Ever wondered where Sylt’s gateway to the world once stood? That would be Munkmarsch. Before the Hindenburgdamm was built in 1927, Munkmarsch was the place where travelers first set foot on Sylt.
Munkmarsch derives its name from “marsh of the monks”. In Frisian, it is called Munkmersk. The area once belonged to St. Canute’s Abbey, Odense. Imagine monks working this very land centuries ago.
In 1573, it was known as Sankt Knutsmarsch. Maps evolved, calling it Munckmarsch in 1648 and Monckmarsch in 1778. By 1744, a mill was built here. Flour was mainly sent to Norway. From 1755, mail boats frequented Munkmarsch harbor.
Keitum harbor silted up in the 1850s. Munkmarsch then became Sylt’s main connection to the mainland. A 100-metre pier was constructed in 1859 for ferry ships. Paddlesteamers docked here. Passengers then traveled to Westerland by coach.
Picture this: In 1869, an inn was built that later became the Fährhaus which still stands today. A shipyard also emerged. The Sylter Inselbahn linked Munkmarsch to Westerland in 1888. This reduced travel time to just 12 minutes.
Munkmarsch remained important until the Hindenburgdamm’s construction. Ferry traffic gradually shifted to Hörnum after 1901. During World War I, Munkmarsch was a key landing area for troops and supplies.
Today, Munkmarsch is a tranquil Ortsteil of Gemeinde Sylt. It lies between Braderup and Keitum. You can find it on the Wadden Sea side of the island.
Around 100 people call Munkmarsch home. Tourism drives its economy. The harbor now serves as a marina. The Sylter Segel-Club makes its home here. North of Munkmarsch, gravel pits have yielded numerous fossils.
The 19th-century Fährhaus is now a luxury hotel. It boasts a restaurant with two Michelin stars. Imagine dining there, experiencing culinary excellence.
Before 1970, Munkmarsch was part of Keitum. It then became part of Sylt-Ost. Sylt-Ost merged with Rantum and Westerland in 2009.
The K118 road connects Munkmarsch to Keitum and Braderup. Buses operated by Sylter Verkehrsgesellschaft provide public transport. Sylt Airport is located west of the village.
Munkmarsch may be small but it is beautiful. As you stand here, remember its rich history. Once Sylt’s main port, Munkmarsch whispers tales of monks, ferries, and a bygone era. Enjoy the peace and beauty of this historic village.