That whimsical duck statue before you represents a slice of Sylt’s unique charm. It is not just a statue. It is the Flugenten Statue.
Sylt is the northernmost island of Germany. It is known for its tourist resorts and sandy beach. Sylt is part of Nordfriesland district in Schleswig-Holstein. Sylt has a distinctively shaped shoreline.
The Flugenten Statue stands as a reminder. Sylt’s story is interwoven with the sea. The island has faced constant changes and challenges from the North Sea.
Sylt is the fourth-largest German island. It is the largest German island in the North Sea. Sylt lies 9 to 16 kilometres off the mainland. It stretches for 38 kilometres in a north-south direction. At its narrowest point, it is only 320 metres wide.
The island’s shape has changed constantly over time. This process is still ongoing today. Sylt has only been an island since the Grote Mandrenke flood of 1362.
Imagine the force of the sea reshaping this land. Storm tides caused ongoing land loss. Inhabitants faced sand drift during the Little Ice Age. Dunes threatened settlements. Marram grass planting helped stop the dunes in the 18th century.
Since 1870, records show annual land loss. The north lost 0.4 metres of land per year. The south lost 0.7 metres from 1870 to 1951. From 1951 to 1984, the rate increased. It rose to 0.9 metres and 1.4 metres respectively.
Severe storm surges have repeatedly endangered Sylt. Hørnum was temporarily cut off in 1962. Part of the island near Rantum is especially threatened. It is only 500 metres wide.
Protection measures date back to the early 19th century. Groynes of wooden poles were constructed. They were later replaced by metal and concrete. The constructions did not have the desired effect.
In the 1960s, tetrapods were installed. They were too heavy for Sylt’s beaches. They were unable to prevent erosion. They were removed from Hørnum west beach in 2005.
Since the early 1970s, sand flushing has been effective. Dredging vessels pump a sand and water mixture. Bulldozers spread it on the beach. This slows down erosion.
This procedure incurs considerable costs. An annual budget of €10 million is required. It is provided by federal German, Schleswig-Holstein state, and EU funds. Since 1972, 35.5 million cubic metres of sand have been flushed ashore. The measures have cost over €134 million in total.
The Flugenten Statue captures a spirit of resilience. It shows a whimsical symbol of Sylt. The islanders continue to fight against the forces of nature.
As you admire the Flugenten Statue remember Sylt’s battle. It is a testament to the ongoing effort to preserve this unique island. The statue stands as a playful reminder of the constant dance between land and sea. It reflects the heart of Sylt.