Nordstrand

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As a dyked peninsula, the island of Nordstrand belongs to the district of Nordfriesland and is located in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein. Until 1987, the island of Nordstrand, located in front of the city of Husum, was a pure marsh island. The Hallig Nordstrandischmoor also belongs to the municipality of Nordstrand.

The peninsula was connected to the mainland as early as 1906/07 by the approximately 2.6 kilometer long dam. At that time, the dam was used exclusively for coastal protection and could only be crossed by pedestrians at low tide. In the years between 1933 and 1935, the dam was finally made flood-free. Since then, the island of Nordstrand has been connected to the mainland by a road about 4.3 kilometers long. The dam can be used in all seasons, regardless of the weather, via practical ramps. Since the completion of Beltringharder Koog in 1987, Nordstrand has been a peninsula with a very good mainland connection. The popular vacation resort is surrounded by the sea on three sides.

Nordstrand - the island in the Wadden Sea

The vacation island of Nordstrand is considered the green heart of the Wadden Sea. The peninsula can be reached at any time via the North Sea dike. A visit to Nordstrand is worthwhile in all seasons. In winter, a fresh breeze blows over the dike. Visitors can walk across the frozen mudflats and through white snow-covered landscapes. From afar, the flames glow during the Biike burning on the shore. The pubs and tea rooms are especially cozy on chilly winter days. A Pharisee or tea punch warms up walkers and hikers. In summer, recreation on the beach is a priority.

Cures on the island of Nordstrand

On the quiet island of Nordstrand, stress is left behind and the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The clear North Sea air contributes to the relaxation. The oxygen-rich sea stimulating climate increases the physical defences and the well-being. The skin gets better blood circulation during walks and the circulation is trained during mudflat hiking. The island of Nordstrand offers the best conditions for a successful cure stay. Cures on the North Sea island are promoted all year round. The spa center of Nordstrand is located in the district of Norderhafen directly behind the outer dike line. All medical departments are located there under one roof. The health center has a swimming pool with a 34-degree warm water bubble bath, a cold bath and a sauna. In addition to seawater, Nordstrand's main spa remedies include inhalations, massages and mud treatments.

The multifaceted history of the island of Nordstrand

The North Frisian island of Nordstrand has a rich past. During a historic storm tide on January 16, 1362, large parts of the island were flooded. Nevertheless, the island was repeatedly threatened by the sea in the course of time. Nordstrand was mentioned in documents as early as 1200. At that time the present peninsula was part of a dyked peninsula. The main place was the legendary Rungholt. According to the records in Waldemar II's earth book, there were 59 churches and chapels on Nordstrand at that time. The two great floods in 1300 and 1362 gave the island its horseshoe shape. In the course of time, the islanders experienced several storm surges, but they were not intimidated by them. Today the peninsula of Nordstrand is part of the Wadden Sea National Park of Schleswig-Holstein.

Nordstrand - Island in the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea

The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique combination between dunes, salt marshes, beaches, Halligen and islands makes the charm of the nature park. A special protected natural and cultural landscape is waiting to be discovered. A visit to the national park is one of the highlights of a vacation in Schleswig-Holstein. The Wadden Sea is considered a dynamic landscape that is constantly changing under the influence of the tides. Tidal currents and tideways crisscross the vast mudflats and line the gently sloping sandy beaches. Dense seagrass meadows, mussel beds and the tidal flats provide shelter and food for many animals. Worth seeing are the blooming salt marshes, which are located in the foreland of the dike. Dunes and white beaches alternate in the diverse landscape. Every year, millions of migratory birds use the Wadden Sea as a resting area on their stopover to the south.

A special experience - the mudflat hike

A hike on the seabed is one of the best ways to discover the landscape. Every six hours, the tides alternate. Due to the changing water levels, a hike far into the mudflats is possible at any time of the year. In addition, other islands and Halligen can be discovered during a mudflat hike. Accompanied by a trained mudflat guide, guests experience a unique natural phenomenon. The calls of the birds are interrupted by the crackling of the mud. Huge flocks of birds pass over the vast horizon. Wading birds run across the dry seabed in search of shells and worms. During a walk on the mudflats, body and soul take a deep breath. With a bit of luck, even flatfish can be observed. When the sea retreats at low tide, mussels, crabs and starfish are washed up on the shore. Seals sunning themselves on a sandbar can also be observed from afar.

The Pharisee was invented on Nordstrand

One of the culinary specialties of the island of Nordstrand is the so-called Pharisee. The popular drink is served at all times of the year in the island's restaurants and cafes. According to tradition, the famous Pharisee originated in the 19th century on the North Frisian island of Nordstrand. At that time, the ascetic pastor Georg Bleyer was the leader of the island community. In his presence, the Frisians never drank alcohol. However, when the farmer Peter Johannsen had his sixth or seventh child baptized, the villagers wanted to toast the occasion with an alcoholic drink. They used a trick and prepared the first Pharisee. The cream topping prevented the rum from evaporating in the hot coffee, and the coffee did not smell of alcohol. The pastor, of course, received a coffee without alcohol with cream at the baptism. As the mood around him became more and more cheerful, suspicion arose in him. He compared his believers to other famous hypocrites and shouted, "You Pharisees!" This is how the East Frisian national drink got its name. Fresh fish comes freshly caught from the cutter on the island of Nordstrand. Fresh crabs, golden sandy plaice and fresh fish sandwiches are on the menu in the island's restaurants every day. The delicious specialties of the island of Nordstrand also include homemade cake and tender dike cheese.

Discover the surroundings of Nordstrand during excursions

There is never a dull moment on the island of Nordstrand. In addition to peace, relaxation and a good climate, the small island has many interesting excursions to offer. Guests discover traditional pottery art during a tour of the Nordstrand pottery. A visit to the Baumbach sheep farm is fun for parents and children. Boat trips lead to the neighboring island of Pellworm as well as to the islands of Amrum and Sylt. The Halligen Hooge, Gröde and Nordstrandischmoor can also be discovered by ship. A horse-drawn carriage takes you to the Hallig Südfall. On a boat tour, the seal banks can be observed from close up. The nature reserve Beltringharder Koog can be circumnavigated by bicycle. Those who want to enjoy some variety after the peace and quiet on the island of Nordstrand can go to Husum for shopping and a cultural tour. For the health-conscious and spa vacationers, a visit to the Nordstrand Health Center is recommended.

The journey to Nordstrand

The island of Nordstrand is easily accessible by both car and train. When traveling by car, the route takes the A23 to Heide and then the B5 via Husum to Nordstrand. Alternatively, the A7 can be used in the direction of Schleswig-Schuby towards Husum. There are regular train connections by Deutsche Bahn from all German cities to Husum. From Husum train station there are bus connections to Nordstrand.