Heather

Heathland on Sylt

The Braderuper Heide on Sylt is an idyllic nature reserve, which is particularly popular in late summer due to the purple blossoms of the heather This tranquil landscape offers a wonderful contrast to the island's beaches.

However, the heath's fragile ecosystem can only be preserved through targeted care. In the past, the heath served as a natural resource: it provided fuel, bedding, and grazing land. This traditional use prevented the landscape from becoming overgrown and becoming overgrown.

Approximately 50% of all heathland in Schleswig-Holstein is located on Sylt. Due to their rarity and ecological importance, they are under special protection under the State Nature Conservation Act. The heath provides habitat for approximately 2.500 animal species and about 150 plant species – around 45% of these plant species are listed on the Red List of Threatened Species.

Heyday

On Sylt, there are three characteristic heathland species. These are the crowberry (flowering in April-May), the cross-leaved heather (flowering from July), and the common heather (flowering from the end of August). You can also find rare species such as arnica, lungwort, and orchid in the heathland.

Heathland care

The blooming heath is one of Sylt's most beautiful natural landscapes. However, to preserve it, it requires regular care. Without intervention, the heath would gradually become woody and transform into forest.

On Sylt, various traditional methods are used: Fjordland sheep graze the land, meadows are mown, individual areas are subjected to controlled burning—and in some places, even "plagging" (soil-cutting). Plagging involves mechanically removing the topsoil so that the heather can regrow from the nutrient-poor soil. This keeps it open and diverse—and blooms anew every summer in vibrant violet.

This meticulous care is crucial for preserving the Sylt Heath as a valuable habitat for rare animals and plants. When you hike through this landscape, you'll see not only nature but also the result of centuries-old tradition.

More about the Braderup Heath

flock of sheep

From April to October, migratory shepherd Uta Wree and her flock of sheep visit the island's heathlands. The more than 600 Fjordland sheep ensure that the heathland is preserved and does not become overgrown. Unlike their counterparts on the dikes, Fjordland sheep consume approximately nine kilograms of the gnarled heath plants per day, also spreading various plant seeds on their fur and hooves. Grazing clears the heath of shrubs, bushes, and herbs, as well as the invasive potato rose.

The sheep need peace and quiet to graze, so always keep your dog on a leash in the nature reserve.

Close-up of a sheep with light wool and intense eyes.

Walk through the heath

Explore the Braderup Heath on foot and discover the nature reserve with views of the Wadden Sea.

Open the details page 'Through the Braderup Heath'
Kristina Dolezych | Sylt Marketing GmbH | CC BY SA
Through the Braderup Heath
Now little visited
Now moderately visited
Now heavily visited
Open
Closed
Always open
open - closes at ###TIME### o'clock
open - closes tomorrow at ###TIME### o'clock
opens at ###TIME### o'clock
7,05 km
69 m
1: 47 pm
69 m
Hike · medium
Üp di Hiir, 25996 Wenningstedt-Braderup
Open the 'Wenningstedt-Braderup Round' detail page
Kristina Dolezych, Sylt Marketing GmbH | CC BY SA
Wenningstedt-Braderup Round
Now little visited
Now moderately visited
Now heavily visited
Open
Closed
7,12 km
27 m
1: 03 pm
27 m
Jogging · medium
25996 Wenningstedt-Braderup