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Sylt - An Island of Long Beaches & Luxury

Franziska RöhligDecember 4, 2011

Germany's largest North Sea island lies off the coast of Schleswig Holstein. On the western side of Sylt is the ocean, on the eastern side the mudflats. The silhouette of Sylt has become a an icon for the island's many fans. Over 650,000 tourists visit here each year to revel in the beach, the dunes, the wind and the waves. And the true aficionados pay their visit in the winter.

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On the western side of the island, 40 kilometers of white beaches lure visitors to the shore. The wind and the ocean spray blow away the cares of everyday. And Kampen is also a favorite of golfers. But the best views of the dunes can be found on horseback. The eastern part of the island features a unique coastal landscape--the mudflats, which were listed a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2009. And for those interested in the island's geology, the "Erlebniszentrum Naturgewalten" visitor center near the harbor of List is well worth a visit. And for a taste of true Friesian tradition, there's also Keitum, a district that features many cozy pubs. Some of the beachfront pubs even have beach chairs where guests can enjoy the winter sun. Sylt's cooking can be sampled at the Speisekammer Nordsee restaurant, which features dishes made with oysters and algae.