Can you feel the wind? It whips around us here on Sylt. Sylt is an island of constant change. It is Germany’s northernmost island. Sylt belongs to the North Frisian Islands. It is the largest in the group. Sylt is known for its sandy beach and tourist resorts.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Sylt’s unique shape. It stretches 38 kilometers north to south. At its narrowest point, it’s only 320 meters wide. The western shore boasts a 40-kilometer sandy beach. To the east lies the Wadden Sea. It is a part of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park.
Sylt’s story is one of constant reshaping. Storm tides and erosion have always threatened the island. Sylt has been an island since the Grote Mandrenke flood of 1362. Before that, it was part of a landscape cut by tidal creeks.
Over time, Sylt’s shape has shifted. The island consists of infertile sand deposits. The central part has a geestland core. This is visible as the Red Cliff of Wenningstedt.
The inhabitants of Sylt have battled sand drift. Shifting dunes threatened settlements. Marram grass was planted in the 18th century to stop them. Despite these efforts, the island continues to decrease.
Since 1870, records show annual land loss. The north loses about 0.4 meters per year. The south loses 0.7 meters. Severe storm surges have repeatedly endangered Sylt. Hörnum was temporarily cut off in 1962.
To combat erosion, people built groynes. They were made of wood, then metal, then concrete. These structures didn’t fully stop the erosion. Leeward erosion prevented sand accumulation.
In the 1960s, tetrapods were installed. These four-armed structures were too heavy. They were unable to prevent erosion.
Since the 1970s, sand flushing has been used. Dredging vessels pump sand and water onto the shore. Bulldozers spread it. This slows erosion.
This process costs about 10 million annually. The German federal government, Schleswig-Holstein state, and the EU provide funds. Since 1972, millions of cubic meters of sand have been flushed ashore. This has cost over 134 million.
Some experts fear Sylt will still face land losses. Global warming could increase storm activity. This could lead to more land loss.
The dunes of Sylt are nature reserves. Paths must be followed to prevent erosion. The Wadden Sea is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary since 1935.
Sylt’s flora is unique. The island was once almost treeless. The “Sylt rose” was imported from Siberia. It spread quickly. Now, it is a common sight.
The heaths on Sylt provide habitats for rare species. There are about 2,500 animal species and 150 plant species. Many butterflies live in the heaths.
Sylt has a large population of natterjack toads. Many water birds use Sylt for resting during migrations.
Sylt has a marine climate. Winter months are mild. Summer months are cooler. Sylt has more sunshine than the German average.
Sylt has a rich history. Frisians first settled here in the 8th and 9th centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries, whaling and fishing increased wealth. In the 19th century, tourism began.
Sylt became a military outpost during World War I. The Hindenburgdamm causeway was built in 1927. During World War II, Sylt became a fortress.
Today, Sylt is a tourist destination. It is known for its beaches. Sylt is also popular for second home owners.
In the early 20th century, nude bathing became popular on Sylt. The first official nude beach in Germany opened here in 1920.
Sylt has its own local dialect called Söl’ring. Only a small fraction of the population still speak it.
Sylt is more than just an island. It is a symbol. Sylt is a place of natural beauty and constant adaptation. Its story is etched in the sands. They are ever shifting. The islanders always battle to preserve their home.