausblicken und Ansichten. Der Weg am Strand war teilweise matschig, obwohl Ebbe war. Diese Tour unbedingt bei Niedrigwasser unternehmen und Wanderschuhe tragen.
    ...Show more
    Written March 01, 2024
    Hiking Trail
    Keitum mudflat round
  • March 01, 2024
    Karl Heinz Schäfer 
    Schöne Rundtour um das Morsum-Kliff Anfang März 2024 - bei Ebbe! Wanderschuhe haben ausgereicht. Es gibt für die Passage unten deutliche Hinweisschilder, dass teilweise Gummistiefel nicht ausreichen. Daher unbedingt auf die Gezeiten achten.
    ...Show more
    Written March 01, 2024
    Hiking Trail
    Morsum Cliff Hike
  • May 03, 2023
    Monika Kuhl
    May 02, 2023
    Tolle Wanderung mit sehr schönen Ausblicken. Auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert
    ...Show more
    Written May 03, 2023
    Hiking Trail
    Red Cliff Hike
  • August 27, 2022
    Charly N.N.
    eine schöne Rundtour mit abwechslungsreichen Pfad vom Deich hinter der Kaffeerösterei durch das Watt mit Queller und Strandflieder zur Rantum Inge, dann kuschelige, d.h. windgeschützt Einkehr bei Abby,'s mit phantastisch leckerem selbst gebackenen Kuchen, es liegt gleich neben der Reet gedeckten Kirche mit sep. Glockentum gestaltet wie eine Bake
    ...Show more
    Written August 27, 2022
    Hiking Trail
    Best of Rantum
  • August 27, 2022
    Charly N.N.
    August 21, 2022
    sehr schöner , abwechslungsreicher Spaziergang mit toller Aussicht und Einblick in Jahrtausende alte Sandschichten
    ...Show more
    Written August 27, 2022
    Hiking Trail
    Red Cliff Hike
  • October 20, 2021
    Harry Vahle
    Sehr schöne Tour und so auch erlaubt. Nicht von der Straße abkommen, dort ist Naturschutzgebiet und man wird wieder ‚eingefangen‘… Am Strand mehr Zeit einplanen, da der Sand sehr tief ist und nicht fest wie am Weststrand. Landschaftlich sehr reizvoll, aber keine Bänke!
    ...Show more
    Written October 20, 2021
  • October 05, 2021
    F. H.
    October 02, 2021
    Tolle Wanderung! Auch bei Flut lief sich die Tour ganz unproblematisch. Ein großer Teil des Weges verläuft auf Strandabschnitten auf Sand. Je nach Windrichtung kann das durchaus mal anstrengend werden und kann etwas Kondition erfordern. Aber gerade das macht die Tour interessant: Watt- und Wasserseite, Dünen, Südspitze, Hafen, Leuchtturmblick aus fast allen Richtungen, Wellenbrecher... Es wird nicht langweilig. Wer die Tour noch verlängern mag und/oder noch mehr Abwechslung sucht, kann auch einen Abstecher in den Ortskern von Hörnum dazunehmen. Danke fürs Teilen der Tour!
    ...Show more
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Photo: F. H., Community
    Written October 05, 2021
  • June 13, 2021
    Laura So 
    Sehr schöne und abwechslungsreiche Wanderung! Insbesondere bei Niedrigwasser zu empfehlen, da einfacher zu laufen.
    ...Show more
    Written June 13, 2021
  • June 02, 2021
    Jörg Niemann
    June 02, 2021
    Sehr schöne Tour
    ...Show more
    Photo: Niemann Jörg, Community
    Photo: Niemann Jörg, Community
    Written June 02, 2021

Destinations on Sylt


Localization

Parts of this content were machine translated from German.
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