St. Nikolaus

St. Nikolaus is a Catholic church on the island of Baltrum with an unusual architectural design featuring two distinct sections. A circular winter area and an open-air summer area with reed-covered roofs are connected by a triangular vestibule.

The foundation stone was laid on Saint Nicholas Day in 1956, and architect Heinrich Feldwisch-Drentrup completed the structure for consecration in 1957. It was built as a new religious center to serve the island's growing community at that time.

The fourteen stained glass windows by Margarete Franke depict scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas, with the figures shown without facial features. This design creates a timeless quality that invites visitors to bring their own imagination to what they see.

Services run between Palm Sunday and All Saints Day, making it possible to visit on weekends throughout this period. It is worth checking ahead since the building is used differently depending on the season.

The altar is shaped like a shell made from Roman travertine, while the tabernacle features a ship model. Both of these details connect to Saint Nicholas and his association with seafarers and the sea.