- 0: 51 pm
- 3,36 km
- 18 m
- 18 m
- 1 m
- 19 m
- 18 m
- Start: Morsum Cliff car park
- Destination: Morsum Cliff car park
Nowhere else in the Wadden Sea do such ancient earth layers surface as at the Morsum Cliff on the island of Sylt: Compressed together by the glaciers of the Ice Age and exposed as a cliff, deposits from five different epochs of Earth's history lie side by side in colorful stripes. The oldest visible layers are around 10 million years old. On top of this, a comparatively young area of dunes and heathland formed after the last Ice Age.
The transitional area between cliff and mudflats offers special habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Sand martins nest in the bluffs, reed warblers hide in the reeds, and ringed plovers nest well camouflaged in the riparian zone. This nature walk offers insights into the earth's history and natural experiences. Information panels along the trail explain the nature and history. guided tours offer in-depth experiences.
Good to know
Path surfaces
Best Season
Directions
The tour starts at the Morsum Cliff parking lot, where an information board provides a wealth of interesting information about the cliff, and another board offers fascinating insights into the archaeology of the region. The cliff and the surrounding region are not only significant from a geological and nature conservation perspective, but also rich in archaeological monuments.
Near the parking lot, the "Üp Kief" trail meets the Nösistich stream. Follow Üp Kief for about 200 meters and then turn right onto the path toward the cliff. You will now pass through a dune area with an almost desert-like character, which is why it is locally called "Little Africa." The trail continues to the right along the salt marsh that has formed between the dunes and the mudflats. Further along, at the transition from the cliff to the mudflats, the concrete trail disappears and you stroll through the sand. Please note that walking on the cliff, collecting fossils, and digging in the cliff area are strictly prohibited.
At the end of the cliff, the path takes shape again, and you follow the trail through the salt marsh toward the Sylt dam. The path now curves right away from the coast, and you turn right again at the first opportunity. You now walk through the heath toward the cliff from the other side. The path runs above the cliff, parallel to the coast, sometimes directly along the edge. A detour leads to a vantage point offering a magnificent view of the Wadden Sea and the heathland of Morsum. The return route crosses the heath once more, and after just under 3,5 km, you're back at the parking lot.
If you like, you can take another walk south on the hiking trail through the marsh and past a fish pond.
A leaflet indicates this and other paths and offers in-depth information about the cliff.
Tour features
Accessibility
Culturally interesting
Flatly
Equipment
With the right clothing, your hike will be an unforgettable experience whatever the weather! Our tip: With wind- and waterproof clothing, comfortable hiking boots, a snack, and some sunscreen, you can't go wrong on the North Sea.
For bird and plant enthusiasts, it is worth taking binoculars and appropriate literature with you – also as an app.
More information / links
author
Anja Szczesinski / WWF Wadden Sea Office
Organization
Wadden Sea World Heritage Explorer
Our tip
safety instructions
To ensure that nature can develop largely undisturbed, we would like to ask you to support nature conservation in the national park:
- Please stay on marked trails in the national park and pay attention to the signs protecting breeding and resting areas. Even if there are no signs, very nervous birds often indicate that you are too close to their nests!
- Please always keep your dog on a leash when accompanying you on your hiking trip so that it does not accidentally disturb breeding or resting birds.
- Please do not leave any rubbish in nature.
- Please do not pick flowers in the national park, as many plants are protected. Instead, enjoy the sight of them in person.
- Please keep your distance from resting flocks of birds and seals when walking along the beach or water's edge.
Nearby
