© Georg Heimberger | Sylt Marketing

Sylt beaches

Amusement Park Beach:
We show you how and where you can experience the most beautiful holiday moments and beaches on Sylt.

What type of beach lover are you?

Among the Sylt Frisians, there are still quite a few who haven't been to the beach for years. “Beach avoider” Among the guests, however, they are a tiny minority. Whether local or guest - how each individual celebrates the beach fun along our 40 kilometers of west coast is as colorful as life itself. We have a few “common beach types” portrayed in words and pictures.
Text: Imke Wein

The "early bathers" are a type of Sylt beach type
© Martin Haake

Distinct individualists with a penchant for "lovable eccentricity"

- In summer, they arrive between 6 and 9 a.m. They rarely stay in the water for more than five minutes.

- Wear a bathrobe with nothing underneath or at most a jogging look.

- Do not let wind or weather shake their bathing habits.

- The ambitious swimmers swim well into November and celebrate their morning ritual starting in May at the latest. The ultras swim all winter long.

The beach cliques are one of six Sylt beach types
© Martin Haake

Between beach friendship and community of fate

- Meet every year during the summer holidays on the same stretch of beach.

- After a leisurely breakfast, we gather with all our belongings and the best provisions.

- Harsh weather provokes exuberance, intimacy, and playful spirit. "Luxurious cliques" only emerge in sunshine.

- It is not uncommon for friendships for life, and sometimes even love, to develop in the Sylt summer resort.

- Members of beach cliques need space for their equipment and to prepare provisions.

The so-called Sporty Active People are a form of the Sylt beach types
© Martin Haake

Let the games begin

- Joggers have earplugs in their ears and technology on their arms to measure speed and bioparameters.

- Surfers provide dramatic highlights on land and on water.

- Are in constant communication with each other about the "swell" and all relevant topics.

- Beach volleyball teams form wherever there are nets.

- Free beach aerobics and individual fitness, Pilates, meditation and yoga sessions are available on all main beaches along the west coast.

Things are getting sporty here!
The "Wandering" is a type of Sylt beach type.
© Martin Haake

Pilgrims at the floodplain

- High traffic volumes, particularly in spring and autumn, between 11 a.m. and 18 p.m. between Westerland and Kampen.

- Wear functional clothing and rolled up trouser legs.

- Collecting and searching for shells or amber is widespread.

- If there are guide dogs, they usually have neon-colored leashes.

- Are traveling with a small provisions backpack and water bottle.

The most beautiful hiking routes
The so-called "basket fraction" is a form of the Sylt beach types
© Martin Haake

At home in a beach chair

- Have daily beach time that is equivalent in length to a workday.

- No fair-weather guests. In bad weather, the basket is turned against the wind and things wait out – with a book, wool sweater, and thermos.

- Beach chair is booked well in advance or you have an annual chair with the same number for years.

- Not all, but many basket fans appreciate the daily surf bath.

Book your beach chair here!
"The Sundowners" are a form of the Sylt beach types
© Martin Haake

"When the red sun sinks into the sea near Capri"

- Gather when an orange-globe sunset approaches.

- Bring your own drink or come to the spots where the catering is set up accordingly.

- The high dune platforms along the west coast are very popular for the sunset event.

- Sunsets are worthless if they are not photographed and the photos are not sent to loved ones at home.

- Sunset fans assure: "No sunset is like the next!"

To the beach bistros

Find yours Dream accommodation 
right on the beach!

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Please select a date
  • The largest selection of accommodation

  • best offer at the best price

  • book quickly & easily

Your perfect beach day:

  • Reserve deinen Favorite beach chair

  • Take a good book with, for example, a Sylt crime novel or novel

  • Think of your Sonnencreme, sunglasses and sun hat, the Sylt sunshine can be very strong

  •  That's fun: pail for collecting shells, Shovel and landing net for the little ones, Boccia, Beach ball and volleyball for the big ones

  • Very important Water and Snacks, perhaps Money for the beach bistros, Change for an ice cream or a crêpe in between (watch out for the seagulls!)

  • Your spa card Don't forget, you can get these at the beach crossing or directly from the hosts

The currents 
the Sylt North Sea

Useful information for your beach holiday on Sylt

The tractors…

On the Sylt beach there are undercurrents that pull you out to sea. They are usually located between the sandbanks and are very easy to spot at low tide. At high tide, only the trained eye can see them on the water's surface. Some rip currents are marked by groyne crosses or flags on the beach. If you get caught in a rip current, please stay calm and swim out of it parallel to the shore. You will feel when the pull subsides and you can swim back to shore. It is important not to swim against the current. If you get into trouble and you are running out of strength, please call out and wave. Very important: Don't panic. You are in very good hands at the official and designated bathing areas, as experienced, local lifeguards reliably monitor their respective beach areas and are familiar with the tides and currents.

A bird's-eye view of Sylt's kilometer-long sandy beach. The dune landscape and the clear blue sea are pure nature.
© Finn Anjes | Sylt Marketing

The groynes…

On Sylt's west beach, groynes once served as coastal protection, but have been almost completely removed in recent years. Here and there, remnants of groynes remain, which could be dangerous for swimming and surfing. In some sections of the beach, sharp wooden or metal pieces protrude from the sand in the sea, which you can only really see at low tide. At high tide, these are covered. You can identify these spots by the groyne crosses on the beach. Where the groynes were built, there are also rip currents, which you should be careful of. It's best to choose an officially patrolled beach for your swimming pleasure. Swimming is wonderful between the red and yellow flags, as these are safe areas marked by lifeguards without remnants of groynes.

 

Groynes in the sea, covered with algae and mussels.
© Marie Pohl | Sylt Marketing

Bathing after a storm…

on Sylt can really be very tempting. Even during storms, the North Sea can be very attractive. Strong onshore winds create large, often meter-high waves, which particularly attract water sports enthusiasts. But even for very good swimmers, the North Sea can be challenging and dangerous. The water is powerful, and depending on the water level and wind direction, strong currents develop, which you can feel and observe even after the storm. From May to the beginning of October, the lifeguards use the flags on their tower to indicate whether you are allowed to enter the sea or whether the conditions are too extreme for swimming in the North Sea. You can tell by the red flag, which is hoisted alone on the mast.

 

© Sylt Marketing/Jan Blaffert
© Sylt Marketing/Laura Müller

Sundowner on the beach

The Sunset is completely independent of the season with the most beautiful moment of the day on Sylt. Most of the time you can find people on the beach, because from there you have the best view on the sun setting in the sea. In summer it is especially fun to sit in a Beach chair round to sit, look at the North Sea and spend the day together with a cool drink to let it fade away.

During the cooler seasons, it is definitely worth stopping by the beach before heading out to the restaurant in the evening. Then you can often most beautiful cloud formations observe, you a breath of fresh air blow and the clear air enjoy. A Dinner with sea view Of course it always works!

What could be better than ending the day with good friends and a cool drink by the sea?

Do you already know these Sylt residents 
Beach experiences?

Beach sauna infusion on Sylt
© Laura Müller
Beach sauna
White dinner on the beach in Kampen
© Maike Hüls-Graening
White Dinner Kampen
Teenagers play beach ball on the beach at sunset.
© Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing
Beach sports
© Peter Bender I Sylt Marketing

Lifeguard rules

Safe swimming on Sylt:
Bathing areas, times & sun protection

© Sylt Marketing/Lynn Scotti

bathing field

During the season on Sylt, lifeguards are on site from 10:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. and mark their bathing area with red/yellow flags. You can swim safely and under supervision. If bathing conditions are dangerous on a particular day, you'll be able to see them by a yellow flag on the tower. In these cases, swimming is only permitted in the bathing area. A red flag indicates that swimming is prohibited and life-threatening!

© Julia Lund

UV radiation

The island of Sylt is known and popular for its breathtaking beaches and dune landscapes. Sunbathing in the summer is an absolute must for a holiday on the North Sea island. Lying on the beach, relaxing, and enjoying the view of the sea can be very restorative and soothing for the soul. However, UV radiation on the coast should not be underestimated. The bright beach and the water reflect the sunlight, thus intensifying it. For optimal protection, avoid going to the beach around midday, as that is when the sun is at its strongest. Sunscreen, a sun hat, a parasol, a beach chair, and even beach tents will help you protect yourself optimally. Information boards at several beaches on Sylt warn you about UV radiation and explain what to look out for when and what to do.

Lifeguard Day for Children & Young People

in July & August

Active beach life:

Insider tips for sporting adventures by the sea

 A group of surfers stands on the beach, surfboards lying in the sand.
© Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing

Surfing, kitesurfing, SUP, windsurfing, wing foiling

Did you know that Sylt is the birthplace of German surfing culture? In the early 1950s, lifeguards made their first attempts at standing upright on their rescue boards in the North Sea.

Since then, surfing has evolved along the German coast. Wave riding gave rise to windsurfing, then kitesurfing, and finally stand-up paddling and wing foiling.

Sylt offers by far the best surfing areas in Germany. That's why numerous surfing events featuring international professionals take place here from June to October. The most famous is the Windsurfing World Cup.

Want to try surfing on Sylt? The island offers numerous surf schools that can provide you with expert advice, depending on your skill level.

Dive in here!
Four people play beach tennis in the evening light in front of the North Sea.
© Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing

Fun Beach in Westerland

Beach volleyball, soccer, really letting off steam, trying out new fun games or simply relaxing in the sun – Fun Beach definitely offers you a colorful sports program in July and August.

If you're traveling solo, you're guaranteed to meet lots of young people here, whether for a game of volleyball or a relaxing sundowner on the beach.

The Fun Beach location is usually Brandenburg Beach in Westerland, but this can change from year to year. We'll be happy to keep you updated.

Fun Beach

Kite flying on the Sylt beaches

The wind on Sylt is perfect for kite flying. If you're drawn to the beach with your kite, please choose one of the designated zones.

The time of day is also crucial. In Westerland and Rantum, these are the Dikjen Deel and Baak Deel beaches from 17 p.m.

Unfortunately, during the season, you'll have to forgo kite flying on the main beaches. It's simply too busy.

If you don't have a dragon with you, you'll definitely find one at the Sylt Dragon Cave in Westerland.

© Peter Bender I Sylt Marketing

Beach bistros on the island

Your most beautiful moments of enjoyment with a sea view

  • Open the 'Strandhalle Sylt' detail page
    © Strandhalle Sylt
    Beach Hall Sylt
    German, Vegetarian, Regional Cuisine, Seafood, Coffee & Cake
    beach restaurant
    Ellenbogen 3, 25992 List on Sylt
  • Open the 'Buhne 16' detail page
    Stage 16
    Temporarily closed
    Vegetarian, Regional cuisine, Snack/Fast food, Home-style, Seafood
    Bistro
    Listlandstraße 133, 25999 Kampen
  • Open the 'Kaamps 7' detail page
    Kaamps 7
    Temporarily closed
    Mediterranean, Regional Cuisine, Seafood, Creative/Gourmet
    Bistro
    Riperstieg 1, 25999 Kampen
  • Open the detail page 'Uncle Johnny's Beach Inn'
    © Uncle Johnny's Beach Restaurant
    Uncle Johnny's Beach Bar
    International, Snack/Fast Food, Homestyle, Coffee & Cake
    Café
    Am Strand 1, 25996 Wenningstedt-Braderup
  • Open the 'Beach Grass' detail page
    CC0 © Jasmin Heimberger
    beach grass
    International, Regional Cuisine, Snack/Fast Food
    Bistro
    Strandstraße 27, 25996 Wenningstedt-Braderup
  • Open the Sunset Beach detail page
    © Sunset Beach Westerland
    Sunset Beach
    Mediterranean, Seafood, Homestyle, German, Regional Cuisine
    Bistro
    Brandenburger Str. 15, 25980 Sylt/Westerland
  • Open the 'Beach House' detail page
    © Beach House Sylt
    Beach House
    German, International, Regional Cuisine, Seafood, Homestyle, Vegetarian
    beach restaurant
    Käpt'n-Christiansen-Straße 41a, 25980 Sylt/Westerland
  • Open the 'Beach Oasis' detail page
    © Photo: Alexander Heil
    Beach oasis
    Temporarily closed
    Mediterranean, regional cuisine
    Café
    Lorens-de-Hahn-Str. 42, 25980 Sylt/Westerland
  • Open the 'Samoa Seahorse' detail page
    © Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing
    Samoa Seahorse
    Asian, International, Regional Cuisine, Snack/Fast Food, Seafood
    Café
    Hörnumer Str. 70, 25980 Sylt/Rantum
  • Open the 'Zanzibar Sylt' detail page
    © Zanzibar
    Zanzibar Sylt
    International, Coffee & Cake
    Café
    Hörnumer Str. 80, 25980 Sylt/Rantum
  • Open the Cape Horn detail page
    © Cape Horn
    Cape Horn
    Temporarily closed
    German, Regional Cuisine, Homestyle
    Restaurant
    Süderende 24, 25997 Hörnum
  • Open the 'Southern Cape' detail page
    © Southern Cape
    Southern Cape
    German, Seafood, Homestyle, Coffee & Cake
    Restaurant
    Ostpromenade 1, 25997 Hörnum

What can you do 
if you have one 
Seal on the beach see?
 

© Finn Anjes l Sylt Marketing
  • Attention! infection risk for humans and animals! 

    Do not touch marine mammals. 

  • Please Leash the dog.

  • As possible big distance hold. 

  • Keep escape routes to the water clearn & do not scare them into the water.

  • The Seal sees injured out? 

    Sick marine mammals about the Robben.App report or police 110 call up.

© Sylt Marketing/Julia Lund
about 55 m²

Tons of sand washed up since 1970

more than 50 years

Coastal protection on Sylt

Sand from 30 meters

Depth is washed up on the beach

Sand pre-flush on Sylt

Coastal protection is island protection

For the Preservation of the island and the Sylt beach are produced every year by List to Hörnum various measures have been taken. Stalk plantings about the Sand trap fences to the sand nourishment along the entire west coast.

You want more about them Coastal protection measures Want to know more? Then take a look here:

All beaches of the island

  • Family-friendly beaches

  • nudist beaches

  • Dog beaches

  • Accessible beaches

FAQs about Sylt's beaches

FAQs