Travel report: Cycling tour between Sylt and Hamburg

Isabelle and Thomas were traveling along the North Sea coast in summer and discovered beach huts, nudist beaches, windmills, lots of nature and "the best fish sandwiches in the world" between Niebüll and Hamburg.

We continue south along the dyke paths, between grazing sheep. We make a detour to the Hamburger Hallig, the 4 kilometers through the nature reserve to the Hallig are fun.

We continue along the dyke. We treat ourselves to a cooling dip at the nudist beach, which is right next to the cycle path; our swimming trunks stay dry. We decide to take another detour and cycle over the dyke to the Nordstrand peninsula. We cross the island and drive to the other side to Süderhafen. There we stop off at a mill and cycle along the coast towards Wobbenbüll, from where we continue to Husum. Husum, the pretty little town where Theodor Storm lived and where some of his novellas are set. Unfortunately, we can't climb up the water tower. It's rented out as a holiday home.
 

July 31: Husum via Friedrichstadt to Tönning (43 km)

We cycle through wide fields and light forests to Friedrichstadt. We stroll along the canals and through narrow streets. There is a funfair on the market square and a sailors' choir puts us in a lovely Nordic mood with its songs. We continue along dirt tracks via Witzwort and Oldenswort to Tönning. This was an easy and short route. We enjoy the view of the Eider and the wind farm behind it from our organic hotel. The approaching evening rain can no longer harm us and adds a mystical touch to the landscape. Not far from the hotel, by the way, you can find "the best fish sandwiches in the world". We found that this advertising slogan lives up to its promise.

August 1: Excursion to St. Peter-Ording and back to Tönning (52 km)

The train takes us to St. Peter-Ording. We cycle to the touristy town center and then to the kilometer-long beach. There we walk along the beach and watch the kite surfers and the people.

It's too cool and windy for swimming. But there's nothing wrong with wading barefoot in the water. Back at the bikes, we cycle along the coast to Tönning. Over dinner, we learn something new about North German cuisine: we now know the difference between crab and prawns.

August 2: Tönning - St. Michaelisdonn (65km)

We drive to the imposing Eidersperrwerk and are lucky, because the drawbridge is up and a ship passes through the lock into the open sea. That always makes a big impression on us landlocked people. Then we continue on the now familiar paths along the dyke, but this time with a strong headwind, past beautiful beaches to Büsum. From there overland to St. Michaelisdonn. An unspectacular place.

August 3: St. Michaelisdonn - Glückstadt (54km)

Leaving the village, we cycle past the Edda Dutch mill towards Dingerdonn, Eddelak and Brunsbüttel. There we reach the Elbe.

We continue without a strong headwind to the Kiel Canal with its impressive lock and cargo ships. We take the ferry across the busy canal.

We continue along the shore to Glückstadt. We like the accommodation there, the Hotel Christian IV, the friendly service and the small town.

August 4: Glückstadt - Hamburg (58km)

The last stage begins. Short swim in the river.