Why “St. Niels” here in Westerland? Actually, Sankt Nicolai is the real name of this venerable church. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers and merchants, Sankt Nicolai stands as the oldest building in Westerland.
Construction on Sankt Nicolai began in 1634. It was then consecrated in 1637. Since then, it has served as a Lutheran church. It is home to a vibrant congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany.
Inside Sankt Nicolai, you can find a captivating array of artworks. There is a crucifix dating back to the 13th or 14th century. Its corpus is from the second half of the 15th century. The gothic carved triptych is also worth a look. It shows the coronation of the Virgin Mary in its middle shrine. Bishops Nicholas or Severin accompany her on the right. Dionysius is on her left side. The altar wings display figures of the apostles. A chandelier with 14 arms is dated 1682. There is also a brass candlestick with 8 arms. It is probably even older.
Originally, Sankt Nicolai had an organ installed in 1875 by the organ workshop Marcussen & Søn. Later, in 1965/1966, Kemper & Sohn built a new one. They used the old pipes. During a renovation in 1987, the organ was refurbished. The company Neuthor from Kiel substituted the organ stops.
Now, picture this: It’s a Sunday morning. The sound of the organ fills Sankt Nicolai. Sunlight streams through the windows. It illuminates the ancient artworks. Parishioners gather. They sing hymns. They listen to the sermon. For centuries, Sankt Nicolai has been a place of worship. It has been a place of community. It has been a place of solace for the people of Sylt.
But Sankt Nicolai is more than just a church. It is a symbol of Sylt’s history. It is a testament to the island’s enduring spirit. Despite wars and storms, Sankt Nicolai has stood tall. It has watched over the community.
As you leave Sankt Nicolai, take a moment to appreciate its simple beauty. Remember its long history. Think about the generations of people who have found comfort and inspiration within its walls. Sankt Nicolai is a special place. It is a place that will stay with you long after you leave Sylt.