Things To Do
in Westerland
Westerland is the main town on the North Sea island of Sylt, known for its long sandy beach, lively promenade and classic North Sea resort atmosphere. The town mixes elegant seaside architecture, spa facilities and a concentrated selection of shops, cafés and restaurants. Windswept dunes, tidal flats (Wattenmeer) and striking cliff formations are all within easy reach, making Westerland a great base for outdoor activities.
It’s popular with families, couples and day-trippers as well as visitors seeking high-quality seafood and relaxed island charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the beautiful Westerland beachfront promenade, where you can feel the soft sand beneath your toes. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the seaside cafés, savoring freshly baked pastries and local coffee. As the sun rises higher, soak in the stunning views of the North Sea, breathing in the salty air.
After your morning stroll, rent a beach chair and bask in the sun while listening to the gentle waves. Consider trying your hand at beach volleyball or simply enjoy people-watching along the lively promenade. For lunch, indulge in fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant, sampling local specialties like fish sandwiches or crab salad.
As the sun sets, make your way to a nearby beach bar for a cocktail with a view, watching as the sky transforms into vibrant hues of orange and pink. Afterward, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local bistro, where you can experience traditional German cuisine. Cap off the night with a leisurely stroll along the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the sea.
Begin your day with a visit to the Sylt Aquarium, where you can discover the rich marine life of the North Sea and the tropics. Spend time exploring the various exhibits, including the fascinating jellyfish and colorful coral displays. Don't forget to catch the feeding sessions, which provide an exciting glimpse into the underwater world.
After immersing yourself in marine life, enjoy a picnic lunch at the adjacent park, surrounded by lush greenery. Take a relaxing stroll through the nearby gardens, admiring the local flora and fauna. As the afternoon unfolds, consider visiting a nearby art gallery featuring local artists, and immerse yourself in the regional culture.
As the evening approaches, treat yourself to dinner at a cozy restaurant specializing in local dishes. Enjoy a glass of wine as you chat with locals about their favorite Sylt experiences. End your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, taking in the calming sounds of the sea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee / pastry | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-300 |
| 🚲Bicycle rental (day) | $12-30 |
| 🚆Regional train or bus ticket (short trip) | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, wide sandy beaches and dramatic coastal scenery
- Excellent seafood and a strong regional culinary tradition
- Good infrastructure for cycling and outdoor activities
- Relaxed seaside resort atmosphere with high-quality hospitality
- Can be expensive and crowded in high summer
- Weather can be windy and changeable even in summer
- Some services and venues close outside peak season
- Limited nightlife compared with mainland cities
- "Hallo / Guten Morgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Danke / Bitte" - Thank you / Please/You’re welcome
- "Wo ist der Strand?" - Where is the beach?
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ich habe eine Lebensmittelunverträglichkeit." - I have a food intolerance.
- "Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben?" - Could you please write that down?
Places to Visit in Westerland
Visit one of these nice places.
Long stretches of sand, beach chairs (Strandkörbe) and the promenade provide classic sunrise and sunset shots as well as candid scenes of seaside life.
A focal point for sea and horizon photos; captures people, boats and dramatic skies.
Unique layered cliff formations with colorful strata — great for landscape and geology photography, especially in low-angle light.
Dramatic coastal cliffs, dunes and sweeping views — excellent for wide landscapes and coastline panoramas.
Wild dunes and birdlife near Sylt’s southern tip; good for nature shots and seal sightings from a distance.
Low-tide expanses of the Wadden Sea reveal textures, tidal channels and sky reflections — best with a guide for safety and timing.
Food in Westerland
Westerland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple open fish sandwich usually filled with herring, matjes, smoked fish or shrimp — best from stands along the promenade or the harbor.
Must-Try!
Small, sweet brown shrimp often served on bread or in salads; widely available at markets and seafood restaurants.
Traditional northern German dish of corned beef, potatoes and beetroot, sometimes served with pickles and herring — found in taverns and traditional restaurants.
High-quality oysters farmed around Sylt — a local delicacy available at select restaurants and oyster bars.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the town center selling fresh fish, local produce and baked goods — great for sampling local flavors and buying picnic supplies.
Small stalls near the harbor and promenade offering fresh Fischbrötchen, smoked fish and shrimp snacks to eat on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings (Guten Tag, Danke) and be reasonably formal with service staff until invited to be informal. Saying ‘Bitte’ and ‘Danke’ is appreciated.
People respect queues and orderly behaviour in public spaces — jump-in behaviour is frowned upon.
Stick to designated paths in dunes and nature reserves, keep dogs under control, and follow guidance to protect bird nesting areas and the Wadden Sea.
Punctuality is valued for tours, restaurant reservations and transport connections — arrive on time.
Safety
Tipping in Westerland
Ensure a smooth experience
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafés; for taxis and small services, rounding up is fine. Tips are often given in cash even when paying by card.
Cash (euros) is widely used, but cards (EC/debit and credit) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops; some smaller stands and markets may be cash-only. Contactless and mobile payments are increasingly accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
High season: warmest weather (but still breezy), long daylight, packed beaches and busy restaurants — book accommodation and restaurants well in advance.
Crisp, windy days with dramatic skies and fewer tourists; great for storm-watching, seal spotting and enjoying quieter walking trails.
Chilly, windy and raw with fewer services open; some businesses close for season, but the island is peaceful and good for serious nature photography and low-season rates.
Blooming dunes and milder temperatures with gradually increasing services; shoulder season is ideal for cycling and birdwatching before the summer crowds arrive.
Westerland at Night
Hiking in Westerland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short coastal trail along unique geological cliffs with interpretive signs — accessible from the east side of the island and suitable for striking landscape photos.
Trails around Sylt’s northern tip with dunes, beaches and birdwatching opportunities; take binoculars for seabirds.
Paths around the southern tip featuring dune landscapes, migratory birds and varied coastal views.
Guided low-tide walks across the tidal flats to nearby islands or sandbanks — educational and unique but only with experienced guides because of tidal risks.
Airports
How to reach Westerland by plane.
Small regional airport close to Westerland with seasonal and year-round domestic flights (connections to cities like Hamburg and Düsseldorf at times); convenient and quick for island access.
Major international airport ~2.5–3 hours away by train and Sylt shuttle (via Niebüll and the causeway) — frequent flights and good onward rail connections to Sylt.
In Denmark; sometimes used by travelers from parts of Scandinavia — requires longer rail/ferry/road transfer but can be an option depending on flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The island has a native Frisian population and long-term residents who maintain local traditions and businesses.
Sylt attracts many visitors, including affluent second-home owners and vacationers from Germany and abroad, especially in summer.
A significant seasonal workforce supports hospitality, retail and sports services during the high season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Top activities due to reliable winds and shallow coastal waters; several schools offer lessons and equipment rental.
Sailing and small-yacht activities are popular around the island, with local charters and day trips available.
Beach sports are common in summer on Westerland’s wide sands; swimming is popular where conditions are safe.
Golf courses on Sylt attract players seeking scenic fairways and coastal views.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Westerland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most cafés and many restaurants (salads, seasonal vegetable dishes, pasta); however, choice can be more limited than in larger German cities — ask staff for recommendations.
Vegan options exist but are less common; larger cafés and upscale restaurants are likelier to accommodate requests. Bring staple snacks or shop at supermarkets if you have strict needs.
Many restaurants can accommodate allergies with advance notice; German kitchens are generally aware of gluten and nut issues — communicate clearly and consider carrying a translated allergy card.