© KV List on Sylt

The Lister Elbow

The northernmost peninsula in Germany

Discover the Lister Ellenbogen, the northernmost point in Germany! This unique region captivates with its diverse landscape, impressive biodiversity, and fascinating history – an absolute highlight on Sylt that you simply must experience.

Let the unusual shape of the elbow Inspired by the shape of a bent arm, it is particularly impressive from the air. Embark on a discovery tour and experience the breathtaking nature again and again. A walk around the northern tip takes you past Dunes, lighthouses and sheepLook out for the maritime wooden sign on the edge of the dune – here you are actually standing at the northernmost point of Germany

The entire elbow is a protected Bird and nature reserve, which provides a home to many bird species, sheep, seals, and marine life in the Wadden Sea. Here you can experience the centuries-old tradition of sheep farming in List on Sylt up close. free-roaming sheep are part of the unique landscape and always have the right of way – so be careful when they cross the roads!

Wind and kite surfers find the List beaches a perfect spot for their fast-paced sport. The fact that beginners and professionals alike will find what they're looking for here makes it particularly attractive. On the west coast, the sea shows its rough side and presents a real challenge even for experienced surfers. The calm southern side of the Elbow, on the other hand, is suitable for beginners. The shallow and peaceful waters of the Wadden Sea invite you to try out water sports for the first time.

In sunny weather, enjoy the far-reaching view of the Danish neighboring island of Rømø, which is less than four kilometers away. At the elbow you will find a spectacular natural spectacleThis is where the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site and the open North Sea meet. When the tides change, over 500 million cubic meters of water flow back and forth, creating impressive eddies and strong currents. Remember: Swimming is not permitted here due to the dangerous conditions. 

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Lister Ellenbogen!

330  Meter

the narrowest point is wide

5,5  km

long is the toll road

14  km

you should plan for the circling of the elbow

500  Sheep

live at the elbow

Game rules 
at the elbow

The elbow is under Nature Conservation and is located in Privately owned a community of approximately 30 heirs.

Sheep on a dune meadow, a VW van and sunset at Ellenbogen.
© Oliver Franke

What to pay attention to?

  • Keep your dog on a leash! Free-roaming sheep live on the Ellenbogen, which can trigger the hunting instinct even in our favorite four-legged friends.

  • Park only on the designated parking spaces and drive carefullyThe sheep like to walk on the road. That's why they always have the right of way!

  • Stay on the designated beach crossingsBecause dune protection means island protection!

  • halt Distance from sealslying on the beach at the tip of the elbow - especially to young animals. 
    If you find a seal that appears to be helpless or sick, please inform the relevant Seal hunters

  • Do not bathe at the elbowThe beaches are unguarded and there are life-threatening currents.

How do I get to the elbow?

You can easily reach this special place on foot, by bike or by car. 

On foot or by bike

Access on foot or by bike is of course free – so you have the opportunity to enjoy nature at your own pace.

Here you will find tips for hikes and bike tours to and around the Ellenbogen.

By car to Ellenbogen

Motorists must pay a toll of seven euros Pay, as the Elbow is private property. The toll is invested in the preservation and maintenance of the landscape. Toll booth opening hours vary depending on the season and weather, so plan your visit accordingly.

Here Here you will find an overview of the parking spaces from which you can explore the Ellenbogen by bike or on foot.

By Bus

The bus does not go directly to Ellenbogen. It is best to take the Line 5, the beach bus, to the “Weststrand” station and enjoy the rest of the way on foot or by bike.

Lighthouses at Ellenbogen

Twin towers very close together

The two lighthouses on the Lister Ellenbogen can be seen from a great distance. These served as a guide for sailors in the past, as they still do today. In the dark, the lighthouses more than live up to their name. Each lighthouse has its own unique light signal, allowing sailors to identify the land ahead. These signals were once controlled by lighthouse keepers. Today, they are operated remotely via a radio timer.

  • Open the 'List-West Lighthouse' detail page
    © Dominik Täuber | Sylt Marketing | CC BY SA
    List-West Lighthouse
    Lighthouses
    Ellenbogen, 25992 List on Sylt
  • Open the 'List-East Lighthouse' detail page
    © Mia Schmid | Sylt Marketing GmbH | CC BY SA
    List-East Lighthouse
    Lighthouses
    Ellenbogen, 25992 List on Sylt

Tours on, around and to the Ellenbogen

The Ellenbogen has a lot to offer. Here are our suggestions to help you find the most beautiful spots.

  • Open the 'Big Elbow Round' detail page
    © Holger Widera, Sylt Marketing GmbH
    Big Elbow Round
    8,96 km
    19 m
    2: 10 pm
    19 m
    Hike · difficult
    25992 List on Sylt
  • Open the 'Small Elbow Round' detail page
    © Holger Widera, Sylt Marketing GmbH
    Small elbow round
    3,91 km
    7 m
    0: 56 pm
    7 m
    Hike · easy
    25992 List on Sylt
  • Open the 'WWF Tour Sylt: Listland - Heath, Mudflats & Shifting Dunes' detail page
    © Rösner/Wadden Sea Office, Unknown
    WWF Tour Sylt: Listland - heath, mudflats & shifting dunes
    10,04 km
    27 m
    2: 32 pm
    27 m
    Hike · medium
    25992 List on Sylt
  • Open the 'Lister Views' detail page
    © Lynn Scotti, Sylt Marketing GmbH | CC BY SA
    Lister views
    7,59 km
    49 m
    1: 54 pm
    49 m
    Hike · medium
    Landwehrdeich 1, 25992 List on Sylt
  • Open the detail page 'Great Northern Round Trip - from Westerland to List (including Listland and Keitum)'
    Great Northern Tour - from Westerland to List (including Listland and Keitum)
    52,09 km
    27 m
    3: 32 pm
    27 m
    E-bike · heavy
    Alter Kirchenweg 1, 25980 Sylt/Westerland

Parking 
at the elbow

Discover even more in the north of the island…