If you are looking for a unique vacation experience at the North Sea you should explore the Hallig Südfall. This small, 0.56 km² large Hallig is located in the Wadden Sea at the North Sea coast Schleswig-Holstein and is inhabited and leased by only two people every year from March to November. Despite its small size and limited population, Südfall has a rich history and unique nature to offer, which are worth a visit.
History of Südfall
Southfall has a long and fascinating history, dating back to before the 1st Groten Mandränke in 1362, which flooded the area and destroyed the Halligen Southfall, Nübell and Nielandt created. Before the flood, the area belonged to Edomsharde in the beach area. After the flood, Südfall remained inhabited and the inhabitants continued farming, fishing, salt peat mining and occasional beachcombing.
In 1825 almost the entire population of Südfall was wiped out by the Hallig flood and the area was reduced by half. The present residential mound was built in 1828, and this changed hands several times over the years. In 1910 Countess Diana von Reventlow-Criminil bought the island to spend her retirement there. In 1921, Andreas Busch discovered remains of sluices in the mudflats near Südfall, which indicates that Rungholt was located there from the 13th to the 14th century.
Today, the Southfall is managed by the Jordsand Association and has been a nature reserve since 1959. It is now part of the Schleswig-Holstein National Park. Wadden Sea and hosts a bird sanctuary and a SAR watch and radio station.
Journey to Südfall
The south fall can be reached from North Beach can be reached on foot or by horse-drawn carriage as part of guided tours across the mudflats approved by the National Park Authority. In summer, the Hallig can be reached up to three times a week by boat from Pellworm can be reached from. However, otherwise access is not allowed due to their protected zone status.
Natural environment
The unique natural environment of Südfall is one of the main attractions of the region. The Hallig has a main inlet that begins in the west and ends in a wide estuary in the east. The salt marshes are only partially grazed, which creates a habitat for salt plants such as beach carnation, beach wormwood, beach lilac and beach asters. Many bird species use them for breeding, including spoonbills, least terns, and black-backed gulls.
The mudflats around the South Falls are an excavation protection area to prevent the destruction of cultural traces. Visitors should be mindful of their impact on the environment and follow all rules and regulations to protect this fragile ecosystem.
