Sylt – Nature, Enjoyment and Wide Open Spaces | railtour travel blog

Yes, Sylt has a vineyard – in fact, it is the northernmost vineyard in Germany. In Keitum, top chef Jörg Müller and his son-in-law, sommelier Ben Müller-Birkholz, have been cultivating their own vineyard since 2022. At 54 degrees north latitude, the Solaris grape variety is used to produce the exclusive white wine ‘Söl'viin’.The climatic conditions of the North Sea, salty air and lots of wind, give the wine its fresh, maritime note with aromas of citrus fruits and green apple. The first vintages are promising and show that viticulture and Sylt go surprisingly well together.The Sylt vineyard is an extraordinary example of a culture of enjoyment beyond classic wine-growing regions – and another reason why the island never ceases to surprise.

Sylt is home to cuisine of the highest standard. Several award-winning restaurants demonstrate that top-class cuisine is always a team effort – from the concept and atmosphere to the food itself. The culinary pioneer is the Söl'ring Hof, which, with two Michelin stars and three Gault&Millau toques, is one of the best restaurants in the country. Chef Jan-Philipp Berner and his team are known for their precision and passion. Further Michelin stars shine at Landhaus Stricker, KAI3 and Tipken's by Nils Henkel at Severin*s Resort & Spa. The top class is complemented by institutions such as Restaurant JM and Hardy's at the Hotel Stadt Hamburg – known for their excellent cuisine, extensive wine lists and stylish bars.

In Sylt's beach bistros, you can enjoy culinary delights closer to the North Sea than almost anywhere else. With a view of the surf, fresh fish, a light lunch snack or homemade cake taste twice as good. At sunset, a glass of red wine is often served, accompanied by the sound of the sea. The beach bistros line the coast like pearls on a string. The dress code is relaxed and the atmosphere casual. In many places, lounge sounds are just as much a part of the experience as the sweeping views of the sea. On warm summer evenings, some beach bistros transform into popular meeting places for long nights right by the water.

The Wadden Sea is one of the world's most important natural landscapes and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. This unique ecosystem stretches along the North Sea coast of Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. Shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides, it forms the world's largest contiguous system of sand and mud flats, a dynamic habitat for countless animal and plant species.

On Sylt, the Wadden Sea also plays a central role in research. List is home to Germany's northernmost research facility, the Wadden Sea Station of the Alfred Wegener Institute. Changes in the Wadden Sea have been studied here for 100 years – today with a special focus on the effects of climate change on the North Sea and coastal ecosystems.

At Lister Ellenbogen, Germany's northernmost point, Sylt shows its most pristine side. Dunes, lighthouses, vast expanses and extraordinary wildlife characterise this protected natural paradise. On a walk around the northern tip, you will encounter free-roaming sheep, rare bird species and, with a little luck, seals in the Wadden Sea. Ellenbogen is an important bird and nature reserve where tradition and nature have been in harmony for centuries. Windsurfers and kitesurfers will find ideal conditions here: while the rough west side challenges experienced surfers, the calm south side offers the best conditions for beginners.
On a clear day, you can see as far as the Danish island of Rømø. Where the Wadden Sea and the open North Sea meet, an impressive natural spectacle unfolds – powerful, wild and unique.

The dunes characterise the landscape of Sylt and are also a central component of coastal protection. As a natural barrier, they protect the interior of the island from storm surges and erosion. As early as the 17th century, the inhabitants of Sylt began to fortify the sand formations in a targeted manner – a tradition that continues to this day.
The dunes are sustainably stabilised in spring and autumn by planting robust beach grass. As these are extremely sensitive habitats, large parts of them are protected and may only be accessed via designated paths. Around 40 kilometres of boardwalks and gravel paths as well as numerous beach crossings guide visitor traffic. A modern guidance system replaces former footpaths and follows a clear principle: dune protection is island protection.