North Sea Gem Pellworm: What Awaits You on the Island

Idyllic, peaceful, and awe-inspiring landscapes - Pellworm is a small oasis of serenity and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. However, the island has long witnessed the eternal struggle between sea and man. The North Sea takes away, and the people of Pellworm reclaim the land bit by bit - protecting it with high dikes against nature's forces from bitter experience.

In its history, severe storm tides have repeatedly hit the island, with the most devastating one occurring in 1362. Until then, Pellworm was connected with today's mainland at Nordstrand as well as Hamburg Hallig and Hallig Nordstrandischmoor, forming a continuous landmass.

About 300 years later, the Burchardi Flood permanently shaped Pellworm into an island. Out of the 22 churches that existed back then, only two remained intact, as 19 were completely destroyed in the storm tide. This gives even more reason to protect the 37-square-kilometer marsh island, which lies about a meter below sea level.

Thus, the people of Pellworm surround their land with dikes like pearls in an oyster shell. The dike is 28 kilometers long and eight meters high. It's a necessity, as giving up the island was never an option for its inhabitants.

As a result, the third largest North Sea island after Sylt and Föhr is well-protected from the voracious North Sea, offering plenty to discover.

Around 1,160 residents live on Pellworm, scattered across the Tammensiel road in the island's east and the small settlements and farms that seem strewn about the land.

Due to the constant breeze over the island, the locals harness natural energy. Several wind turbines in northeastern Pellworm make this place a powerhouse of clean energy, also utilized on the mainland.

The expansive landscape, with its endlessly blue and clear sky and vibrant green fields populated by sheep, cows, birds, and other wildlife, is indeed impressive. Unlike neighboring islands Sylt or Föhr, Pellworm has fewer tourists, making it an oasis of peace and tranquility, highly sought after by many today.

This peacefulness is best experienced on the green spaces that extend right to the shoreline. There are some bathing spots at the foot of the dikes around the island, complete with beach chairs inviting you to rest.

Pellworm has embraced gentle tourism. The absence of sand beaches that typically draw large crowds is not seen as a disadvantage. Instead, the presence of small hotels, numerous guesthouses, and vacation apartments gives the island an intimate charm.

Tammensiel is the first stop on your journey, where you get to know the small harbor town with about 94 residents. It is also the center of Pellworm, featuring shops, cafes, and bike rentals. Alongside excursion boats, there are shrimp cutters docked at the quay, allowing you to purchase and enjoy freshly cooked seafood right from the boats.

The island is flat, so tall structures stand out quickly - and Pellworm boasts three notable ones: the 41.5-meter-high red lighthouse with its white band in the south, the tower ruin of the Old St. Salvator Church from the late 12th century in the west, and the impressive Northermühle in the north from 1652.

Each of these buildings is worth visiting, as they are rich in history. In summer, you can pair a visit with a swim, as there are bathing spots with beach chairs nearby each of these landmarks.

For a panoramic overview of the island, climb the lighthouse's 140 steps. The sight from the top offers a magnificent view over Pellworm and the Wadden Sea. Tickets are available at the spa and tourism service in Tammensiel, and children must be at least eight years old to make the climb.

Nature lovers will find Pellworm a delight. Situated in the UNESCO-biosphere reserve of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea and Halligen, established in 1990, the island offers unique experiences.

As the water recedes twice a day, exposing the seabed, you can join various guided mudflat tours, some of which lead to the neighboring Hallig Süderoog, or embark on a historical search for the lost town of Rungholt.

Educational tours are also available, where staff from the Wadden Sea conservation station introduce this unique habitat with its flora and fauna. Geology is part of the experience, too, with Pellworm lying near Europe's two largest sandbanks: Norderoogsand and Süderoogsand, where seals often rest.

The Halligen are also accessible by excursion boats.

Feeling energetic? Leave the car behind and hop on a bike. Pellworm is perfect for exploring by bicycle, as its compact size-only about six by seven kilometers-means all destinations are within easy reach. It's a boon for your health and the environment.

If horsepower is needed, consider renting a horse. Several providers on Pellworm offer these. Riding through the mudflats can be a thrilling experience. For those who prefer more distance from animals, horse-drawn carriage rides provide a charming alternative.

Movement and the North Sea air are rejuvenating, but sometimes the body needs rest. In such cases, a relaxation program is ideal, and the Pellewelle leisure pool provides this refuge. Enjoy warm water swimming, sauna sessions, or a variety of therapeutic and wellness treatments - or take a thrilling ride down the 62-meter waterslide.

Pellworm is also a recognized North Sea spa retreat, offering a clinic focused on health treatments particularly for mothers and fathers. - your travel guide.