© Thomas Schütte

News & Stories

Café Klapprad

The new opening at the Wenningstedt campsite

A breath of fresh air and new life at the Wenningstedt campsite: Julian Diedrichsen and his friendly team conjure up colorful creations on the plates of Café Klapprad and bring a smile to the faces of the guests. 

Since he was eight years old, he wanted to work in the catering industry. At the age of 16, he began training as a restaurant specialist and subsequently worked in various restaurants and Since March, Julian Diedrichsen has finally opened his own shop. Café Klapprad is a dream come true for the 34-year-old, one he has fulfilled together with friends. "I get up in the morning and I enjoy being here. I actually don't want to go home. Of course, that also has something to do with my coworkers, who are all long-time friends of mine." 
And this friendship is palpable when you enter the restaurant at the Wenningstedt campsite. Good humor, laughter, and a natural warmth fill the air. 

The interior also exudes happy vibes: Light wood, lots of green plants, a neat mix of sofas, armchairs, and wooden tables, and quirky unique pieces on the walls. "This is my living room. Well, almost literally, because this is what my living room looked like until recently," explains Julian, who is probably familiar to many Sylt residents and guests from his restaurant stints on the island. "I've been collecting furniture and decorative objects for ten years with the goal of one day having them in my own shop." 

 

Four young men laughing on a sofa
© Esther Jörgensen
Interior of the café with wood, concrete and green plants
© Esther Jörgensen

This long period of preparation actually benefited Julian: He and his team only had four weeks to make the restaurant what it is today. This means that all the walls were filled, sanded, and painted. A new floor was poured, and the large concrete counter is a true handcraft. The kitchen was largely remodeled, and the menu was thoroughly tested. 

What can be found there? Dishes that are regional, seasonal, always fresh, and above all, always well-seasoned, with a touch of Frisian charm. Influences from Latin America, Asia, and the Mediterranean are also undeniable. Chef Benjamin Keller brought these back from his own travels. It's very important to him that his food brings people together, allowing them to enjoy the many colors and flavors together in a home-like atmosphere. Dishes like tacos, for example, are perfect for sharing and thus fit perfectly into the concept. "The plan is for a few signature dishes to remain permanently on the menu, but the rest of the offerings will change every two to three weeks. This way, there'll be something new to discover with every visit, and we can work with seasonal ingredients," explains Benjamin. 

A corner shop will follow soon, where you will find a selected range of delicatessen products with a matching wine selection, as well as Sylt handicrafts, jams, hygiene products and general camping supplies.