Wadden Sea & Nature

Unique natural landscape
of the Wadden Sea

National park sign with owl symbol in front of the Wadden Sea and salt marshes. — © Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing

UNESCO World Heritage

The Wadden Sea is one of the world's most important natural landscapes and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. This unique coastal region stretches along the North Sea and includes areas in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. This designation underscores the global importance of the Wadden Sea as an exceptional ecosystem and natural heritage site.

Diversity of habitats

The Wadden Sea is the world's largest contiguous system of sand and mudflats. Shaped by the tides, it offers a dynamic, constantly changing landscape. The ebb and flow of the tides expose vast mudflats that serve as habitats for countless animal and plant species.

100 years of Wadden Sea research in List on Sylt

Germany's northernmost research facility was founded 100 years ago: the AWI Wadden Sea Station on the North Sea island of Sylt. Originally established in 1924 as a small field station for studying oysters, it has evolved over time into a central hub for German coastal and Wadden Sea research. Today, the AWI Wadden Sea Station Sylt is dedicated to one of the most pressing questions for the ecosystem on our doorstep: What long-term effects will climate change have on the Wadden Sea and the North Sea?

Experience the Wadden Sea

Unique world between ebb and flow

A mudflat hike or mudflat tour on Sylt is more than just a walk – it is an intense nature experience and provides insights into a fascinating, constantly changing landscape.

Whether in sunshine or in the mystical twilight, a trip to the mudflats is always a highlight of a visit to Sylt. Walking barefoot over the soft mud, smelling the salty air, and experiencing the transition from water to land makes mudflat hikes on Sylt an unforgettable experience.

Safety first

Never go into the mudflats alone! Because the Wadden Sea is heavily influenced by tides, the water recedes faster than most people realize, and orientation in the mudflats can be difficult. Experienced mudflat guides not only ensure safety but also share their extensive knowledge of this special habitat.

Off to the mudflats: adventure for all the senses

Overview of mudflat hikes on Sylt

Werner Mansen and Jan Krüger
Mudflat hiking with the National Park mudflat guides "Sylter Jungs"
Wadden Sea Conservation Station
On the mudflats in Keitum, Morsum, Rantum and Hörnum
Nature Conservation Association Sylt eV
Mudflat hikes in Kampen
Sölring Foriining eV
Sensual mudflat tour in Kampen
Westerland Tourist Association
Various providers for mudflat hiking
Natural Forces Adventure Center
Discover the Lister Watt

to the event calendar

Two mudflat guides on a dog mudflat hike

Footprints in the mudflats with people on a mudflat hike near Rantum

Wadden Sea guide shows visitor a crab claw in the evening Wadden Sea

Hand holding an orange-brown crab over a rocky coastal background.

Group on mudflat hike near bird hide, surrounded by reeds and mudflats — © Jutta Vielberg | Sylt Marketing

Insights into the Wadden Sea ecosystem

The Small Five

Little heroes of the mudflats

A mudflat hike offers the chance to discover fascinating animals in the Wadden Sea – the so-called "Small Five." These tiny creatures play a crucial role in the Wadden Sea ecosystem and are essential to the balance of this unique landscape.

Cockle shell opened in the sand, illuminated by sunlight — © Kyra Stockebrandt | Sylt Marketing

The most common mussel on the North Sea coast, it is an important food source for the inhabitants of the Wadden Sea. The lateral shape of its shells reveals its name.

Small mud snails on a fingertip — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station/ Rainer Borcherding

You have to look closely here! The mud snail is only 3 to 6 mm in size and can occur 10.000 times per square meter.

Lugworm lying visibly on wet sand in the Wadden Sea — © Lynn Scotti | Sylt Marketing

The most well-known mudflat inhabitant is responsible for the mysterious spaghetti piles on the mudflats. All lugworms together dig up the top 20 cm of the Wadden Sea every year.

Shore crabs consume approximately 10% of the Wadden Sea's biomass annually. They are also popular food for birds and fish. If a bird catches just a leg or a claw, it simply grows back.

North Sea shrimp on sandy bottom underwater. — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station/ Rainer Borcherding

Most people know the North Sea shrimp from crab sandwiches. It only acquires its characteristic pink color when boiled. In nature, it is transparent and can blend into the surface.

The Big Five

Impressive inhabitants of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Wadden Sea, one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems, is home to not only small but also large animals that shape the area. The so-called "Big Five" of the Wadden Sea – harbor porpoise, grey seal, common seal, European sturgeon, and white-tailed eagle – are the stars of this unique habitat. They symbolize the diversity and importance of the Wadden Sea for wildlife.

Porpoise glides through green water. — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station/ Rainer Borcherding

At 1,50 meters long and weighing about 50 kg, the harbor porpoise is one of the smallest whales in the world. If the sea is calm, you might be lucky enough to spot one in the whale sanctuary off Sylt.

A grey seal on the Sylt beach — © Tim Pfeiffer l Sylt Marketing

The grey seal, weighing up to 330 kg and measuring 2,30 m in length, is Germany's largest predator. Its name derives from its conical head. The pups can be observed between November and January.

A young seal lies next to an adult animal in the sand and rests. — © Finn Anjes l Sylt Marketing

The harbor seal is smaller than the grey seal and has a shorter snout. The pups are born in May and June and can be easily observed on a boat trip to the seal banks. If you find a motherless seal on the beach, please keep your distance and call the local conservation station.

European sturgeon swims on the sandy bottom. — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station/ Rainer Borcherding

The European sturgeon is unfortunately extinct in the North Sea. The last specimen was caught in the Eider River in 1968. A reintroduction program has been underway in the Elbe catchment area since 2008. It can be seen at the Multimar Wattforum in Tönning.

Sea eagle with spread wings in the sky. — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station/ Rainer Borcherding

Everyone knows the white-tailed eagle as Germany's national bird. This mighty bird of prey has only been breeding again on the North Sea coast for a few years. Here, it primarily feeds on geese, gulls, and other birds.

Flying Five

Flying stars of the coastal region

The Wadden Sea is not only home to animals on land and in the water, but also a paradise for numerous bird species. Among them, the "Flying Five" stand out – five iconic bird species that shape the image and significance of this unique landscape.

Dunlin with patterned plumage on mudflats with algae. — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station / Rainer Borcherding

Dunlins stop in the Wadden Sea on their way between their breeding and wintering grounds. They appear in huge flocks, sometimes dark (back) and sometimes light (underside).

Oystercatcher with orange beak on the beach. — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station / Rainer Borcherding

This signature bird of the Wadden Sea can be seen year-round in the Wadden Sea. Easily recognizable by its long, red beak, it uses to devour worms, mussels, crabs, and snails. However, it is reluctant to eat oysters.

Seagull on the promenade overlooking the beach and the sea. — © Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing

Not all seagulls are created equal! Five species of gull can be observed in the Wadden Sea. The most well-known is the herring gull, with its silver plumage and yellow beak. In the Wadden Sea, the gull prefers crabs and mussels, but on the beach, it will also enjoy a crêpe or fish sandwich.

Two shelducks swim in shallow water. — © Wadden Sea Conservation Station / Rainer Borcherding

The shelduck has one of the most striking appearances in the Wadden Sea, with its bright red beak and beautiful plumage. They prefer to nest in caves (e.g., those of foxes or rabbits).

Brent goose on a meadow with green surroundings. — © Martin Stock

When you hear "rott rot rot rot" in the Wadden Sea in spring and autumn, it's the brent geese on their way between their breeding and wintering grounds. They are absolutely dependent on the Wadden Sea and its salt marshes as their habitat.

Which birds can be seen in the Wadden Sea at what time of year? Where do they come from, and how long do they stay here?

The WWF offers answers to these questions in a clear "Bird Migration Timetable." If you'd like to use it as a poster, you can order it for free here.

To the bird migration calendar

Tour of the World Heritage Site

Boat trips in the Wadden Sea

In Hörnum or List you can board an excursion boat and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea on an exciting round trip.
You will enjoy new perspectives on the neighboring islands, Hörnum Odde or the Ellenbogen.

To the timetable

A seagull stands on a table on board a ship in the harbor of List, with the quay and a gentle sunset in the background. — © Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing

Unique natural landscape of the Wadden Sea