Westküste

Westküste, literally “west coast,” is a German toponym used to denote western coastal regions in German-speaking areas. In Germany the term is most commonly applied to the North Sea coastline of Schleswig-Holstein, stretching along Nordfriesland and including the North Frisian Islands and coastal towns such as Husum, St. Peter-Ording and Büsum. The designation is tied to the western edge of the mainland and the adjacent island and hallig landscape, and it is sometimes used more broadly for other western coasts in German-speaking regions.

Geography and environment are dominated by maritime features. The coastline includes tidal flats and wide beaches, punctuated by dunes and barrier beaches. The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with the Netherlands and Denmark, preserves large portions of the intertidal zones and their biodiversity. The area is known for birdlife, seals, and seasonal migrations, and it offers popular activities such as mudflat hiking, cycling, and coastal walks.

Economy and culture have long been shaped by the sea. Traditional livelihoods include fishing and small-scale shipping, while contemporary activity centers on tourism, beach resorts, and renewable energy, particularly wind power. Cultural influences come from Frisian communities and dialects spoken along parts of the coast, contributing to a distinct maritime heritage.

Protection and infrastructure are important due to exposure to storms and sea-level rise. Coastal defense methods—dikes and barriers—are complemented by ports, ferries to the islands, and road connections that link the mainland with the West Coast’s many island communities. The region remains a focal point for coastal ecology, outdoor recreation, and coastal engineering.