Location
Germany
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Sylt - Buhne 16
Buhne 16 is the beach north of Kampen on Sylt's North Sea west coast, named after the old groyne number at this point and probably the best-known nude beach in former West Germany. Today it is not a nude-only beach: the Sylt tourism site lists the green beach sections B, C and D at Buhne 16 as mixed textile and FKK zones, so nude and clothed people lie side by side, and a separate dog beach sits nearby. Visitors wanting a purely nude stretch tend to use the designated FKK beaches further north at List or south at Rantum (Samoa). The beach itself is wide, fine pale sand backed by high dunes, with open surf and the remains of groynes in the water, which the island authorities warn can be hidden at high tide. The legendary Strandbistro Buhne 16 at the beach access (Listlandstraße 133) is the social centre, with drinks, snacks and sit-down lunches plus a small beach shop. The section belongs to Kampen's northern guarded area, and the tourism office lists it as suitable for children. On Whitsun weekends large numbers of young people come for parties around the bistro, so expect it busy then and in July and August.
Getting there
From the Hauptstraße between Wenningstedt and List, turn off towards the Buhne 16 car park off Listlandstraße north of Kampen; parking is paid (cash). Disabled spaces and toilets are near the beach access. From the car park the beach is reached only on foot, about 15 minutes through the dunes on a sandy path, which is tiring but scenic. Bus line 1 between Westerland and List serves Kampen, and the former island railway track is a car-free cycle route with bike parking. Beach access points 25 and 26 and the Buhne 16 crossing lead to the mixed sections. A guest card is required; day visitors buy a 4 EUR day ticket from inspectors.
What visitors say
Travel writers and press describe Buhne 16 as a cult spot more than a quiet naturist beach: the bistro, the long dune walk and the white sand are the draw, and nude and clothed visitors mix without fuss. Reports note that the nude areas are less clearly signed than at List or Rantum, so first-time visitors are sometimes unsure where to undress. The beach gets crowded in high summer and very lively on Whitsun party weekends. Dogs are allowed nearby but loose dogs are frowned on. Recent coverage warns that onlookers with phones are unwelcome and that people wanting a quieter nude-only stretch should head further north.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
The Kampen tourism service (published on sylt.de, 2026) designates sections B, C and D at Buhne 16 as mixed textile and FKK zones, so nudity is permitted but not required. Beach use requires a Kurabgabe guest card or day ticket. Regional press in 2026 notes that gawking and phone photography are the main source of friction on Sylt's mixed beaches, and harassment of others can be fined.
Naturism at Sylt - Buhne 16 sits under Germany's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Germany public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 54.9500, 8.3300
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Germany
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at Buhne 16?
Yes. Sections B, C and D at Buhne 16 are officially mixed textile and FKK zones, so you may be nude or clothed.
Is Buhne 16 a nude-only beach?
No. It is mixed. For designated nude-only beaches on Sylt, look at the FKK west beach in List or Samoa near Rantum.
Can I drive to the beach?
No. You park at the paid car park outside Kampen and walk about 15 minutes through the dunes.
Do I have to pay to use the beach?
Yes. You need a Sylt guest card, or a 4 EUR day ticket bought from the beach inspectors.
Are there facilities?
The Buhne 16 bistro serves food and drinks, there are toilets near the access, beach chairs for hire and lifeguards in season.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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