Munkmarsch (Sylt)
Sylt Wattenmeer approach · Munkmarsch Watt · North Frisian Sylt
54°54.4'N 08°21.7'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for the Munkmarsch Watt anchorage — tidal; increase scope significantly for the 2–3m tidal range. Entry/exit HW ±2h only. Variable sand/mud bottom requires careful anchor setting. A challenging tidal anchorage for experienced crews.
About This Anchorage
Sylt is Germany's northernmost and most famous island — a narrow 38km strip of sand and dune separating the North Sea from the Wadden Sea, connected to the mainland only by the Hindenburgdamm railway causeway. Munkmarsch on the eastern (Watt/Wadden) shore is the main sailing approach to Sylt's interior. The island is famous throughout Germany as a celebrity and millionaire destination (the 'German Hamptons') — the western beach resorts of Westerland and Kampen are among the most expensive addresses in Germany. The eastern Wadden approaches, however, are entirely different: tidal, shallow, and demanding — the domain of experienced North Sea flat-water sailors. The Wadden Sea (UNESCO) surrounds Sylt's eastern shore. All navigation requires current BSH charts, tidal planning, and daylight.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW · N
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (outer Watt anchorage); Munkmarsch harbour fee approx €14–20/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: TIDAL — entry/exit HW ±2h only; channels dry 2–3m at LW; UNESCO Wattenmeer National Park: no driving on sandbanks, no camping; current BSH charts essential; daylight navigation only.
Hazards
- !TIDAL: 2–3m tidal range; channels dry at LW; navigation ONLY within 2h of HW — severe grounding risk otherwise
- !UNESCO Wattenmeer National Park: strict regulations; no anchoring outside marked channels; no landing on nature reserve areas
- !North Sea swell reaches western Sylt — the eastern Watt side is sheltered but approach from the south must pass the Hörnum roadstead
- !Current BSH charts ESSENTIAL — channel buoys shift after winter storms; never rely on older charts
Skipper's Tips
- →Sylt by sea is a specialist North Sea Watt navigation challenge — recommended only for crews experienced in tidal flat navigation with current BSH charts
- →The view of Sylt's red cliff (Rote Kliff) from the sea is extraordinary — the ochre-red clay cliffs dropping to the North Sea beach are unlike anything else in Germany
- →For the non-tidal option: take the train from Westerland to Niebüll and back — a remarkable journey on the Hindenburgdamm; leave the boat safely at List or Munkmarsch
Facilities
Munkmarsch: small harbour facilities, restaurant. List (8nm north): full services. Westerland (accessible by train): full city services — most expensive restaurants in Germany.
Nearest provisions: List auf Sylt (8nm north) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September. North Sea Wadden navigation — experienced crews only; current charts and tidal planning essential.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In the shallow Schlei where wind-driven water level changes can expose sandbanks, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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