Boldixum: Duck Decoy, St. Nicolai and Gravestones

Boldixum can be viewed from several historical perspectives: the duck decoy recalls the former capture of wild ducks, St. Nicolai reflects political and legal history, and the cemetery in Wyk-Boldixum tells the story of Föhr’s seafarers. If you are looking for a hotel in Boldixum, this diversity can provide a thematic framework for your stay; each place tells a different story.

Duck decoy: from capture site to refuge

The Boldixum duck decoy is a former, artificially created wild-duck trapping facility that now serves as a refuge for wild ducks. Of the five surviving duck decoys on Föhr, it is the only one open to visitors. For visitors interested in wildlife and how land use has changed, its particular significance lies in this combination of a former trapping function and its present-day role as a refuge.

The listed Boldixum duck decoy is a facility for catching wild ducks. Its features include a freshwater pond, canals known as catching pipes, and the decoy keeper’s house. This is a small brick building with a thatched roof; the core of the facility dates back to 1876.

St. Nicolai and the history of legislation

The origins of St. Nicolai Church in Boldixum date to around 1240. Its history also includes political functions: political assemblies and court sessions were once held there. In 1426, the Siebenhardenbeliebung, a body of North Frisian legislation, was convened in the church. The dates mark different periods: around 1240 refers to the church’s origins, while 1426 marks a later political event. The church’s history thus also offers a glimpse into the legal history of North Frisia. St. Nicolai dates back to around 1240; the core of the duck decoy dates from 1876—the two dates are more than six centuries apart.

Wyk-Boldixum cemetery: seafarers and gravestone motifs

A walk through the listed cemetery in Wyk-Boldixum leads into the world of whalers and captains. The “talking” gravestones, as witnesses carved in stone, tell of the eventful lives of Föhr’s seafarers. One gravestone gives this maritime theme a personal touch: the stone of Catrina Boyens (1715–1747), which still stands today, depicts Christ emerging from the Holy City and welcoming a woman with her child, while her husband holds her hand in farewell. The motif combines a religious depiction with a family farewell scene.

Three different historical perspectives

If you are weighing up your interests for a stay, three themes stand out: the duck decoy links former use with its present-day role as a refuge; St. Nicolai draws attention to assemblies, courts and legislation; and the cemetery focuses on seafarers and individual gravestone motifs. This can help you decide whether nature, political history or maritime heritage will be the focus of your stay in Boldixum.

For the broader travel overview: Wyk on Föhr.