Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, Germany

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, located in the Schleswig-Holstein region of Germany, is a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique coastal experience. Spanning over 1,400 square kilometers, this national park is part of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

One of the main highlights of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is its vast tidal flats. Twice a day, the tides recede, revealing an otherworldly landscape of mudflats, sandbanks, and salt marshes. This natural phenomenon creates a haven for countless bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From elegant herons to colorful avocets, visitors can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Exploring the national park's tidal flats is an extraordinary experience. Guided mudflat walks are available, allowing visitors to venture out onto the exposed seabed and discover the fascinating marine life that resides there. From crabs scuttling across the sand to unique shellfish species, the mudflats are teeming with intriguing creatures waiting to be observed.

Another must-visit location within the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is the island of Sylt. Known as the "Queen of the North Sea," Sylt boasts stunning sandy beaches, picturesque dunes, and charming coastal villages. With its pristine natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, Sylt offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For those interested in the cultural heritage of the region, the national park offers various historical sites and museums. The Viking Museum Haithabu takes visitors back in time to the Viking era, showcasing ancient artifacts and reconstructed Viking settlements. Additionally, the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park Center provides interactive exhibits and informative displays about the park's unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Local name: Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer Established: 1 October 1985 (39 years ago)Area: 170.46 mi²Visitors per year: 1.75 mil.Elevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 54°31'60"N, 8°27'31"E

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Schleswig-HolsteinGermany

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Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park Top Attractions

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Westerheversand Lighthouse, Südfall, Rungholt, Eidum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Westerheversand Lighthouse
The Westerheversand Lighthouse is located in Westerhever, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Considered to be one of the best-known lighthouses in northern Germany, it was built in 1908. Its cast iron tower is 40 metres high.
Island
Südfall
Südfall is a small island in the Wadden Sea off the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, one of the ten German Hallig islands. It has a permanent population of two people. It covers an area of 0.56 square kilometres and is administratively part of Pellworm Municipality.
Ruins
Rungholt
Rungholt was a settlement in North Frisia, in what was then the Danish Duchy of Schleswig. The area is today located in Germany. Rungholt reportedly sank beneath the waves of the North Sea when a storm tide hit the coast on 15 or 16 January 1362.

Village • Ruins
Eidum
Eidum or Eydum was a historic place on the German island of Sylt in the North Sea. It was several hundred metres west of the present coast line of the present-day village of Westerland.
Island
Norderoog
Norderoog is one of the ten German halligen islands of the North Frisian Islands in the Wadden Sea, which is part of the North Sea off the coast of Germany. A part of Hooge municipality, the island belongs to the Nordfriesland district. It is only temporarily inhabited by a bird warden from March to October.
54°30'0"N • 8°28'60"E
North Frisian Barrier Island
North Frisian Barrier Island is the collective term for three barrier islands due west of the German Halligen in the North Frisian Islands archipelago. The shoals act as natural breakwater for the Halligen and other islands closer to land.
54°19'37"N • 8°35'14"E
Wassersportcenter X-H2O
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Island
Süderoog
Süderoog is one of the Halligen, a group of islands in the North Frisian Wadden Sea, off the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein in north Germany. It belongs administratively to the parish of Pellworm and is a bird reserve.
Island
Uthörn
Uthörn is a small German island adjacent to the Sylt island in the district of Nordfriesland, and as such it is Germany's northernmost isle right after Sylt proper. It belongs to the List municipality.
Island
Hallig Habel
Hallig Habel is the smallest Hallig in the German Wadden Sea, and is a bird sanctuary. It is administered by the Gröde municipality on the neighbouring island.
Island
Tertius
Tertius is a sandbank located in the Heligoland Bight off the coast of Dithmarschen belonging to the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Formerly a Hochsand, Tertius has been reduced in elevation by coastal erosion in recent decades. As a result, the sandbank is frequently submerged and devoid of terrestrial vegetation.

Day trips

Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Museum Kunst der Westküste (Oevenum), Husumer Speicher (Husum), Gottorf Castle (Schleswig).

12 milesN
Specialty museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Museum Kunst der Westküste, Oevenum
Nestled in the heart of Alkersum, a quaint village on the idyllic island of Föhr in Northern Germany, lies the Museum Kunst der Westküste (MKdW) – a hidden gem for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. This museum, dedicated to the art and history of the...
24 milesE
54°28'23"N • 9°2'48"E
Husumer Speicher, Husum
Sailing, Marina
43 milesE
Island castle and 2 state museums
Gottorf Castle, Schleswig
Nestled in the scenic town of Schleswig, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Gottorf Castle stands as a historical and cultural beacon, drawing in visitors from around the globe. This grand castle, now home to a museum, offers a journey through time, showcasing artifacts...
45 milesS
View point, Lighthouse
Kugelbake, Cuxhaven
The Kugelbake is a historic maritime landmark situated in the coastal city of Cuxhaven, Germany. This wooden structure, standing at approximately 30 meters tall, has been guiding sailors and marking the northernmost point of Lower Saxony where the Elbe River flows into...
45 milesE
Sacred and religious sites, Church, Gothic architecture
Schleswig Cathedral, Schleswig
The Schleswig Cathedral, officially known as St. Peter's Cathedral (Dom St. Petri zu Schleswig), is a resplendent landmark steeped in history, located in the city of Schleswig, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This architectural marvel, with its origins dating back to the...