Büsum

Büsum is situated in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, right on the North Sea, much like the similarly called Husum. Büsum was formerly an island, but strong storm tides caused it to eventually merge with the mainland. The island’s northeastern portion was connected to the mainland by silt accumulation caused by the huge storm tide, which also destroyed the island’s southern portion. Büsum joined the mainland through the dyking and is now a well-liked holiday spot.

You can stroll right next to the North Sea. There are numerous stairs that go into the North Sea, where you can walk on the mudflats during ebb tide or go swimming at flood tide. The dikes provide an elevated perspective of the North Sea and are also accessible. The “Watt’n Insel” family lagoon offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including swimming in the natural pool, pedal boating, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.

The harbour is one of the city’s many stunning sights. More than a century-old lighthouse can be seen from Büsum’s four harbour basins. Because of a sea lock installed after the Hafenkoog was dyked in 1941, the Büsum harbour is thought to be storm-proof and went on to become Germany’s largest cutter harbour. Several shrimp boats can still be seen in the harbour today. There, you can purchase fresh North Sea crabs straight from the cutter at the harbour and observe the fishermen at work. Not only are the visitors to the harbour happy about this, but also the seagulls, who are always waiting for a chance to steal a crab or two. (Or anything tasty that is unseen; however, unseen also implies that you are not focusing on the fish sandwich in front of your face since you were tempted to take a bite, according to seagulls.)

From the harbour you can take a boat trip to the island of Helgoland or go sea fishing. The old historic harbour basin, or museum harbour, is just a short walk away. Here you can learn about the history of merchant shipping. The “Museum by the Sea” is another museum with information and pictures about the development of tourism, fishing and shrimp processing in Büsum. A harbour tour can also be arranged.

The harbour also has an aquarium where you can see North Sea creatures such as perch, rays, stonefish and moray eels. The aquarium displays various North Sea ecosystems, such as mud bottom, seagrass beds and mussel beds. Of course, there are also many freshwater fish in the aquarium that you may recognise from other aquariums.

Built in 1281 on the site of the old island of Büsum, the Fishermen’s Church of St. Clemens is another historical site worth seeing. The church was named after the third bishop of Rome and pope (around 100 AD), who is revered as the patron saint of seafarers and coastal communities. The original church was destroyed by the first Marcellus flood in 1362, rebuilt and then burnt down shortly afterwards. The islanders rebuilt the chapel on a mound of earth in 1442. That is why the church was a safe shelter from big storms.. The church stands today on the highest point in Büsum.