Fascination Sylt: My Personal Retrospective and Travel Tips

My Love for Sylt: A Personal Beginning

My connection to Sylt began in the 70s when I worked a season at Pension Gogarten straight out of school. Right next door was Gogärtchen, an absolute in-place even back then. Gogärtchen was always a hotspot for European celebrities. Personalities like Gunter Sachs, Brigit Bardot, or  Axel Springer (the Murdock from Germany) frequented the establishment. I vividly remember watching the glamorous guests from a distance. Being too shy and insignificant to be part of that world, I nonetheless had the best view of what was happening. This time shaped my love for the island, and since then, Sylt has never let me go.

Location

The TUI Blue Hotel is in a perfect environment with tranquility and variety. Just a few minutes walk away are the impressive dunes and the rugged North Sea, while the Wadden Sea is even closer. This unique location allows you to experience the island’s lively and quiet sides within a short distance.

Culinary Experiences at the TUI Blue Hotel

One outstanding feature of the TUI Blue Hotel was the food. Despite having visited many hotels, my husband and I have rarely encountered a hotel that offers such a varied and high-quality breakfast buffet. The selection was enormous and the quality excellent, making every morning a delight. We booked half-board, even though we could have self-catered in our apartment, as we spent only a few days on Sylt. The dinners were also very varied and of high quality, allowing us to enjoy a new culinary highlight each evening.

Advantages of Rantum

Rantum itself offers the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. The proximity to the dunes and the North Sea allows for relaxed walks, while the Wadden Sea invites exciting discovery tours. Despite the peaceful location, you can quickly reach more lively areas if you need company. Additionally, Rantum is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and warm dog welcome, making it an ideal vacation destination for us.

Exploring the Island

Sylt offers numerous opportunities for activities and discoveries. Hikes through the impressive dune landscapes, relaxing walks along the endless beach, and fascinating mudflat walks are among the highlights. These experiences can be compared to those on Martha’s Vineyard, where nature also plays a central role.

Cycling on Sylt

A particular highlight of Sylt is cycling. The island is flat and has an extensive network of well-developed bike paths that lead through picturesque landscapes and along the coast. Cycling is an environmentally friendly way to explore the island and offers the opportunity to discover hidden spots and breathtaking views off the beaten track.

Water Sports

Thanks to the constant winds, Sylt is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Surfers and kite surfers find ideal conditions here to pursue their sport. Numerous surf schools offer courses for beginners and advanced learners, so even newcomers can try these exciting sports.

Golfing on Sylt

Sylt offers some of the best golf courses for golf enthusiasts in Germany. The Golf Club Budersand in Hörnum and the Marine Golf Club Sylt are particularly noteworthy. The Golf Club Budersand stands out for its location with views of the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, offering a challenging links course experience with strategically placed bunkers and fast greens. The Marine Golf Club Sylt also offers a beautiful links course and is known for its excellent practice facilities and scenic surroundings.

Historic Thatched-Roof Houses and the Charm of Keitum

Another charming feature of Sylt is the traditional thatched-roof houses that give the island its distinctive character. Particularly noteworthy is the picturesque village of Keitum, known as the “green heart” of the island. Keitum was once the main town of the island and an important center for whaling. Many old captains’ houses that are still admired today bear witness to this glorious past. A walk through the narrow streets of Keitum feels like a journey back in time. Here, you will also find the Sylt Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the island.

Kampen: The In-Place on Sylt

Kampen is still in place on Sylt, and it is known for its exclusive atmosphere and the presence of celebrities. You will find exclusive boutiques, upscale restaurants, and chic bars here. The legendary “Whiskymeile” offers exciting nightlife, while during the day, the beautiful beach and the Red Cliff invite you to relax.

Westerland: The Heart of Sylt

Westerland, the island’s main town, is known for its lively promenade, numerous shopping opportunities, and diverse culinary offerings. The expansive beach is perfect for long walks and offers numerous beach bars and cafés where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

Culinary Experiences

Sansibar

Sansibar is a cult restaurant on Sylt, known for its location in the dunes and its exquisite cuisine. From currywurst with truffle fries to traditional Kaiserschmarrn – the menu offers something for every taste. The relaxed atmosphere and excellent service make every visit a special experience. On sunny days, the terrace is a popular spot to enjoy the view of the North Sea.

Gogärtchen and Pony in Kampen

For these two establishments, the celebrity factor comes first. Gogärtchen and Pony in Kampen are well-known meeting places for the rich and famous. People come here to see and be seen, enjoying the exclusive atmosphere. The food is good but not necessarily the main reason for a visit. It’s more about being part of the glamorous lifestyle that defines these places. Celebrity guests and stylish ambiance are guaranteed here.

Gosch

A visit to Sylt is not complete without a stop at Gosch. Known for its fresh seafood, Gosch offers a variety of dishes ranging from shrimp rolls to fish soup. The location in List is particularly popular, where you can enjoy shrimp and a chilled glass of Chablis while overlooking the harbor. Gosch is an institution on Sylt and a must for every visitor.

Recommended Restaurants on Sylt

In addition to these iconic venues, Sylt offers numerous other recommended restaurants:

• Strandoase Sylt: Located directly on the beach, this restaurant offers a great selection of German and international dishes and a beautiful view.
• Sylter Royal: Known for its fresh oysters and other seafood, this restaurant on the list is a highlight for fish and seafood lovers.
• Alte Friesenstube: This historic restaurant offers traditional Frisian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere and is a favorite among locals and tourists.
• iismeer: A grill restaurant known for its excellent barbecue dishes and cozy atmosphere. Perfect for a date or a relaxed evening with friends.

A wooden staircase descends from the high dunes to the sandy beach on Sylt.

Hotel Recommendations

Sylt offers various accommodations catering to travelers’ different needs and preferences. Here are some recommendations aimed at different target groups:

Luxury Travelers

For those seeking luxury and first-class service, the following hotels are particularly recommended:

• Budersand Hotel – Golf & Spa in Hörnum: This five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations, a first-class spa, and one of the best golf courses in Germany. It is ideal for golf enthusiasts and travelers looking to be pampered.
• Severin’s Resort & Spa in Keitumis another highlight for luxury travelers. The resort impresses with its elegant furnishings, excellent service, and a luxurious spa that invites relaxation.
• Hotel Stadt Hamburg in Westerland: With its charming atmosphere and excellent service, this hotel provides the perfect setting for a luxurious stay.

Families

For families looking for child-friendly accommodation, these hotels are ideal:

• TUI Blue Hotel in Rantum: This hotel is ideal for families with children and pets. The child-friendly atmosphere and dog-friendly facilities make it a perfect choice for a family vacation.
• Hotel Strand am Königshafen in List: With spacious rooms and direct access to the beach, this hotel provides an ideal environment for families looking to enjoy nature.
• Dorint Strandresort & Spa Sylt/Westerland: Offers numerous activities for children and a wellness area for adults. Perfect for a relaxing family vacation.

Active Vacationers

For travelers looking to stay active during their vacation, these accommodations are ideal:

• A-ROSA Sylt in List: This hotel offers a variety of activities, including water sports and fitness programs. A well-equipped wellness area provides relaxation after an active day.
• Hotel Rungholt in Kampen: This hotel is perfect for hikers and cyclists. Its location provides easy access to the island’s best hiking and biking trails.
• Strandhotel Sylt in Westerland: Provides easy access to water sports and beach activities, ideal for active vacationers.

Romantic Couples

For couples looking for a romantic getaway, these hotels are particularly recommended:

• Hotel Stadt Hamburg in Westerland: With its charming atmosphere and excellent service, this hotel offers the perfect setting for a romantic stay.
• Fährhaus Sylt in Munkmarsch: This hotel offers luxurious rooms, excellent cuisine, and an idyllic location on the Wadden Sea, perfect for romantic walks.
• Landhaus Stricker in Tinnum: An exclusive boutique hotel with romantic suites and first-class service, perfect for a romantic getaway.

Budget Travelers

There are also suitable accommodations on Sylt for travelers on a smaller budget:

• Sylter Domizil in Wenningstedt: This hotel offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices and is close to the beach and major attractions.
• Pension Haus Lassen in Westerland: This cozy, affordable accommodation with a family atmosphere is ideal for travelers looking to discover Sylt without spending a lot.
• Youth Hostel Westerland wiki is ideal for young travelers and groups looking for an affordable yet comfortable place to stay.

Getting to Sylt

For American travelers, the best way to reach Sylt is via major airports such as Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Berlin, followed by a train ride to Westerland, the main town on Sylt. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Sylt. The island’s exclusivity is underscored by its limited access (car, train, or airplane), which prevents overcrowding and enhances the overall experience.

Since American travelers rarely visit Sylt just for the beach, various combination trips can make for a varied and exciting European journey:

Berlin – Hamburg – Sylt

Start your trip in the bustling capital of Berlin, where you’ll find numerous historical sights, museums, and a vibrant nightlife. After a few days in Berlin, take the train to Hamburg, Germany’s “Gateway to the World.” Hamburg offers impressive port facilities, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and charming districts like St. Pauli and the Speicherstadt. From Hamburg, continue to Sylt, where you can enjoy the island’s tranquility and natural beauty.

Prague – Dresden – Berlin – Sylt

Begin your journey in Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” The Czech capital is known for its well-preserved old town, Charles Bridge, and magnificent castle. Continue to Dresden, also known as “Elbflorenz,” which captivates with its baroque architecture and art collections. From Dresden, travel to Berlin to explore Germany’s capital before heading to Sylt.

Munich – Nuremberg – Hamburg – Sylt

Start in Munich, the Bavarian capital famous for its beer gardens, Oktoberfest, and attractions like Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace. From Munich, continue to Nuremberg, a city rich in history and impressive medieval architecture. If you travel during Christmas, visit the famous Nuremberg Castle and the Christkindlesmarkt. Finally, travel to Hamburg before ending your journey on Sylt.

These combination trips offer a varied and exciting journey through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities before you enjoy the idyllic tranquility and natural beauty of Sylt.

Conclusion

Our trip to Sylt was once again an unforgettable experience that tied old memories together and created new ones. The first vacation with our new Labrador puppy, KIA, made this trip memorable. Sylt’s tranquility, nature, and luxury make it an ideal travel destination.

Tips for Travelers

Plan your trip to secure the best accommodations and restaurants. Sylt offers a variety of activities and attractions to suit every taste. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this island and let yourself be enchanted by its beauty.

Our Sylt Adventure with Kia

Join us as we relive the unforgettable moments of our trip to Sylt. From Kia’s first encounters with the sandy beach and the sea to our walks along the Wadden Sea, each memory is a treasure. Dive into the beauty of the island and the joy of our Labrador puppy experiencing her first adventures.