Sturdy umbrella at the Red Cliff – interview with STURMHAUBE host Felix Knochenhauer

At the Red Cliff in Kampen, nature sets the tone. STURMHAUBE therefore relies on a solution that provides reliable protection from the elements while fitting seamlessly into the hotel, restaurant, and brewery concept. Meissl in conversation with host Felix Knochenhauer.

Meissl: STURMHAUBE. A place that combines Nordic elegance, refined cuisine, and an exceptional outdoor atmosphere. What does this place represent for you? 

STURMHAUBE: For us, STURMHAUBE is first and foremost a place of connection. A place where locals from Sylt, returning guests, and island visitors come together, enjoy time spent with one another, and experience what makes Sylt so unique. On Sylt, there is no need to create luxury – it is already right outside the door. The sea, the vastness of the landscape, the extraordinary light, and the power of nature shape every single day. The surrounding nature plays a defining role and for us that is the true luxury. We see ourselves as hosts for precisely these moments: offering genuine hospitality, exceptional food, and a place where people love to gather, relax, and stay a little longer. 

Meissl: Sylt is all about being outdoors – sunsets, the wind, and that unique feeling between the sea and the dunes. What role does the outdoor experience play in your concept? 

STURMHAUBE: A central one. Our guests do not come to us solely for the cuisine, but above all for the experience. Nature is ever-present here and shapes every visit. The light, the clouds, the wind, the constantly changing atmosphere – all of this is part of STURMHAUBE. That is why we aim to make the outdoor experience as tangible as possible while still providing the comfort our guests expect. 

Meissl: Your website says: “The greatest artist is still nature itself.” At the North Sea, however, nature brings not only moments of beauty and sunshine, but also challenges. What is the biggest challenge for you – and what was especially important when choosing your outdoor solution? 

STURMHAUBE: The North Sea does not compromise. Sunshine, wind, rain, and sudden changes in weather can all happen within a single day. That is why it was essential for us to find a solution that reliably protects our guests without limiting their connection to nature. We did not want to create an enclosed space, but rather a place where guests still feel outdoors – simply with more comfort. That is exactly what the Meissl parasol solution allows us to achieve today. 

Meissl: Why did you choose Meissl as your partner for this project, and how would you describe the collaboration? 

STURMHAUBE: We were looking for a partner who truly understands the unique requirements of a location like ours directly on the North Sea coast. The combination of quality, functionality, and design convinced us. It was particularly important that the solution was not only technically outstanding but also integrated harmoniously into the architecture and overall atmosphere of STURMHAUBE. From the very beginning, the collaboration was solution-oriented, professional, and highly enjoyable. 

Meissl: What role does the outdoor solution play today within your overall concept, particularly regarding events, guest experience, and economic efficiency? 

STURMHAUBE: A very significant one. The umbrella now covers a large part of our terrace and allows us to plan much more reliably. Whether it is lunch, dinner, events, tastings, live music, or corporate functions – many formats would not be possible in their current form without this solution. At the same time, our guests benefit from a significantly higher level of comfort. Thanks to the umbrella, the mobile glass side panels, and the integrated heating elements, our terrace can be used throughout the year and has become one of the most important areas of our venue. 

Meissl: A brief Pentecost update – on Sylt, this is one of the most important weekends of the year. What role does Pentecost play for you, and how does your umbrella bar solution support the programme and offering at STURMHAUBE? 

STURMHAUBE: Pentecost marks the beginning of the intense summer season for us every year. The island becomes busier, people are naturally drawn outdoors, and demand for events increases significantly. Weekends like this clearly demonstrate the value of a well-designed outdoor solution. We can respond flexibly to changing weather conditions and run our programme almost independently of the elements. This gives us greater planning security and provides our guests with reliability. 

Meissl: Is there one piece of feedback you hear from your guests particularly often? 

STURMHAUBE: Many guests are surprised by how comfortable our terrace feels, even in windy conditions or unpredictable weather. We often hear comments like: “You are sitting outside and hardly notice how quickly the weather changes.” That was exactly our goal – to make nature experienceable without being at its mercy. And in that sense, we truly live up to our name: STURMHAUBE – located in the middle of a nature reserve, offering protection from the forces of nature while creating a place for connection and togetherness. 

Meissl: From time to time, Sylt experiences some powerful storms. How does your terrace, your venue, and the Meissl solution perform during these extreme weather conditions? 

STURMHAUBE: Especially in the demanding weather conditions of the North Sea, the quality and reliability of such a solution become truly evident. Nature sets the pace on Sylt – and that is exactly what makes this place so special. At the same time, it is essential to be able to respond flexibly. Thanks to the intelligent technology of the Meissl solution, we can safely retract the umbrella when required and quickly adapt our terrace to changing weather conditions. This gives our team confidence and ensures our guests can continue to enjoy their experience with maximum comfort and safety. 

Meissl: Finally, looking ahead: What role will high-quality outdoor areas play in gastronomy and hospitality in the future – especially in unique destinations such as Sylt? 

STURMHAUBE: An increasingly important one. Today’s guests are looking for authentic experiences and want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. At the same time, expectations regarding comfort and quality continue to rise. Those who plan outdoor areas intelligently create additional guest value, new possibilities for use, and greater economic stability. Especially in places like Sylt, where nature itself is the true highlight, sophisticated outdoor concepts will become even more important in the future.

Project details: 

Sturmhaube Restaurant and Hotel 

Location: Kampen / Sylt 

Product: Large umbrella type MR, rectangular, 14 x 11 m, 45° corners, 24 segments 

Covered area: 144.76 m² 

Wind protection system with retractable design and sliding doors 

Equipment: integrated lighting (direct LED, RGB), infrared heating, panoramic rain gutters 

Mobile seating bench solutions