The Morsum Cliff on the island of Sylt is an impressive natural monument that stretches for approximately 1.8 kilometers along the northeastern coast and rises up to 21 meters high. Located between the Hindenburg Dam and the town of Morsum, it offers a fascinating insight into the region's geological history.
The uniqueness of the Morsum Cliff lies in its geological composition. Various layers of earth are visible here, which were displaced from their original position by the movement of glaciers during the Saale Glaciation about 120,000 years ago. These layers include:
• Mica Clay: A gray-black clay formed 5 to 7 million years ago and containing fossils such as snails, mussels, and crabs.
• Limonite Sandstone: A reddish sandstone formed 4 to 5 million years ago.
• Kaolin sand: White sands transported here from Scandinavia 2 to 3 million years ago, containing fossilized corals, sea lilies, and sponges that are approximately 500 million years old.
These layers, which originally lay on top of each other, were shifted by glacial movements so that they are now visible side by side in the cliff. This makes the Morsum Cliff one of Germany's most important geological monuments.
The area around the Morsum Cliff has been a nature reserve since 1923 to preserve the unique landscape and its geological formations. It is part of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park and was recognized as a National Geosite in 2006.
Visitors can enjoy well-marked hiking trails that lead through the heath and dune landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Wadden Sea. Information panels along the trails explain the area's geological features and flora and fauna. It is important not to leave the marked trails to protect the fragile natural environment and prevent erosion.
A visit to the Morsum Cliff is worthwhile not only for geology enthusiasts, but for anyone who wants to experience Sylt's natural beauty. The combination of geological diversity, rich flora and fauna, and the picturesque landscape makes the Morsum Cliff an unforgettable destination.