North Sea Stroll

We have a few things to apologize for in this story about Sylt, a laid-back, dune-swept island off the coast of Germany where pastoral traditions attract enormous wealth and celebrity.

We’re sorry to do this. Calling Sylt the “Martha’s Vineyard of Germany” is one of the bigger clichés in travel. Yet, it’s a pretty efficient description.

Sylt sits a few miles off the north coast of Germany, within sight of the Danish border. It’s a barrier island, the result of sediment deposited by the shifting winds and waves and weather patterns of the tempestuous North Sea. It’s also relatively car-free. You don’t really need one on this narrow island. Bikes and bike trails are plentiful. But if you insist, you can bring your automobile via train. Sylt is accessible from the mainland by a rail line that runs atop the Hindenburg Dam.

We’re also sorry if it seems we’re speaking of Sylt as if it’s some exotic secret. For a good number of you, Martha’s Vineyard is the Sylt of North America. The island is a celebrity magnet, home to some of Germany’s most expensive real estate and to nearly as many vacation houses as permanent residents. There are luxury boutiques, extravagant spas, and a handful of restaurants with MICHELIN Stars. Still, it is a pastoral place of massive dunes and long grassy meadows with exceedingly charming traditional architecture and strict building codes that protect it all from being blotted out.

That helps explain why so many of the island’s hotels and inns make their homes in Uthland-Frisian houses, or incorporate elements of the style, which includes thatch roofs, post-and-beam construction, and pointed gables. Historically, these were farmhouses, where humans and livestock cohabitated. On the North Frisian Islands, of which Sylt is one, a lack of trees meant that wood from ships that washed ashore was sometimes used for the homes’ timber frames.

Here’s where we might normally tell you some concerning info about coastal erosion on Sylt and the constantly moving (and disappearing) dunes. Or where we might say this lovely little place is at risk of being overrun by tourists and the whims of unabated wealth. Instead, we’ll apologize (once again) for how difficult it is to get a room at one of the island’s top hotels. Sylt is popular, to put it mildly, and during the summer season the fight for high-quality accommodations is uber-competitive.

But we have a job to do. And that job is almost entirely comprised of hipping you to the best places to stay in the coolest destinations. Like these hotels in Sylt.

See our entire selection of hotels in Sylt.

Relais & Châteaux Landhaus Stricker

Sylt, Germany

In principle there’s a stark contrast between Landhaus Stricker’s thoroughly traditional exterior and its colorful, contemporary interiors. But in actual fact, the modern elements and the heritage architecture blend harmoniously together; the result is one of the most memorable hotels in all of Germany. It’s the work of MICHELIN Star Chef Holger Bodendorf, who clearly has as firm a grasp on hotels as he does kitchens.

Severin’s Resort & Spa

Sylt, Germany

On the Wadden Sea side of the island of Sylt, facing back to the mainland, is the historic village of Keitum, home to a number of classic Frisian farmhouses as well as the luxurious Severin’s Resort & Spa, a modern 95-room hotel in an authentic local style. The rooms and suites are antique-influenced but beautifully contemporary, and full of up-to-date comforts, while the spa is elaborate even by German standards.

Landhaus Severin*s Morsum Kliff

Sylt, Germany

Surrounded by the Morsum Kliff nature reserve, Landhaus Severin*s remote location means peaceful relaxation mixed with outstanding views. From the hotel’s terrace you can see clear out to the Wadden Sea. Needless to say, the location here is pretty tough to beat, but it’s more than matched by the interior design of this traditional thatched house, which is modern and tasteful with a touch of nautical Nordic.

Alte Strandvogtei

Sylt, Germany

Crisp, contemporary design fills out the traditional Frisian houses of Alte Strandvogtei, a residential-style compound just a short stroll from the beach. A variety of accommodations range from the expected rooms and suites (many with kitchenettes) to apartments and detached houses. The hotel prides itself on being family-friendly, pet-friendly, even wellness-friendly, with a fairly extensive spa and manicured gardens.

Aarnhoog

Sylt, Germany

In the 19th century the village of Keitum was home to Sylt’s wealthiest residents, including ships’ captains and the island’s only doctor. Even today it’s quieter than nearby Westerland, and it’s also the setting for one of Sylt’s loveliest small hotels, the luxurious 11-room Hotel Aarnhoog. Its renovated interiors mix heritage elements with modernist furnishings and contemporary colors.

Sol’ring Hof

Sylt, Germany

Just 15 rooms and suites are the extent of the accommodations at Söl’ring Hof, a high-concept oasis among the dunes of Sylt. Rooms adhere to a sundrenched, lightly nautical theme with cool-toned textiles, crisp contemporary lines, and terraces or fireplaces for the extra cozy touch. A small spa welcomes the weary traveler back from a barefoot beach jaunt; the hotel’s restaurant has been recognized with two MICHELIN Stars.

Hotel Village

Sylt, Germany

Though you might not guess it from its traditional Frisian-style exterior, you’ll realize immediately upon entering Hotel Village that the insides are seriously modern. Post-modern, even. Each of the ten bedrooms in this small hotel has its own individual flavor, with a mix of colors and materials that will keep your eye always engaged. Other attractions include a small swimming pool, a sauna area, and breakfast served on the terrace.

Benen-Diken-Hof

Sylt, Germany

Benen-Diken-Hof started in the ’70s with only 18 rooms. It’s a testament to its enduring popularity and the quality of its hospitality that today there are no fewer than 50 accommodations of all varietals spread across ten individual Frisian thatch houses. The hotel bar is particularly lively, and the restaurant, KÖKKEN, serves regional cuisine in a modern atmosphere (breakfast is available until 1pm, ideal for late risers).