Norddeutschland bei Nacht

It was one of the greatest natural disasters of all time. On the morning of Boxing Day 2004, a massive tsunami hit the coast of the Indian Ocean. More than 230,000 people died, including many holidaymakers from Germany and France. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, survivors tell their stories. How has the disaster affected their lives to this day?

Endless beaches, dunes, heath and the Wadden Sea characterize the landscape of Sylt. Germany's largest North Sea island is also a paradise for numerous animal and plant species. Around half of its area is under landscape or nature protection. In spring and autumn, thousands of migratory birds stop here on their way between Siberia and East Africa. Sheep graze on the dike meadows, female seals give birth to their young off Sylt. And the Sylt Wadden Sea is one of the last large wilderness areas in Europe. But in winter storms hit the island. If the “Blanke Hans”, as the storm on Sylt is called, causes the North Sea to rage, it hits the island with tremendous force. Only a few places on the German North Sea coast are as exposed to the force of the sea as the west coast of Sylt. The documentary shows Sylt's nature in fascinating images. People who are particularly connected to the island and its nature are accompanied in their everyday lives.

In winter, with ice and snow, it becomes uncomfortable in the Swiss Alps even for the animals. While marmots retreat to hibernate in the protective burrow, ibex, chamois, mountain hares and bearded vultures stay awake even in the cold season. These animals have developed special abilities to withstand the barren and adverse conditions at an altitude of up to 3000 meters. In the Swiss National Park in Graubünden, they remain undisturbed in winter. Park rangers and researchers are the only ones who are allowed to be out and about in the high mountain landscape even in winter.