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Island of Sylt. Photo by Ralf Roletschek,

Top 10 Amazing Facts about the Island of Sylt

Sylt, known for the distinctive shape of its shoreline, is an island located in Northern Germany in Europe.  Sylt is the largest island in North Frisia and belongs to the North Frisian Islands.

Sylt which located in the northernmost part of Germany and is known for its 40-kilometre -long sandy beach as well as the many tourist resorts located in it such as Westerland, Kampen and Wenningstedt-Braderup among others

Due to the ongoing loss of land during storm tides and its connection with the exposed situation in the North Sea it is frequently focused by the Germany media.

The following are the 10 amazing facts about the island of Sylt.

1. Sylt is Popular with Birds and                            Birdwatchers alike

Birds in Sylt. Photo by Ventus55.

As it is with people, birds also love the island of Sylt. It has been confirmed that every year over 300 bird species visit the island out of which almost 100 build nests on the island, lay eggs and bring up their young on the island.

Large flocks of migratory birds on their journeys between Siberia and East Africa can be watched on the island both in spring and autumn. Those who love watching birds cannot be bored throughout the year in the island of Sylt.

2. Sylt is Replete with All Sorts of Animals

Sheep Grazing. Photo by Hajotthu 15:22, 12. Mai 2010 (CEST).

Sylt is replete with all sorts of animals which can be seen throughout the year. The bleating of sheep and their lambs is part of the typical soundscape encountered by guests when hiking and walking in Sylt.

Long ears stick out of the heath prevalent there as rabbits and hares find a perfect home in it. Among the protective bushes in Sylt, foxes also roam freely.

Many animals found on the island spend their lives in the water surrounding it as well as on the dry ground.

Some of the animals include the well-known shore crab which spends its time both on land and in the water.

Seals, grey seals and harbor seals can also be spotted on the island with some luck.

3.The Water Around Sylt Is Teeming with Life

Mackerel. Photo by Kora27.

Over 250 species of fish can be found on the waters around the island. Some of the species of fish known as tasty food fish and found therein include the mackerel, cod, plaice and herring.

The island of Sylt is also a perfect location from where whales can be watched. The smallest whales such as the curious harbor whales come especially close to the island’s coastal areas in July and August every year.

The whales give birth to their young in the waters around the island and hence visitors can observe pairs with mother and calf from the island.

4. Sylt’s Salt Marshes are The Habitat of            The Edible Queller

The salt marshes are not only inconspicuous but very interesting area on Sylt. The salt marshes are located overlooking the Wadden sea on eastern side of the island.

The sea water washes over the salt marshes areas twice a day in the interplay of low and high tide. Numerous plants such as the Queller have adopted to the salty habitat.

The Queller which is a thick-fleshed little plant is a newcomer in the kitchen and is extremely sought after by consumers. The plant is an all-rounder which defies the adverse conditions and creates new land where it grows.

5. Sylt Hosts the World Windsurfing                    Championship

Since 1984, the tiny island of Sylt has been hosting the World Windsurfing Championship.

The Wind Surfing Championship is made possible by the ideal wind surfing conditions along the 40-kilometer low-lying coast.

6. Sylt Mudflats Are Registered as  a                UNESCO Heritage Site

Mudflats. Photo by Bermicourt.

 The Wadden Sea Mudflats on the Island of Sylt are registered as a UNESCO heritage site due to their uniqueness. Visitors to Sylt island experience the largest sand and mudflat system in the world.

The island is replete with mudflats, tidal creeks, salt marshes, sandbars, dunes and a 10 to 12 million wading and waterfowl in an area measuring 11,500 square kilometers.

The diversity, dynamism and ecological function of the Wadden Sea is registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected as a national park.

7. Sylt Loses Around 1 Meter of Shore Line         Every Year

 The island of Sylt appeared in early 1100s and has been around in its shape currently for over 400 years.  The island is highly endangered as it loses around 1 meter of shoreline annually.

Reports show that the island was split into two in 1962 and the threat of being cut of permanently still persists. 

To reverse continued loss of the shoreline, authorities have been dredging and depositing sand at a cost of 10 million Euros a year. Only time will tell whether or not this will reverse the loss of the shoreline. 

8. Residents of Sylt have their own Dialect

The island of Sylt is a constituent island of the North Frisian Islands located in the Wadden Sea. These Islands have a shared history and also a distinct language known as the North Frisian language.

Söl’ring is the dialect of the inhabitants of Sylt. This north Frisian language has been influenced by English, Dutch and Danish languages.

9. Sylt Was Relatively Untouched During             the Two World Wars

Sylt was relatively untouched during World War I and World War II in spite of its proximity to Denmark and the North Sea. 

The island became an outpost for the German Military during World War 1. Airship sheds built by the Germans were subsequently bombed by the British during the war. 

During World War II the Germany military built concrete bunkers below the dunes but no significant military activity was witnessed there.

10. Sylt Is A Secret Paradise for Celebrities           and Well-Known Germans

Celebrities and well-known people in Germany use Sylt as a secret paradise for their getaways. The island was touted for its health benefits, saltwater, and exquisite air at the turn of the 20^th century.

Marlene Dietrich, Emil Nolde, Thomas Mann, and Axel Springer are some of the famous people who are known to have frequented the island