Gluten Free North Sea Coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany: A Complete Guide – incl. Büsum & Sankt Peter-Ording

Last updated: September 2024

The coastline near Büsum and Sankt Peter-Ording, located on the North Sea in northern Germany, is part of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park. This coastal area is known as the Wadden Sea, and it is famous for its unique tidal flats, which are called Wattenmeer in German.

The Wadden Sea extends along the coasts of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands and is characterized by large mudflats, tidal marshes, and sandbanks that are exposed during low tide. This ecosystem is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity and the role it plays as a habitat for migratory birds.

Büsum and Sankt Peter-Ording are two of the prominent locations along this coast:

• Büsum: A coastal town with a harbor and popular beach area. It’s known for its proximity to the tidal flats and as a hub for seafood, particularly crabs.
• Sankt Peter-Ording: Famous for its long, wide sandy beaches and stilt houses, it’s a prime destination for beachgoers and wind sports enthusiasts.

These towns lie on the edge of the North Frisian coast and are part of the larger region known as the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein. The coastlines here are protected by dikes due to the low-lying nature of the land and the risk of flooding from storm surges.

Food

The region is known for a variety of culinary specialties, particularly those inspired by the sea and the agricultural traditions of northern Germany. Whether you’re visiting a seafood restaurant or a local café, you’ll find these dishes to be a delicious reflection of the North Sea coast’s culinary culture. Here are some of the notable foods and dishes from the area:

• Büsumer Krabben (Büsum Crabs): Büsum is famous for its North Sea brown shrimp (also known as Büsumer Krabben or Nordseekrabben). These tiny, flavorful shrimp are caught fresh in the North Sea and are a local delicacy. The shrimp are often served in salads, as toppings on bread, or simply with lemon and butter. They’re also enjoyed in scrambled eggs (Rührei mit Krabben) or as part of a seafood platter.
• Matjes (Pickled Herring): Matjes herring is a popular dish in northern Germany. The herring is lightly salted and marinated, giving it a mild, delicate flavor. It’s often served with onions, apples, and sour cream, typically with boiled potatoes or bread. This dish is popular along the coast.
• Fischbrötchen (Fish Sandwich): This is a must-try at coastal markets and harbors. Fischbrötchen is a simple, hearty sandwich made with fresh seafood such as herring, mackerel, or shrimp, often accompanied by pickles, onions, and remoulade sauce in a crispy bread roll.
• Labskaus: A traditional sailor’s dish, Labskaus is made from mashed potatoes, corned beef, onions, pickles, and beetroot, and is often served with a fried egg and pickled herring on the side. It’s a hearty meal, with its roots in the seafaring culture of the North Sea.
• Rote Grütze: This popular dessert is made from red berries (like raspberries, strawberries, and red currants) that are thickened into a pudding-like consistency and served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream. It’s a refreshing end to a meal and a northern German favorite.
• Friesentorte: This is a rich layer cake made with puff pastry, whipped cream, and prunes or jam. The Friesentorte is a favorite in the coastal regions and reflects the indulgent dessert traditions of the North Sea area.
• Pharisäer: A traditional drink from the region, Pharisäer is a hot coffee drink with a shot of rum, topped with whipped cream. It originated on the North Frisian islands and is a perfect way to warm up after a day by the chilly North Sea.

Restaurants

The region around Büsum and Sankt Peter-Ording offers several gluten-free options. While traditional German cuisine is often centered around bread and wheat-based products, the growing awareness of dietary restrictions has led to more gluten-free offerings in restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like the North Sea coast.

Gluten-free Büsum

Sandbank 26

Restaurant Sandbank 26 offers a wide variety of delicious gluten-free dishes, with nearly everything on the menu being gluten-free and certified by the German Celiac Association (DZG). They have a dedicated gluten-free fryer and kitchen area, ensuring safe preparation. The chef, who has celiac sufferers in the family, is highly knowledgeable about gluten-free needs. Special requests are easily accommodated, so be sure to try their tasty gluten-free fish sandwiches!

Address: Achtern Diek nº26, Büsumer Deichhausen, Germany.

Restaurant Krabbe am Hafen

Extremely friendly staff and delicious food! Restaurant Krabbe am Hafen offers a wide variety of gluten-free dishes, and the staff are highly knowledgeable, helping you customize your meal with ease. The service is exceptionally welcoming. Gluten-free breaded schnitzel with fries is available without any hassle and tastes fantastic. The kitchen has a dedicated gluten-free area, along with a separate fryer, ensuring safe preparation. The staff are well-informed and happy to answer any questions.

Address: Werftstraße nº2A, Büsum, Germany.

Gluten-free St. Peter-Ording

LOTTI am Südstrand

The menu offers a wide variety of gluten-free options, including fish soup, schnitzel, waffles, and more, providing plenty of choices! I enjoyed the gluten-free schnitzel with potato salad, followed by waffles topped with cherries, ice cream, and whipped cream. The service was friendly, and the outdoor seating was lovely. The location is fantastic, too! About three-quarters of the menu is gluten-free, with clear labeling throughout. The gluten-free waffles were especially impressive, well-prepared with regional ingredients, making the meal feel unique and special.

Address: Am Südstrand, St. Peter-Ording, Germany.

Jup´s Friesencafé

The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about gluten-free options— lots of gluten-free pie and cake options! Each day, they freshly bake six or seven large, delicious cakes and pies, all free from contamination risk. The outdoor seating is a lovely spot, especially in the sunshine, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The cakes were not only huge but also exceptionally tasty. Be sure to try the local specialty, Friesentorte!

Address: Kölfhamm nº6, St. Peter-Ording, Germany.

Shopping

Larger supermarkets in Büsum and Sankt Peter-Ording, like Edeka, REWE, and Aldi, usually stock a variety of gluten-free products such as bread, pasta, and snacks. Look for a dedicated gluten-free section. These can be especially handy for self-catering if you’re staying in a holiday rental.

Health food stores, known as Reformhäuser or Biomärkte, are common in Germany and typically carry a wide range of gluten-free products. You’ll find gluten-free baking ingredients, snacks, pasta, and other foods labeled as “glutenfrei.” These stores are especially helpful for finding less common gluten-free items like flour mixes, cakes, or specialty products.