Just over a centuryago Keitum was Sylt’s capital. It was mostly settled by wealthy captains of thewhaling ships. Keitum is now the most beautiful settlement on the island. Insummer, the local charming cottages with thatched roofs and traditional Frisianstone walls are surrounded by greenery of centuries-old chestnut trees, beechand lime trees. They gave Keitum the second name – the green heart of Sylt.
One of the oldhouses is open for visits in Keitum. It houses the museum “Old Frisian House”(Altfriesische Haus). Inside it you can get acquainted with the way of life of Keituminhabitants in the XVIII century. St. Severin’s Church (St. Severin-Kirche) -the oldest and largest temple on the East Frisian Islands-is also worth a visit.
There are manyboutiques, cozy tea houses offering homemade cakes and art galleries on thenarrow streets of Keitum. The subject of special pride of such galleries is thefiligree jewelry of gold and silver, made by traditional Frisian technology,ceramics and glass souvenirs, and original handmade sculptures.