Pellworm

Hospitable islanders

The approximately 1150 inhabitants of Pellworm are spread over an area of about 40 square kilometers and live largely from tourism and agriculture in the summer months. The North Sea island is protected from high tides and storm surges by a dike about 25 kilometers long and eight meters high, which was built on Pellworm's sandy beach. Pellworm can only be reached by a small ferry, which can also accommodate cars. The ferry sails regularly from Stucklahnungshörn on Nordstrand towards Pellworm and is independent of the tides. There is good medical care on the island with a general practice and a pharmacy, as well as a rescue center with ambulance, which is manned around the clock. A rescue helicopter can reach the island within minutes. The islanders speak mainly High German, but in some cases the old Low German language is still spoken. North Frisian is spoken very little on the island due to the high immigration in the 18th century.

Turbulent history of Pellworm

From the early Viking Age, Pellworm was settled by Frisians around 1000 to 1100, as a result of which numerous archaeological relics can be found on the island. Pellworm's history itself is marked by the construction of dikes due to storm tides as well as the reclamation of land. Many heavy storm surges cost the lives of numerous people in the Middle Ages and changed the outer appearance of the island again and again. In earlier times, Pellworm could even be reached by land. Today, in addition to the main village of Tammensiel in the east, there are 13 other districts on Pellworm. Due to the continuous raising and extension of the dike, the island is nowadays mostly protected from the forces of the sea, but in theory storm surges can still break through dikes.

Excursion destinations on Pellworm

Pellworm has two culturally valuable churches: the "Old Church" St. Salvator in the west of the island and the "New Church" in the interior of Pellworm. The ruined tower of the Old Church is known far beyond Pellworm and still rises about 26 meters into the sky. In the 17th century, the tower, which is over 50 meters high, collapsed due to the soft mudflats and now provides a safe nesting place for the now rare kestrels. In addition, the Old Church is world famous for its weekly concerts with the melodious Arp Schnittger organ from 1711. In addition to numerous charming half-timbered houses with thatched roofs, there are well-kept old farms on the island that are worth a visit. Vacationers will find cozy and inexpensive accommodations in the numerous hotels, cottages or private guesthouses. Special vacation accommodation is offered by the restored windmill Nordermühle in Norderkoog. Since Pellworm is much less affected by tourism than its sister islands, you can get to know and enjoy the North Frisian island authentically and without disturbing crowds. The inhabitants of Pellworm are known for their hospitality and promote nature-friendly tourism. In addition, the islanders invest in regenerative energies. Particularly well known is the large hybrid power plant "Pellworm" and the wind turbines, which can supply the island self-sufficiently. The power plant has a visitor center, in which the regenerative energy production is explained clearly also for children.

Special attractions on the North Sea island

On Pellworm you will find small stores and supermarkets with a good selection of clothes, food and things for daily use. These can be found mainly in Tammensiel and at the Nodermitteldeich. In addition, there is an old-established bakery, a gas station and a workshop for motor vehicles. Interesting are the numerous handicraft businesses in Tammensiel, such as carpentry, goldsmiths and potteries, which offer a worthwhile visit. Fresh vegetables and fruit as well as eggs, milk and meat can also be purchased directly from the surrounding farms. In addition, numerous farm cafes offer homemade cakes with coffee. In addition, the numerous fishing boats regularly sail out into the surrounding bays and catch fresh fish and small North Sea crabs, which are sold directly in the harbor. The freshly caught seafood is also offered in the numerous restaurants, pubs and snack bars. In addition to an island cinema, Kaydeich offers tennis courts, mini golf and table tennis, as well as other cultural events for the whole family. The swimming pool near the harbor invites you to visit not only on rainy days.

Insider tips on Pellworm

Tammensiel offers a safe harbor for sport boats, which is an insider tip for many tourists who love water sports. Boats can also be rented here. Horseback riding enthusiasts also get their money's worth on Pellworm. Two riding stables on the island offer riding vacations and rides as well as mudflat hikes on horseback. On Pellworm there are also numerous places where bicycles can be rented. Miles of cycling paths stretch across the island and are used by islanders and tourists alike. There are also public buses on Pellworm, which also operate a call service.

Worthwhile excursions for the whole family

One attraction are the sheep that graze on the extensive dikes and thus maintain the grass embankments. Also the forest area in the northeast of Pellworm, which is under nature protection, offers the possibility to enjoy nature and peace. Other destinations on Pellworm include the lighthouse, which has a leading light range of 15.9 to 22.3 nautical miles, and the old ferry dock in Tammensiel. The lighthouse itself, which can also be climbed up, is home to the only German registry office located in a lighthouse. In addition, the Hoog ferry makes daily trips to Hallig Hooge in the summer. From there it is possible to make excursions to the sandbank Norderoogsand with a species-rich nature and to the seal banks. The spectacular sunsets attract many photographers to the island every year to take pictures of numerous island motifs, including the famous lighthouse. Also the atmosphere in winter, with fog, snow and mudflats, offers the viewer a spectacular motif.

The hub of the Wadden Sea

Other worthwhile destinations are the Rungholt Museum, which exhibits finds from the tidal flats, and the Liermann Wadden Sea Museum at Schütting, where exhibits are displayed that were found in the tidal flats during mail distribution to the Halligen. The island museum in Tammensiel shows the history of dike construction on the island and goes into other historical events of Pellworm.