Church of St. Severin
Munkmarscher Str, Sylt, Germany, 25980
The Church of St. Severin is one of the most famous landmarks on the island of Sylt. Dating back to the 13th century, this Lutheran parish church displays Romanesque and Gothic architectural features such as a baptismal font that dates back 1,000 years and a 15th-century altar. Along with coming here for worship, visitors flock for the regular organ concerts.
The basics
Travelers visiting the Church of St. Severin can attend a service, engage in silent prayer, or participate in special events, concerts, or guided tours. For an independent visit, start with the church's interiors, allowing ample time to appreciate the medieval architecture, frescoes, altar, tower, pulpit, organ, and chandeliers. Afterwards, visit the cemetery, which feels more like a park with plenty of trees, grass, and other plants. Conclude with a leisurely walk through the charming village of Keitum.
Things to know before you go
For those interested in visiting historic holy sites, the church was built on a hill that is believed to be a spot where Germanic gods were worshiped in the 10th-11th centuries.
Between March and October, the church typically offers guided tours on Thursday afternoons.
The church is close to a popular hiking trail—Wanderweg grünes Kliff Keitum which showcases beaches and beautiful landscapes.
There are bathroom facilities available at the church.
How to get there
From the center of Keitum, you can take the #4 bus to the Keitum–Kirche stop, which is next to the Church of St. Severin; the trip only takes about 4 minutes. If you prefer to walk, it’s about 12 minutes from Keitum to the church along Munkmarscher Chaussee.
When to get there
The Church of St. Severin has had a tradition for over 70 years of hosting live organ music every Wednesday evening, often by church musician Alexander Ivanov. It's recommended to book tickets in advance, as these are frequently sold out. Also, be sure to take some time to see the cemetery in daylight hours, as well as the church’s interiors.
Things to do in Keitum
After exploring the Church of St. Severin, you can head back into town and stop for a tea and cake at the quaint teahouse of Die Kleine Teestube, or learn about the island at the Sylt Museum. If the weather is nice, the area has ample hiking paths. For those interested in how the locals once lived, you can also go to the old house of Altfriesisches Haus seit 1640.
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