The shifting dunes of List on Sylt offer a unique natural spectacle that is one of the highlights of the island. This dune landscape is the largest contiguous shifting dune area in Europe and is located in the north of the island of Sylt, surrounded by a picturesque heathland landscape. The dunes can move up to ten meters per year, a movement driven by strong westerly winds. They reach heights of up to 30 meters and cover an area larger than 2,500 football fields. This area has been under nature protection since 1923 to protect the unique landscape and the flora and fauna that reside in it.
In order to control the migration of the dunes and prevent adjacent areas from silting up, conservationists plant marram grass on the dunes. This plant forms roots that penetrate up to 12 meters deep into the ground and thus help to stabilize the sand masses. As a result, in the past, pastures, farmland and even houses were buried under the dunes and roads had to be relocated.
Visitors have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive guided tour to the foot of the shifting dune, which leads through the heathland. These tours offer the chance to experience breathtaking nature up close and observe the local flora and fauna in almost untouched nature. However, such tours require a special permit as entering the nature reserve is strictly regulated to protect the delicate environment.
The viewing platforms in the dunes offer the perfect overview of the landscape. From there you can not only see the shifting dunes themselves, but also the entire town of List on Sylt, the lush salt marshes, the quiet royal harbor, the beautiful Ellenbogen and the neighboring island of Rømø. These platforms are accessed via wooden stairs and provide a unique viewing point for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this special landscape.
For cyclists and hikers, the region around the shifting dunes offers a variety of routes that lead through the dune landscape and along the coast. These tours allow you to discover the island's unique flora and fauna while combining physical activity with impressive natural experiences.