Hornum / Sylt / Germany

The seaside spa resort of Hornum lies in the far south of the island of Sylt and is a family orientated area offering a wonderful landscape which lends itself to a variety of sports including surfing and sailing for all abilities. The season runs from April to November.

Hornum has a long sandy beach which is used by a mixture of nudists, families and even dogs and further on into the dunes, there is a large campsite. The beach has plenty of space most of the year but bystanders can be a problem in the busy summer months. To get here head towards Westerland and then drive south towards Hornum. Go through the village and turn left at the sign “ Moewennest”. Follow the road towards the dunes and you can park at a place called Buswendeschliefe.

The winds are mainly frontal westerlies of any force. Summer has much lighter winds but you can occasionally get some good east winds. The best wind directions are north east, east, south east and south. The water varies between choppy and large waves, some 1-3 meters high. The area is large and shallow at low tide but is still ridable whatever the tide. There are some dangerous stakes in the water and sometimes the current can be quite strong. Water temperatures are reasonably high during the season but the North Sea gets very cold in winter. However, keen surfers manage off season with a thick wetsuit, gloves, mask and shoes.

There is a surf school here and facilites at the campsite such as showers, toilets and food. Hornum has a variety of shops and resturants. There is some night life to be had, generally in the summer months, at Kampen and Westerland.

Watch out for stakes in the water and occasional strong currents.