Wadden Sea – During your vacation at the North Sea, you will definitely come across the Wadden Sea.
This describes the seabed, which is exposed and flooded daily by high and low tide.
When the seabed is exposed at low tide, you can go on mudflat walks to discover an exciting variety of species.
You should therefore plan a day trip here on your camping vacation with a roof tent.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about the Wadden Sea and what you should bear in mind on a hike.
Camping Ratgeber:
Explanation: What is the Wadden Sea?
The Wadden Sea describes the seabed of the North Sea as a vast coastal strip.
This is influenced by the tides.
As the tide ebbs and flows, it is washed over twice a day and then uncovered again.
The World Heritage Site is home to a huge biodiversity of around 10,000 different animals and plants, which is why it is often described as being alive.
The area is completely protected and is a popular excursion destination for many tourists.
A trip here is a very special experience, especially for children, who can also learn a lot about nature and biology.
Ideal for a family vacation!
Information about the Wadden Sea:
- Living seabed of the North Sea
- Extensive coastline
- Is uncovered and flooded by the ebb and flow of the tide
- Home to 10,000 different animal and plant species
- Nature reserve
- Popular excursion destination for the whole family
Get a first exciting impression of the spectacular Wadden Sea in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SasrY-oSN1o
What is part of the Wadden Sea?
The Wadden Sea can be divided into three zones.
The sublittoral zone, which is always under water, the eulittoral zone, which forms the actual mudflats, and the supralittoral zone, which is located above the mean high tide and is flooded during storm surges.
The following zones belong to the Wadden Sea:
- Sublittoral zone
- Eulittoral zone
- Supralittoral zone
Sand, mud & mixed mudflats: What are they?
Depending on the nature of the mudflats, a distinction can be made between sand, mud and mixed mudflats.
Sand mudflats and mixed mudflats are best suited for a mudflat hike, as your feet are less likely to sink into the mud here.
In mudflats, hikers may sink up to their knees or even their hips.
The best season is from the beginning of April to the end of September.
A distinction is made between mudflats:
- Sandwatt (suitable for hiking)
- Mudflats (danger of sinking here)
- Mischwatt (also good for hiking)
The Wadden Sea is one of the most popular excursion destinations during a vacation at the North Sea!
Mudflat hiking: what you need to bear in mind
Of course, a mudflat hike is usually at the top of the to-do list when on vacation at the North Sea.
However, there are a few things to bear in mind, as safety comes first.
Wadden guide – First of all, you should never go out onto the mudflats on your own.
For safe hikes, we recommend an experienced mudflat guide who usually knows the route inside out.
You should always listen to their tips and instructions.
Weather – 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.
Planning – You should also bear in mind that the ground is very soft and difficult to walk on.
You should therefore not plan too long a route and assess your strength well.
Also, only take what you need with you and always treat nature and your surroundings with care and attention.
You should pay attention to this for a safe hike:
- It is best to book a guided tour with a mudflat guide
- Observe tides, weather & light conditions
- Only during the day in good weather & visibility conditions
- Don’t overestimate your strength (don’t plan too long a route)
- Take only the essentials with you