Sylt tips: the right activity for every taste

Discovering “dolce far niente” (the sweet pleasure of doing nothing) is an important goal for your next Kampen holiday. For all those who also want to be entertained and inspired, Sylt offers a wide range of possibilities at any time of the year. We have put together a few interesting tips for your vacation. You will find the most current recommendations for Sylt on www.sylt.de/en and in the daily Sylter Rundschau. Everything Kampen has to offer can be found at www.kampen.de.

Experience Sylt in summer

Well guided through the village

Well guided through the village

A wonderful way to approach the Kampen phenomenon: Helpful Sylt residents lead you on foot or by bike through the village or alternatively through the mud flats, entertaining and informing you with exciting facts, legends and anecdotes. Dates: look at the magazine PRO Kampen or visit www.kampen.de.

First in solitude, then in company

First in solitude, then in company

Are you seeking tranquillity on Sylt beach in summer? Then ride a bike northward to the end of the village. Leave the bike at Klappholttal, enjoy the unique dune landscape and a (nearly) deserted beach. After that, venture out on a little expedition to the open-air museum “Vogelkoje” and enjoy blissful moments in the restaurant of the same name. www.vogelkoje.de

Have a ball in Avenarius Park

Have a ball in Avenarius Park

Have a ball with a boules match in Kampen’s Avenarius Park. The equipment you need for the court can be rented at the Kaamp-Hüs. But, apart from that, the park is a fine place to be: an inspiring environment for yoga, meditation or just dreaming.

All in white

All in white

The secret favourite in Kampen’s summer calendar of events is the White Dinner on the beach: a long table by the sea, guests dressed in white and picnic bags filled to the brim. Provided the winds are not blowing too hard and it is not raining, the White Dinner always takes place in July. The places are allocated on the Internet at short notice and are sold out in no time at all. www.kampen.de

Kampeneum: smart and enlightened

Kampen has launched a new event format: The Kampeneum is a symposium for reflection and discourse, on a level that is not overburdened, on topics that move everyone. The speakers are the best in their field and the supporting programme is refreshing. The next Kampeneum date: www.kampen.de

Jazz, classical music and literature at its best

Kampen has always stood out not only for its natural beauty, but also for art, culture and creativity. From July to September, the music and literature summer in Kampen offers plenty of opportunity to surround yourself with uplifting thoughts and beautiful sounds. Outstanding: the Kampen Jazz Festival by Till Brönner in the middle of July – open air and in the heart of the village. www.kampen.de

Grill and chill at Buhne 16

Grill and chill at Buhne 16

Sylt Frisians straight from a picture book? The Behrens clan has been running Buhne 16 with passion for decades. A visit to the Queen Mum of the beach bistros is a must. Especially when the Behrens brothers grill fresh mackerel, light up a fire at Easter, or celebrate the longboard contest in surfing at the beginning of September. For further information, visit www.buhne16.de

Photo: Alexander Heil

Creativity in the East of Sylt

In the beautiful village of Braderup on the Wadden Sea, it is worth visiting the artisan manufactories, the exhibitions of the Naturzentrum experience centre, and the Körnerladen health food shop. Here, Sylt is still unconventional and commerce takes a back seat.

The art trail

The art trail

Kampen not only has a sophisticated side, but also a creative aspect. To track down the many artists who have left their mark on Kampen, you can go on the Kunstpfad art trail. Information about the more than 21 stages of the Kampen art trail can be found in the Kaamp-Hüs. www.kampen.de

Bathing in sea fire

Many factors – including warm water and gentle winds – have to come together for you to experience this nocturnal spectacle on the beach: micro-organisms emit light signals, known as marine phosphorescence or, more poetically, sea fire. And all those who actually bathe in sea fire will be enriched by a magical experience.

Experience Sylt in winter

Egg grog and cake in the “Copper Pot”

Egg grog is a delicious beverage, but it is better not to try more than one cup of it. A good alternative to the high-octane winter drink is the cake in the Kupferkanne café. In any case, the setting is simply amazing. Be sure to take a walk along the mud flats first! www.kupfer-kanne-sylt.de

Christmas markets on Sylt

Christmas markets on Sylt

There is hardly a quicker and more relaxed way to buy Christmas presents than on Sylt. The weeks before Christmas are wonderfully quiet and cosy on the island. During the Advent season, almost all locations organize quaint markets with wonderful products. Of course, the nicest market of all is the one in Kampen – on the second Advent weekend in the Kaamp-Hüs.

Experience the wonder of the sea

Experience the wonder of the sea

When it comes to nature and fascination, Sylt has a lot to offer, even when the weather is really “sub-prime”. A visit to the adventure centre in List or to the Arche national park centre in Hörnum is recommended for all guests. Also fascinating: over 2,000 sea creatures of various sizes can be admired in 25 lovingly designed tanks at the Sylt Aquarium in Westerland.

To the mountains of Sylt

To the mountains of Sylt

Those who yearn for mountains on Sylt in winter should simply climb the highest island elevation of 52.5 metres and enjoy the beautiful view from the “Uwe Dune”.

Envigorating event

Anyone can swim in the North Sea in summer. In the winter season, there’s even swimming with an audience: on the 2nd Day of Christmas at Westerland beach, and on New Year’s Day in Wenningstedt. If you don’t need fans to cheer you on, you can try it on a beautiful day with calm surf. There are actually few dangers... on the contrary, it is rather a delight. It’s much easier if you visit a beach sauna beforehand. Two of the four Sylt beach saunas at present are also open in winter: the one in Hörnum on request and the sauna at Rantum Samoa beach is open daily during the turn of the year and on weekends throughout the winter.

Seclusion at night

Seclusion at night

Finding a really empty beach on Sylt is not always easy, even in winter. We recommend a walk on the beach after sunset from November to March for those who are looking for peace and solitude. When the stars extend as a sky tent from the edge of the dunes to the horizon and the expanse appears infinite, your own perspective is recalibrated. And don’t worry: the water’s edge is always easy to see, even in moonlight.

Treatments and sport at the Syltness Center

A wave pool with slides, a sports pool, a large variety of conventional and exotic wellness treatments in the 4,500 square metre day spa, as well as sports courses and facilities, are available at the Syltness Center at the end of Westerland’s Strandstrasse. www.syltnesscenter.de/

A tour around Sylt's Northern tip

A tour around Sylt's Northern tip

A winter walk through the bizarre landscape at Lister Ellenbogen (List Elbow) offers plenty of air and space for important thoughts. There is no better way to clear your mind.

From Kampen to Keitum

From Kampen to Keitum

A winter hike for those who appreciate quiet moments. Enjoy the idyllic landscape on the mostly windless side of the northern villages. A deeply relaxing experience.

Galleries