© KV List on Sylt

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.

Be inspired by the unusual shape of the Elbow , which looks like an angled arm, especially impressive from the air. Embark on a journey of discovery and experience the breathtaking nature anew each time. A walk around the northern tip will take you past dunes, lighthouses, and sheep . Look out for the maritime wooden sign at the edge of the dunes – here you are actually standing at the northernmost point of Germany!

The entire Ellenbogen peninsula is a protected bird and nature reserve , providing 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 firsthand. The free-roaming sheep are part of the unique landscape and always have the right of way – so be careful when they cross the roads!

Windsurfers and kitesurfers will find the perfect spot for their fast-paced sport on the beaches of List. The fact that beginners and professionals alike will find something to enjoy here is part of its special appeal. On the west coast, the sea shows its rougher side and presents even experienced surfers with a real challenge. The calm southern side of the Ellenbogen peninsula, on the other hand, is ideal for beginners. The shallow and peaceful waters of the Wadden Sea are perfect for trying out water sports for the first time.

On a sunny day, enjoy the sweeping view of the Danish island of Rømø , which is less than four kilometers away. At Ellenbogen, a spectacular natural phenomenon awaits you . Here, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site meets the open North Sea. As the tides ebb and flow, over 500 million cubic meters of water move back and forth, creating impressive eddies and strong currents. Remember: Swimming is prohibited 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

The Ellenbogen is a protected natural area and is privately owned by a community of heirs of about 30 people.

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

  • Keep your dog on a leash! Free-roaming sheep live on the Ellenbogen peninsula and can trigger the hunting instinct even in the most beloved four-legged friend.

  • Please park only in designated parking areas and drive carefully . Sheep often wander onto the road, so they always have the right of way!

  • Stay on the designated beach access points . Protecting the dunes is protecting the island!

  • 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 swim at Ellenbogen . The beaches are unguarded and there are life-threatening currents.

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.

Drivers must pay a toll of eight euros at the entrance to the Ellenbogen peninsula , as it is private property. The toll is invested in the preservation and maintenance of the landscape. The toll booth's opening hours vary depending on the season and weather, so plan your visit accordingly.

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

The regular bus doesn't go directly to Ellenbogen. The best option is to take line 5 , the beach bus, to the "Weststrand" stop and enjoy the rest of the way on foot or by bike.

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

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
    Lynn Scotti I Sylt Marketing GmbH | CC BY SA
    Big Elbow Round
    8,96 km
    19 m
    2: 10 pm
    19 m
    Hike · difficult
    Ellenbogen, 25992 List on Sylt
  • Open the 'Small Elbow Round' detail page
    Lynn Scotti I Sylt Marketing GmbH | CC BY SA
    Small elbow round
    3,91 km
    7 m
    0: 56 pm
    7 m
    Hike · easy
    Ellenbogen, 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