Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany

Kampen Beaches

Overview

Kampen on the island of Sylt offers a distinctive beach experience, blending untamed North Sea nature with an air of exclusivity. This is not a destination for quiet, warm-water swimming; it's a place for invigorating walks along vast sandy shores and soaking up the sun in a classic 'Strandkorb'. The atmosphere is defined by a chic, vibrant social scene, making it as much about enjoying the stunning coastal landscapes as it is about the sophisticated lifestyle.

The coastline is famously dramatic, anchored by the view at Strand Rotes Kliff Kampen, where magnificent red cliffs glow at sunset. The main beach, Kampener Strand & seine Abschnitte, serves as the lively heart of the resort. For a more relaxed day, many visitors head just south to the wide, sandy shores of Strand Wenningstedt, a popular family-friendly alternative. Kampen is also home to Germany's legendary nudist section, Buhne 16, known for its long and storied tradition of FKK.

While the western coast faces the lively North Sea, the eastern side of Kampen borders the tranquil Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a completely different type of coastal exploration. From the glamorous main strips to quiet, natural corners, the area provides a variety of beach settings. For a complete look at all the distinct beach sections and access points, be sure to explore our full guide to the beaches of Kampen.

FAQ

Is Kampen a good destination for a classic beach holiday?

Yes, but it offers a specific kind of beach holiday centered on luxury and a vibrant social scene. The expansive sandy beaches along the wild North Sea are perfect for long walks, sunbathing in a rented 'Strandkorb', and enjoying high-end beach bars. It's less about calm, warm-water swimming and more about the chic atmosphere, stunning nature like the Red Cliff, and the 'see and be seen' culture.

Can you actually swim in the sea at Kampen?

Yes, swimming is possible at the guarded beach sections in Kampen. However, the North Sea is brisk, with summer water temperatures typically around 17-19°C (63-66°F). The sea can have strong currents and waves, so it's crucial to pay attention to the lifeguard flags. The experience is more of a refreshing plunge than a long, leisurely swim.

What is the 'Kurtaxe' and do I need it for the beach?

The 'Kurtaxe' is a mandatory local tourist tax for all overnight visitors, which funds beach maintenance, cleaning, and lifeguard services. Your accommodation provider will typically handle this, and you will receive a guest card ('Gästekarte') that grants you access to all of Sylt's beaches. Day visitors must purchase a daily beach ticket ('Tagesstrandkarte') at the beach entrances.

Where can I find the famous nudist beach (FKK) in Kampen?

Kampen is home to Germany's most famous nudist beach area, Buhne 16. This section has a long tradition of FKK (Freikörperkultur, or Free Body Culture) and is known for its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere where both textile and nude sunbathing are common. Other designated FKK sections are also available along Kampen's coast.

How is Kampen's beach different from Westerland's or Wenningstedt's?

Kampen's beach is known for its dramatic scenery with the Rotes Kliff (Red Cliff) and a more exclusive, celebrity-spotting vibe. Westerland's beach is busier, located directly in the island's main town with a large promenade. Wenningstedt is positioned as more family-friendly, with amenities and a calmer atmosphere geared towards children.

Do I need to rent a 'Strandkorb' and how much does it cost?

A 'Strandkorb' (hooded beach chair) isn't mandatory but is highly recommended for a comfortable experience, as it provides excellent protection from the strong North Sea wind and sun. You can rent them daily or weekly at beach entrances. Prices in Kampen are around €12-€16 per day, and it's wise to reserve one in advance during peak season.

Are the beaches in Kampen suitable for families with children?

While the vast sandy beach is great for children to play, the overall atmosphere in Kampen is more upscale and adult-oriented. Families are welcome, and there are family-friendly sections, but the neighboring resort of Wenningstedt is more specifically geared towards holidays with young children, offering more targeted amenities and playgrounds.

What's the best way to get to the beaches and what about parking?

The best way to reach the beach is by bicycle via the excellent network of paths. Public buses also regularly serve the main beach entrances. Parking is extremely limited and expensive, especially in summer. The main car parks at 'Sturmhaube' and 'Buhne 16' fill up very quickly, so arriving early or avoiding a car is strongly advised.

People Also Ask

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Kampen?

Yes, but only on specially designated dog beaches ('Hundestrände'). In Kampen, these are located at beach access points A (in the north, near Wenningstedt) and N (south of Buhne 16). In all other areas, dogs are not permitted on the beach during the main season (April-October). Leashes are mandatory even on the dog beaches.

What is the Rotes Kliff (Red Cliff) and where's the best place to see it?

The Rotes Kliff is a 30-meter-high cliff that stretches for four kilometers between Wenningstedt and Kampen, famous for its reddish soil that glows at sunset. You can admire it from the beach below or walk/cycle along the scenic path at the top of the cliff for breathtaking views. The area near the 'Sturmhaube' restaurant is a particularly popular vantage point.

Is it worth visiting Kampen's beaches in the off-season?

Absolutely. Many locals and repeat visitors prefer the off-season (autumn and winter). The beaches are quiet and perfect for long, bracing walks. You can witness the raw beauty of the North Sea during dramatic storms and enjoy the peaceful, natural atmosphere without the summer crowds.

Are there beaches on the other side of Kampen, on the Wadden Sea?

The eastern side of Kampen borders the Wadden Sea (Wattenmeer), a UNESCO World Heritage site. This side does not have traditional sandy swimming beaches. Instead, it features vast tidal mudflats, which are perfect for guided mudflat hikes ('Wattwanderung'), offering a unique natural experience completely different from the North Sea coast.

What is the 'Whiskey Mile' in Kampen?

The 'Whiskeymeile' (Whiskey Mile) is the popular nickname for Strönwai, the main street in Kampen village. It's famous for its high concentration of exclusive designer boutiques, art galleries, and legendary upscale bars and restaurants. It's the heart of Kampen's sophisticated social scene and where the 'see and be seen' culture is most prominent.

Is Kampen a good spot for surfing?

Yes, the west coast of Sylt, including the beaches at Kampen, offers some of the best conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Germany due to the consistent wind and waves. Several surf schools operate on the island. For classic wave surfing, conditions can be good but are less consistent than for wind-based water sports.

I'm staying in Kampen, is it easy to visit other beaches on Sylt?

Yes, it's very easy. Sylt has an excellent and frequent bus service (Line 1) that connects all the main towns and beach access points along the west coast. Renting a bicycle is also a very popular and scenic way to explore the different beaches, from Hörnum in the south to List in the north. A car is not necessary for beach hopping.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Kampen: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today might not be ideal for the beach. Expect a cooler day with a high of 20 °C. There's a chance of light drizzle, and the sky will be mostly cloudy. The wind might be a bit strong at times, so be prepared for that. The sea temperature is around 20.1 °C, which might be too cold for swimming for many. The UV index will reach 6.4, so consider protecting yourself from the sun if it peeks through the clouds.
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Air

Low / High17.5°C/20°C
Feels Like (High)19.5°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature20.1 °C
Wave Height1.0 m
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Rain

Rain Chance10%
Rainfall0.4 mm
Rain Duration3 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:26/21:40
Sunshine Hours5.9 hrs
UV Index6.4
Cloud Cover88%
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Wind

Speed27.4 km/h
Gusts40 km/h
DirectionW

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