The World Heritage Site “Wadden Sea,” stretching along the North Sea coast, is an extensive wetland shared by the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. It is a natural heritage site where a wide variety of living creatures thrive, including seals, aquatic animals, fish, and migratory birds.
The natural intertidal zones woven by water and sand are mystical, and the endless horizon that unfolds before you is breathtaking. Let us introduce the charms and highlights of the vast Wadden Sea.
What is the Wadden Sea?
The Wadden Sea, stretching about 500 km from Den Helder in the Netherlands to Skallingen in Denmark, and covering a total area of 11,000 square kilometers, is the largest tidal flat in the world. In 2009, it was inscribed as a transnational natural World Heritage Site.
The tides ebb and flow every six hours, turning the area alternately into sea and land depending on when you visit. The nutrients constantly generated by the tides support countless microorganisms, along with shellfish, fish, birds, insects, mammals, and more—over 3,200 species in total. In 1997, the “Trilateral Wadden Sea Plan” was adopted, ensuring that the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark cooperate to protect and preserve this rich environment to the present day.
In addition to being inscribed as a World Heritage Site, the Wadden Sea was also registered under the Ramsar Convention in 1987.
Name: Wadden Sea
Address: Netherlands, Germany, Denmark
Official/Related Website URL: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1314/
Access to the Wadden Sea
Here are some examples of access routes to representative sightseeing spots.
To Büsum, Germany: From Hamburg, take a train to Heide (about 1 hour), transfer to the Nordbahn railway, and arrive in about 30 minutes.
To Ameland Island: From Amsterdam, drive about 2 hours to Oudeschild Port, then take a ferry for about 40–50 minutes.
To Neuwerk Island: Take a ferry from the port city of Cuxhaven at the mouth of the Elbe River. Cuxhaven can be reached in about 1 hour 45 minutes by express train (RE) from Hamburg Central Station.
Wadden Sea Highlight ①: Walking on the world’s largest tidal flats
Because the Wadden Sea follows a tidal cycle roughly every six hours, at low tide you can actually walk far out into the tidal flats on foot.
As you walk along the damp beach, tidal flats stretch endlessly in all directions, with nothing but the horizon no matter where you look. You’ll be enveloped in the strange scenery unique to the world’s largest tidal flats. While you enjoy this extraordinary view and get some exercise, note that mud and seawater can be deep in some places—so be sure to wear shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
Even just watching others venture far out or taking pictures of the vast landscape is enjoyable. The gradual return of high tide is also a mysterious sight worth experiencing.
Wadden Sea Highlight ②: Be soothed by countless living creatures!
It is said that more than 10,000 organisms live per cubic centimeter in the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea. Scoop up the shallow waves and you may find small shrimp or jellyfish. Among the most popular attractions for visitors are the seal colonies—so much so that ferries dedicated to seal watching are available.
The areas where seals live are nature reserves, and many people find comfort in seeing the seals spending time freely. Seals living in tidal flats are rare worldwide, and during low tide it looks as if they live on sandy islands. Because boats cannot approach too closely in tidal areas, it is recommended to bring binoculars for seal watching so you can admire their adorable expressions up close.
If you are lucky, you may also encounter dolphins or flocks of migratory birds during a cruise. The spectacular panorama of the Wadden Sea together with migratory birds will surely move you.
In addition to animals, the shallow wetlands are also home to many plants, insects, and fish. Recognized as a precious wetland that must be preserved, the Wadden Sea was registered under the Ramsar Convention in 1987. The joint conservation efforts of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands to protect one of the world’s largest wetlands bore fruit, leading to its designation as a World Heritage Site. Take your time to observe the abundant creatures living in the Wadden Sea.
◎ Summary of World Heritage “Wadden Sea”
We have introduced the highlights of the mystical World Heritage Site, the Wadden Sea. In this vast natural wetland, home to a diverse array of living creatures, you can experience close encounters with animals rarely seen in daily life.
The endless horizon stretching 360 degrees and the shallow seas at low tide create a unique landscape that is truly photogenic. Whether you’re gazing at the scenery, enjoying activities, or interacting with wildlife, you can spend an entire day here without getting bored.
The landscape changes with the ebb and flow of the tides, making you want to return again and again. Why not visit the Wadden Sea and embark on a journey to reflect on Earth’s natural environment?