Sankt Peter-Ording, Coastal spa on Eiderstedt peninsula, Germany
Sankt Peter-Ording is a municipality on the North Sea coast of the Eiderstedt peninsula in Schleswig-Holstein, stretching along several kilometers of sandy beach. The settlement divides into five separate areas separated by dunes, salt marshes and open beach sections.
The first written mention dates from 1373 under the name Ulstrup, while development as a bathing resort began in the late 19th century with the construction of lodgings. The sulphur spring was discovered in 1920 and led to recognition as a therapeutic spa.
The five settlements show thatched roofs and traditional Frisian houses typical of the west coast, while visitors today come mostly for kitesurfing and beach sailing. At the beach sections stand the pile dwellings, wooden restaurants on stilts that become surrounded by water at high tide and serve as local landmarks.
Beach access points with wooden walkways allow entry even during changing tides, with tidal differences reaching about three meters and the waterline shifting noticeably. Western winds bring waves high enough to attract surfers, while eastern winds bring calmer water.
This municipality is the only German coastal location with a natural sulphur spring used for therapies, adding healing properties to the North Sea water. The mudflats withdraw up to two kilometers at low tide, exposing the seabed.
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