Scharhörn 'walks' annually one to four meters in a south-easterly direction. Due to the proximity to the Elbe navigational channel, the island has continual hinder from coastal erosion and threatens to disappear in the coming years.
Scharhörn was first mentioned around 1300. In those days, it was a dangerous riff for shipping and a graveyard for vessels. The value of Scharhörn was only recognized in the 20th century when its significance for birds became obvious. Since 1929, regulations were taken and the island became a protected nature area in 1939.
Scharhörn can only be visited under guidance of a bird ranger. The island is important for nesting birds and as a high-tide refuge. The largest tern colony of the entire North Sea region nests here. Scharhörn en Nigehörn belong to the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park.
