Mudflat hike: North Sea with the whole family – tips for beginners

Mudflat hike – The Wadden Sea is the glistening expanse that is exposed when the North Sea has retreated to low tide.
Whether in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg or Lower Saxony, the best way to enjoy this natural spectacle is by hiking.
The crackling footsteps and the chirping of rare birds offer you plenty of space to relax in nature.
You can travel through Germany, the Netherlands & Denmark, even with a roof tent.
With these tips, you can enjoy your vacation between the Prielen – the small streams in the Wadden Sea – the shallow water, sandbanks, dunes and salt marshes.

Mudflat hiking while camping?
It’s possible!

Are you camping by the North Sea?
Then it’s time for a mudflat hike!
A mudflat hike offers a unique experience where you can explore the fascinating coastal landscape.
It’s educational for the whole family, as you can discover nature together and learn more about the ecosystem of the mudflats.
It provides an opportunity to teach respectful interaction with nature and raise awareness of the need to protect the coastal environment.
In addition, mudflat hiking is an active and healthy activity where you can increase your physical fitness while enjoying your vacation.

A mudflat hike offers you these advantages while camping:

  • Unique experience to explore the coastal landscape
  • Educational for the whole family to discover the nature of the mudflats
  • Learning to treat nature with respect & raising awareness
  • Active & healthy activity to increase physical fitness

Magic of the North Sea: Seals, lugworms & shellfish

The Wadden Sea offers you a unique experience in nature.
The mudflats are often described as being alive.
Many fascinating animals and organisms live here.
They are joined by grey seals and migratory birds, which never cease to amaze children in particular.
A hike like this is an experience for the whole family, where everyone involved learns a lot about nature and biology.
Read more about the Wadden Sea here.

  • Experience with lots of content about nature & biology
  • Many fascinating animals (exciting for children)

You can watch the magic of mudflat hiking in this video:

Mudflat hiking with video: Learn step by step

This video explains the basics of mudflat hiking.
You can find tips on the tides, what you should pay attention to for your own safety and first impressions of the North Sea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyPwlnuWIFo

Tips for the Wadden Sea: safety, planning & equipment

After this first impression, you will find more tips on hiking in the mudflats here.
Below you will first learn what the mudflats are, how to ensure your safety and how planning can run smoothly.

Sand, mud & mixed mudflats: what are they?

The mudflats in the Wadden Sea are the silt that is exposed on the seabed when the sea recedes at low tide.
Depending on the nature of the mudflats, a distinction is made between sand mudflats, mudflats and mixed mudflats.
The sand and mixed mudflats are best suited for a hike, as your feet are less likely to sink into the mud.
In the mudflats, hikers may sink up to their knees or hips.
The best season is from the beginning of April to the end of September.
The mudflats at a glance:

  • Mudflats: Silt on the seabed when the sea recedes at low tide
  • A distinction is made between:
    • Sandflats
    • Mudflats
    • Mixed wattage
  • Season: Beginning of April to end of September

Very important: safety for the whole family

Even though hiking in the Wadden Sea can be associated with a lot of fun and wonderful memories, it is still important to take precautions.
Near the beach, smaller excursions are often possible on your own, taking into account the currents, tides and weather.
However, you should never go further out into the mudflats alone.
For safe hikes, we recommend an experienced mudflat guide who usually knows the route very well.
You should always listen to their tips and instructions.
It is also very important that any planned tour only takes place during the day in good weather and good visibility.
You should check the tides, weather and light conditions in advance.
You should pay attention to this for a safe hike:

  • Hiking with a mudflat guide for more safety
  • Observe tides, weather & light conditions
  • Only during the day in good weather & good visibility

Before the hike: planning, emergency number & route

When planning the hike, it is important to plan shorter routes than on the mainland.
The bottom of the mudflats is much softer and therefore more strenuous to walk on.
The physical strength of everyone should be taken into account when planning the length of the route.
Children in particular can suddenly become tired.
Children under the age of six should not go on the mudflats and children up to the age of eight should only go at a moderate pace.
However, it also depends on the physical endurance of the children individually.
For beginners, walks of between three and four hours are recommended.
You should also always have your cell phone charged and important emergency numbers saved.

Tip: The emergency number for sea rescue is: +49 421 536 87 0

These are tips for preparation:

  1. Plan shorter routes, as more effort is required due to sinking in
  2. Pay attention to the physical strength of everyone, especially children
  3. Do not take children under the age of 6 (limited to 8)
  4. 3-4 h length of the hike is recommended
  5. Charge your cell phone and take it with you for any emergency calls
  6. Recommended: Sea Rescue +49 421 536 87 0

Through the mudflats: with or without shoes?
– Equipment

If you are really traveling for several hours, it is worth taking only the essentials with you.
A lot of luggage can slow you down and exhaust you unnecessarily.
It’s worth stowing sunglasses and sun cream in a rucksack.
In addition, enough drinking water and snacks so that you are not unnecessarily exhausted.
In addition to your luggage, it is worth putting on sturdy, high-laced fabric shoes.
Smooth rubber boots and heavy hiking boots are often a hindrance in the mud.
However, many wading guides will have a very clear recommendation for footwear, so it’s best to check with them in advance.
Short cotton pants make sense over shoes.
These dry quickly if they get wet or muddy and are not as heavy when wet as jeans, for example.
It is also always worth having a rain jacket with you for safety.
You should bear this in mind when choosing your equipment:

  • Little luggage with enough drinking water & food
  • Recommended: High-laced fabric shoes
  • Short cotton pants, light & dry quickly
  • Take a rain jacket, sunglasses & sun cream with you
  • Fresh clothes in a plastic bag for changing
  • Tip: additional bag for wet clothes or waste

It’s nice to walk around with your bare toes in the sandy mudflats.
However, you should refrain from doing this on mudflats, as there are mussel fields here.
The sharp edges of the shells can injure your feet.
So sturdy shoes are your best friend here.

  • Barefoot walking is possible in the Sandwatt
  • Mudflats: with shoes, rarely barefoot because of shells

The sun sets over the smooth surface of the mud on the beach.

Dangers: Floods, fog & thunderstorms

During the mudflat hike, you get very close to nature, but are also more at its mercy.
These things can be dangerous for you:

  • Surprising flood
  • Poor visibility due to sea fog
  • Currents
  • Thunderstorm
  • Silt holes
  • Mussel fields
  • Steep edges

Prevent dangers: Mudflat guides, marker points & footprints

But of course there are also ways and means of preventing an emergency.
The golden rule that has already been mentioned applies: you should always have a mudflat guide with you.
They usually know the tides, the weather and the route so well that they can react quickly and safely in the event of problems.
It can also help to let someone else know in advance where you are going and for how long.

  • Never go hiking alone
  • Inform someone else

However, it can also do you no harm if you memorize marker points on your own.
These can help you find your way.
It can also help to follow your own footprints back to the coast and shout out loud, especially when the sea fog is gathering.

  • Remember marker points
  • Follow your own footprints back to the coast in fog

Safe mudflat hiking: tides, weather & endurance

When choosing the route, you should always make sure that the way back is planned with regard to the tides, weather conditions and the stamina of your fellow travelers.
If this leads over tideways, you should watch out for slowly rising water.
This can be a sign of a strong current or the return of the tide.

  • Plan the way back
  • Keep away from pratfalls in slowly rising water

Nature conservation & respect: so everyone enjoys relaxation!

The mudflats are also a unique habitat.
You should always treat nature and the environment with care and attention.
You should take your garbage with you and stay in the prescribed zones.
This will ensure the safety of you and your surroundings.

  • The mudflats are a nature reserve, so do not destroy anything willfully

A

Top 5 destinations: Cuxhaven, Hamburg & Norderney

You will find opportunities for extensive mudflat hikes at these 5 great destinations:

Tip!
So that you can get back to the campsite quickly and relaxed after an exciting hike and have a rest, we recommend a roof tent.
It’s super quick to set up again, so you can relax straight after a hike.
You can read more about rooftop tents here:

 

More from your vacation: Hiking & Co.

Here you can find even more tips on how to make great memories on vacation.
This includes more recommendations for hiking.
Even up into the mountains.
Or you can try out one of the other vacation activities in the overview.

Peaks, forests & mountains: Hiking

Hiking is not only possible in the Wadden Sea.
Shimmering peaks, green forests or sandy paths.
You can experience hiking everywhere, whether mountain or not.
Here you will find tips for beginners who want to try out climbing, hiking and more.

To-do: Ideas for vacation activities

Why limit yourself to hiking when you can also go on an exciting bike tour or try your hand at water sports?
If you’re planning your vacation and looking for activities for you, your family, your partner or simply for time away from the campsite, you’ve come to the right place.
Discover numerous inspiring ideas that will make your vacation versatile.
With helpful tips for beginners, you can start from scratch and get all the information you need in advance.

A lighthouse stands on a hill in front of the beach.

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
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T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • Extra strong square T-drawbar 100x100mm for maximum stability and best maneuverability
  • Axle up to 1,500 kg with maintenance-free hexagonal rubber spring axle
  • Optionally with watertight wheel hub
  • 2 crossbars
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
  • Independent suspension
Aluminum body
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
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  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Wheels
  • Black powder-coated steel rim
  • 235/85 R16 tires optionally adaptable to towing vehicle
  • Mud Terrain tire tread
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Terrain values
  • 350 mm ground clearance
  • 570 mm wading depth
  • 27° slope angle
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • 2 crossbars
  • Maintenance-free rubber spring axles
  • Independent suspension
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
Aluminum structure
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
  • Visco-elastic mattress.
  • High-quality Tencel® cover (38 % Tencel®, 62 % polyester).
  • Four practical turning loops.
  • Four-sided zipper.
  • Removable, divisible and washable.
  • Four practical turning loops.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.