202606_Part-12: Between Dithmarschen and North Frisia_By boat to the island of Pellworm

We are traveling by motorhome along the Schleswig-Holstein North Sea coast, heading from Meldorf Bay in the south to the Halligen islands in the north. Today, we are on our way to Pellworm, one of the idyllic islands within the Wadden Sea National Park. We are taking the ferry from Strucklahnungshörn on Nordstrand and have our bicycles with us. The crossing takes a little over half an hour. Since it is low tide this morning, we aren't docking at the harbor itself but rather at the deep-water pier, which extends nearly a kilometer out into the Wadden Sea. The island is known for its expansive landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and unique natural beauty. Unlike many other holiday destinations, the focus here isn't on mass tourism, but on relaxation amidst an impressive coastal landscape. Our tour begins at the Pellworm harbor, shared by the villages of Ostersiel and Tammensiel. The harbor serves as a vital transport hub for the island and offers an immediate glimpse into maritime life upon arrival. Fishing boats and sailing vessels line the piers while seagulls circle overhead. From here, we head northwest. We make our first stop at the Catholic Church of St. Peter. It doesn't really look like a church—more like a community center. However, with a congregation of only about 20 members, it is essentially an outpost of the parish on Nordstrand. While planning the trip, I read about a farm that produces cooking oil. They actually produce cold-pressed oil here from rapeseed and hemp plants; the crops are grown, harvested, and processed right at the Frener Farm. Less than a kilometer further on stands a genuine windmill—a "gallery Dutch windmill" dating back to 1734. It was taken out of service in the 1960s and now serves as holiday accommodation. We then continue along the dike that encircles the island, protecting the houses behind it from storm surges. Incidentally, most of the houses here feature thatched roofs. From the dike, we enjoy sweeping views of the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. Walkers and cyclists use the path atop the dike—sharing the space with grazing sheep—to explore the landscape. The fresh sea air and the island's tranquility make this place particularly appealing. After traveling several kilometers along the dike, we reach the Old Church of St. Salvator. This church is arguably the island's most significant landmark. Built in the Romanesque style around 1200, the church defines the island's skyline with its ruined tower; the original bell tower has been replaced by a separate, modern wooden structure. The church's interior is relatively simple in design. Standing in the apse is a Late Gothic winged altarpiece dating from around 1460. Its inner panels depict seven scenes from the Passion of Christ carved in oak, with the Crucifixion taking center stage in the elevated middle section. The inner wings feature 16 paintings illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary, while the outer panels display two fragments depicting the "Mass of Saint Gregory" and the "Tree of Martyrs." Also noteworthy is the cast-bronze baptismal font from 1475. The pulpit, dating from around 1600, is adorned with double corner columns and features paintings of the four Evangelists on its panels. We continue for another 7 kilometers along the dike, keeping the Pellworm Lighthouse constantly in sight. Visible from afar, the red-and-white lighthouse rises above the flat landscape. Finally, we find ourselves at the base of this popular photo subject. Visitors can also tour the tower and enjoy the view across the North Sea. To wrap up our visit, we relax at a café (or restaurant) by the dike and enjoy the island's peaceful atmosphere, the sound of the wind, and the fresh North Sea air.