Germany (Lonely Planet, 6th Edition) - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [641]
Kleine Inselrundfahrt (Small Island Tour; adult/child €13/10; 11am Apr-Oct) Two-hour tour.
SVG ( 836 100; www.svg-sylt.de, in German) Runs two bus tours.
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Sleeping
Tourist offices have details of the island’s plethora of accommodation options including holiday apartments and private rooms.
DJH hostel ( 835 7825; www.jugendherberge.de/jh/westerland; Fischerweg 36-40, Westerland; dm under/over 26yr incl breakfast €20.10/23.10; closed mid-late Dec; ) Set amid the dunes is Westerland’s brand-new hostel, a 45-minute walk from the Bahnhof. Alternatively, take bus 2 in the direction of Rantum/Hörnum to the Dikjen Deel stop. If you’re after something even further away from it all, there are also DJH hostels at List-Mövenberg (www.jugendherberge/jh/list) and Hörnum (www.jugendherberge/jh/hoernum).
Single Pension ( 920 70; www.singlepension.de, in German; Trift 26, Westerland; s €46-70, d €63-79 incl breakfast; ) Not only for singles, but certainly a social spot for solo travellers young and old, who can strike up a rapport over tea or lounging in the garden. The rooms are humble, but the location central and breakfast is served to 1pm. Some cheaper single rooms sharing bathrooms are available from as little as €27.
Hotel Gutenberg ( 988 80; www.hotel-gutenberg.de, in German; Friedrichstrasse 22, Westerland; s €55-95, d €120-155 incl breakfast; ) This gabled hotel with sea-green stained timber furniture has an epicentral location on Westerland’s main pedestrian drag. Doubles with shared (albeit spotless) bathrooms cost €72 to €105 – be sure to specify your requirements when booking.
Raffelhüschen Hotel ( 836 210; www.sylthotel-raffelhueschen.de, in German; Boysenstrasse 8, Westerland; s €72-102, d €98-169 incl breakfast; ) Ground-floor rooms at this stylish, breezy hotel have wooden floors and garden terraces with Strandkörbe ‘beach basket’ seats. Upstairs, there are carpets and balconies. Guests can use the three saunas and solarium, and enjoy free afternoon coffee and cake.
Landhaus Sylter Hahn ( 928 20; www.sylter-hahn.de, in German; Robbenweg 3, Westerland; s €75-95, d €115-170 incl breakfast; ) The exterior doesn’t give much away, but inside, the Landhaus Sylter Hahn is done out in ultrachic country house style, with contemporary artworks, designer wallpaper, friezes and tiling. In a peaceful location 250m from the beach, facilities including a wellness centre and hammocks in the garden make it a fantastic deal.
Long Island House Sylt ( 995 9550; www.sylthotel.de, in German; Eidumweg 13, Westerland; s €88-116, d €126-196 incl breakfast; ) A perfect blend of pure contemporary design and subtle nautical touches. Porthole-shaped mirrors, unpolished wood hinting at ship’s timbers and a carved Moby Dick are complemented by quilted or faux-fur throws, painted wicker chairs, orchids and green apples. Most of the individually decorated rooms are small but you can unwind in the garden or by the Scandinavian fireplace on chilly nights.
Romantik Hotel Jörg Müller ( 277 88; www.hotel-joerg-mueller.de, in German; Südermarkt Strasse 8, Westerland; r incl breakfast €160-260; ) Gourmands are in for a treat at this boutique establishment run by one of Germany’s best-known foodie families. Its pastel-hued rooms are romantic hideaways, but the real lure is the gourmet breakfast and three restaurants, including Jörg Müller’s signature gastronomic restaurant (menus from €32 up to €118 for a six-course blow-out). If you’re inspired, Müller also offers cooking classes (six-hour class €240 including five-course meal and paired wines).
Of Sylt’s numerous camping grounds, those in idyllic beachside locations include:
Campingplatz Rantum ( 807 55; www.camping-rantum.de, in German; Hörnumer Strasse 3, Rantum; per person €3.50-4.60, tent €4.70-6.10, car €2.20-2.60; Apr-Oct; ) Great facilities including a bakery, restaurant and sauna.
Campingplatz Kampen ( 420 86; www.campen-in-kampen.de, in German; Möwenweg 4, Kampen; per person €3.05, tent €8.70-16, car €3; Easter-Oct; ) Among the dunes at